IPL 2023 has come full circle. The season started with Hardik Pandya's Gujarat Titans taking on MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings in Ahmadabad. In the final on Sunday, the two teams will once again be face-to-face at the same venue.

The Titans had come out on top in the opening game. Earlier this week, CSK leveled the score with a comprehensive win in Qualifier-1. But that match was played on a slow, spinning surface in Chennai. The pitches in Ahmadabad have been much more batter-friendly, with the ball coming onto the bat nicely.

Moreover, CSK have lost all three games they have played in Ahmadabad so far. This is the only venue in the IPL where they have played at least three games and are yet to register a win. Titans, meanwhile, have six wins in nine outings here.

Having said that, CSK will be looking to embellish their already fabulous record; they are the second-most successful team in the tournament's history. One more trophy and they will draw level with Mumbai Indians with five. On the other side, the Titans will be keen to establish their dominance. They surprised everyone by emerging as champions in their debut season. They will be focused on making it two in two.

Apart from this being a battle between two sides built around the same philosophy - of keeping things simple, backing their players, and creating a relaxed team environment - there is the sub-plot of Hardik, the protégé, looking to trump Dhoni, the mentor.

Sunday's game will be Dhoni's 11th IPL final (10th with CSK); no player has featured in more. Hardik has been a part of five before 2023; he has never finished on the losing side. Hardik has always said he has gained a lot, not just about cricket but also life from Dhoni. Sunday evening will be a test of all that he has learned over the years.