Cricket

IPL 2023: Did not expect CSK to finish at the top, says Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer did not expect Chennai Super Kings to finish at the top. CSK won eight matches out of the 14 they played in the league stage of IPL 2023 to finish in second place in the points table.

The MS Dhoni-led team then qualified for the IPL final on the 10th occasion after beating reigning champions Gujarat Titans by 15 runs in the first qualifier. In fact, CSK finished in ninth place in IPL 2022 after they could only manage four wins in 14 games.

However, they were able to make a resounding comeback in the ongoing season and a lot of credit goes to the collective effort of the team. MS Dhoni has been able to get the best out of players like Shivam Dube, Ajinkya Rahane, and Tushar Deshpande.

Furthermore, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway delivered while opening the innings for CSK. Jaffer gave credit to MS Dhoni for getting the best out of the players.

“His planning is simple. We don’t see too many changes in their side. The maximum credit goes to MS Dhoni. To be honest, CSK did not look like a team that would have finished at the top,’ Jaffer said on Sportskeeda.

Jaffer added CSK’s bowling looked weak in the beginning but the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, and Tushar Deshpande were able to deliver for the team.

“In the beginning, it looked like their bowlers would struggle to make an impact outside Chennai. But still they finished second in the points table. That is MS Dhoni’s magic,” Jaffer said.

On the other hand, Jaffer added Gujarat Titans have better bowling options as they have quality spinners in Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed. Furthermore, Mohammed Shami and Mohit Sharma have done a majestic job for GT as they took 28 and 24 wickets respectively.

“Gujarat Titans have better options. They have two very good spin bowlers, have more depth in batting and will play home. I felt Gujarat Titans became a little overconfident in Qualifier 1, but they reverted to their old template, with Hardik Pandya bowling and Sai Sudharsan. If they follow that template, GT have a slight edge tonight,” Jaffer continued.

The IPL 2023 final will be played on Monday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Mohammed Siraj reflects on 4-fer on Day 1 of IND vs WI 2025 1st Test

India’s fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was delighted with his personal performance on the opening day… Read More

October 3, 2025

Aakash Chopra slams West Indies after dismal showing on Day 1 of IND vs WI 2025 1st Test

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra criticized the West Indies’ performance after their mundane performance… Read More

October 3, 2025

Aakash Chopra gives stern warning to Sai Sudharsan after Day 1 of IND vs WI 2025 1st Test

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has urged Sai Sudharsan to make the most of his… Read More

October 3, 2025

Aakash Chopra urges KL Rahul to capitalise on home season after Day 1 of IND vs WI 2025 1st Test

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has urged KL Rahul to continue his rich form… Read More

October 3, 2025

Parthiv Patel urges ‘tentative’ Sai Sudharsan to stay calm against the West Indies

Former Indian wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel has urged Sai Sudharsan to remain calm in the Test… Read More

October 3, 2025

Darren Ganga lauds KL Rahul after Indian opener continues rich form against the West Indies

Former West Indies batter Darren Ganga showered praise on KL Rahul after the Indian opener… Read More

October 3, 2025