IPL 2023 kicks off with defending champions Gujarat Titans taking on Chennai Super Kings

The first match of IPL 2023 will take place between the defending champions Gujarat Titans and four-time winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday (March 31) evening.

The stage is set for the opening ceremony, and right after it first game of the 16th edition of Indian Premier League will also start. CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s availability in the game is under doubt because of a knee injury to him.

CSK vs GT head-to-head

Since Gujarat Titans (GT) came in as a new team in 2022, it hasn’t played many matches against the Chennai Super Kings.

Gujarat Titans, who won the IPL on its debut, lead the head-to-head record against Chennai Super Kings 2-0. The two franchises clashed twice during IPL 2022, and Gujarat won on both the occasions.

So, GT will have a psychological advantage over CSK in the opener.

Key players from CSK

In today’s match, Ravindra Jadeja, allrounder Mitchell Santner, Moen Ali and Dwaine Pretorious will be key players. Jadeja has been in good form since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while Mitchell Santner and Dwaine Pretorious are good with the ball as well as the bat.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who failed with the bat last time, will also be a player to out to watch for.

Key players of Gujarat Titans

On paper, Gujarat Titans has an edge against CSK. The team has high performing players like Shubman Gill, Mathew Wade, Hardik Pandya, David Miller, Rashid Khan and Mohammad Shami.

It remains to be seen whether Mohammad Shami plays the match or not. Alzarri Joseph might get a spot in the playing XI in his place.

Who has the edge?

Though Hardik Pandya has a the record of winning both the matches against CSK in 2022, Dhoni’s presence in the side along with some in-form new players makes CSK a strong contender.

Probable XIs

Gujarat Titans: Hardik Pandya (C), Kane Williamson, Shubman Gill, A Manohar, Mathew Wade, Rashid Khan, Shivam Mavi, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammed Shami, Yash Dayal, Rahul Tewatia.

Chennai Super Kings: MS Dhoni (C), Ambati Rayudu, Ben Stokes, Ravindra Jadeja, Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Deepak Chahar, Mukesh Choudhary, Matheesha Pathirana.

The match starts at 7:30 pm LIVE on Star Sports Network and will also be streamed online on Jio TV.