The stage is set for IPL 2023 with Hardik Pandya’s Gujarat Titans facing Chennai Super Kings in the first game of the tournament at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi stadium. In this GT vs CSK rematch (also the last edition’s final), Mahendra Singh Dhoni will be leading out his men in yellow amidst talks of this being his last IPL.
Stokes in for CSK, Williamson for Titans
The mini-auction leading up to IPL 2023 saw valuable additions to both Super Kings’ and Titans’ squads. Where Dhoni’s team roped in blistering English all-rounder Ben Stokes and Ajinkya Rahane, Pandya’s Titans went on to add Kane Williamson, veteran-pacer Mohit Sharma, Irish all-rounder Joshua Little and young Indian pacer Shivam Mavi to their squad.
As for players who no longer are part of these franchises, CSK will be without the ever-entertaining Dwayne Bravo, Chris Jordan, Adam Milne and Robin Uthappa. Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, have released English opener Jason Roy along with Lockie Ferguson, Varun Aaron and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings: Head to Head
Being one of the two new teams in the Indian Premier League, Gujarat Titans have only played 2 games against the Chennai Super Kings, winning both. In spite of the poor head-to-head record against the Titans, Mahi’s men in yellow would be itching to turn the tide on the Titans and show us why they’re the most consistent side in IPL history with 4 IPL titles and the highest winning percentage among all teams (58.98%).
Tune in for the thrilling affair
The pitch at Motera stadium in Ahmedabad, which often turns out to be a belter for the Batsmen will, in all likelihood, make for some entertaining cricketing action in the first IPL 2023 game. So, don’t forget to tune in to watch the game for free on Jio Cinema or catch the action live on TV on the Star Sports network.
Timings: Toss: 07:00 PM
Match Start: 07:30 PM