IPL 2023: Match 1 GT vs CSK Preview, Playing XI, Live Streaming Details & Updates

Gujarat titans and Chennai super kings. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The very first game of the Indian Premier League 2023 will witness a clash between defending champions Gujarat Titans and four-time champions Chennai Super Kings at the world’s largest stadium- the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The two sides had a contrasting outing in the previous edition of the tournament and will be aiming to kick-start their campaign on a winning note.

The two sides managed to build a strong team at the IPL 2023 mini-auction and will be gunning for a victory. Since Gujarat made their IPL debut just last year, the two sides have faced each other only twice in the tournament’s history. In the previous edition of the IPL, that is in 2022, Gujarat Titans defeated Chennai Super Kings on both occasions and thus have an upper hand over the MS Dhoni-led side.

But the upcoming contest will be one to look out for. CSK will have the services of Deepak Chahar this time, who missed the entire IPL last year. Ravindra Jadeja too is in great form, and the addition of all-rounder Ben Stokes has been like a cherry on top of the cake. Gujarat, on the other hand, will be led by regular skipper Hardik Pandya and they too have some top names like Rashid Khan, Kane Williamson, and the in-form Shubman Gill.

CSK look very strong on paper, courtesy of their star-studded lineup which sees three all-rounders- Stokes, Jadeja, and Moeen Ali. Gujarat also have a very strong lineup as alongside skipper Pandya, Gill, and Rashid Khan will play a key role in the team’s success. But injuries spare no one, and several IPL teams are facing a setback as they have their star players missing out.

While GT’s David Miller will be absent from the first game, CSK will miss the services of Mukesh Choudhary, who was a regular starter in the last edition, in the initial stage. Ben Stokes too will act as a specialist batter so as to manage his workload and keep him fit and fine for the Ashes that follow next. Nevertheless, both sides will be putting in their 100%.

Pitch and Conditions

The surface at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad assists the spinners well. But the batters too get to make the most out of it, as has been seen in the T20Is that have been played at the venue. With dew being a factor, the captain winning the toss would look to chase the total.

Probable Playing XI for GT vs CSK

Gujarat Titans

Hardik Pandya will be confident leading his side this time around. The team will have high expectations from Shubman Gill as the youngster has been in top form and recently got a century on the same turf. R Sai Kishore and Rahul Tewatia were promising last season, and Shivam Mavi impressed everyone on his international debut recently. With spinners playing a key role, Rashid Khan will be the one to look out for.

Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Kane Williamson, Hardik Pandya (c), Matthew Wade, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, R Sai Kishore, Shivam Mavi, Alzarri Joseph.

Chennai Super Kings

After a horrendous outing in the IPL 2022, CSK were forced to take some serious calls. After many speculations and controversies, things fell into place for the four-time champions. The management was also able to build a strong squad and the Men in Yellow have a mix of young and experienced players. With Dhoni at the helm of things, the team would be taking on the Titans with an aim to lift their fifth title.

Probable Playing XI: Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Deepak Chahar, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Matheesha Pathirana

GT vs CSK Head to Head

Played – 2 Gujarat Titans – 2