Former RCB opener Chris Gayle believes that Chennai Super Kings (CSK) would be wary of facing Mumbai Indians (MI) in the final of IPL 2023 due to the strong momentum MI has built. MI had a sluggish start to the season, losing their initial matches against RCB and CSK. However, they turned things around and gained momentum as the tournament progressed.
Key players like Suryakumar Yadav and Cameron Green found their form with the bat, while Piyush Chawla emerged as a significant wicket-taker with 21 scalps and Akash Madhwal made an impact with the ball as well.
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MI secured a spot in the playoffs on the final day of the league stage and delivered a clinical performance against LSG in the Eliminator, setting up a clash with GT in Qualifier Two. Gayle, speaking ahead of the match, stated that while GT would have the advantage of playing at their home ground, MI had the crucial momentum. He further commented that CSK would prefer not to face a team like Mumbai in the final.
As per the quotes in Hindustan Times, Chris Gayle said, “They’re going to GT’s hometown, so that’s going to be a big plus for them. That’s something we have to take into consideration. But the momentum is now with Mumbai. Is Mumbai going all the way to the final? If they do, CSK doesn’t want to see a team like Mumbai.”
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Gayle also praised Cameron Green, who was a significant acquisition for MI in the IPL 2023 auction. The Australian all-rounder scored his maiden IPL century in MI’s final league game against SRH and played a crucial knock of 41 in the Eliminator against LSG. Gayle acknowledged Green’s superb batting and credited him for setting the tone and momentum in MI’s innings against LSG.
“Cameron Green batted superbly. He was first very deliberate, it was fantastic. It was a good wicket to bat on, the ball was actually coming on to the bat. Cam Green actually set the tone and set the momentum for Mumbai Indians’ batting,” praised Gayle.
