Match Details
Date: 31 March 2023
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Live Scores: Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings Live Score
Preview
The new season of the world’s biggest T20 league, Indian Premier League gets underway on 31 March at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Defending champions Gujarat Titans who beat Rajasthan Royals in the summit clash of the last edition at the same venue will kick off their campaign against four-time champions Chennai Super Kings. The MS Dhoni-led side had a forgettable outing at IPL 2022 as they finished in the ninth position. Nevertheless, with a new season ready to get underway, CSK will hope for a new beginning.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium has been a decent one considering how it has assisted both batters and bowlers. But the wicket does not remain constant throughout the game, it tends to slow down. The boundary dimensions are also pretty standard. Therefore, a thrilling game of cricket is expected when GT and CSK meet on Friday.
Team Analysis
Gujarat Titans
With little expectations and no experience, Gujarat Titans debuted last season but never played like it was their first season. Hardik Pandya, the captain came out as a revelation, leading the Titans to ultimate glory. But this year would be different. There will be expectations and the pressure to live up to them and this is where Pandya’s leadership skills will be tested.
GT have made some small changes to their squad but all of them have been smart. Joshua Little, Shivam Mavi, Kane Williamson, and Noor Ahmad have been the top additions to their squad. Now, it is to be seen if the GT management is able to make good use of these players and win another title. Shubman Gill will have a massive role to play considering how the 2022-23 season has panned out for him so far.
David Miller and Rahul Tewatia will yet again be important for the Titans with Rashid Khan chipping in with the bat too. The fast bowling will be taken care of by the likes of Mohammed Shami, Mavi, and Alzarri Joseph.
SportsTiger Playing XI of GT
Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill, Kane Williamson, Hardik Pandya (c), Matthew Wade, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Mohammed Shami, Shivam Mavi, Alzarri Joseph
Chennai Super Kings
Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the most successful captain for India will be back in action and fans have already expressed what they expect from their Thala. The number of fans that gathered to watch CSK’s practice session was just a teaser of what is going to happen throughout the season. Nevertheless, it will once again be on Dhoni’s shoulders to lead CSK to the ultimate glory. The only difference this season is, he has got shoulders to share some burden. Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali will be really crucial for CSK this season.
Apart from these two, Ambati Rayudu and Ravindra Jadeja are the two other names that will have all the attention. Ruturaj Gaikwad will once again be expected to pile up the runs with Devon Conway at the top of the order. With the return of Deepak Chahar, CSK have something to attack with, in the powerplay. Maheesh Theekshana will be key in the middle as well as at the death.
SportsTiger Playing XI of CSK
Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ben Stokes, Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, Mukesh Choudhary
Match Prediction
Conclusion
Gujarat Titans look more settled as a unit as compared to CSK. Plus, the Hardik Pandya-led side will be playing at their home. Therefore, GT are the favourites to win the opening fixture.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility and liability for the same.