IPL 2023: Match 1, Gujarat Titans (GT) Predicted Playing XI vs Chennai Super Kings

The Gujarat Titans will be locking horns with the Chennai Super Kings in Match 29 of IPL 2022 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on April 17. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 is scheduled to begin on March 31, and the season opener of the tournament will see defending champions Gujarat Titans take on Chennai Super Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Gujarat Titans’ squad is filled to the brim with talent. The Hardik Pandya-led side will be keen on kicking off the tournament with a win as they take on a significantly strong Chennai squad. However, with the likes of Shubman Gill, Kane Williamson, Hardik Pandya, and many more in their arsenal, the defending champions would be bent on making the 2023 season a memorable one as well.

Gujarat won the IPL 2022 under Hardik Pandya’s leadership, and with a squad that made minimal changes to an already successful line-up, there is little to no reason why they aren’t capable of winning it again.

Here is Gujarat Titans’ predicted XI for the match against Chennai Super Kings

Openers: Matthew Wade (wk), Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade brings with him a plethora of experience. The 35-year-old has 179 runs to his name in 13 IPL matches, and with a decent campaign in 2022, Wade will be keen on further improving upon it when Gujarat takes on Chennai in the season opener.

Wade’s experience will be combined with Shubman Gill’s flair, which could prove to be a potent combination. 23-year-old Gill has been setting the stage on fire in international cricket recently. With 1900 runs in 74 IPL matches, Gill will have his eyes set on the orange cap at the forthcoming tournament and will be keen on getting off to a good start in the first match

Middle order: Kane Williamson, Abhinav Manohar

Kane Williamson. (Photo Source: Instagram/Gujarattitans)

The middle order of Gujarat Titans will consist of one of the best batters in world cricket—Kane Williamson. The 32-year-old has played 76 IPL matches, where he has accumulated 2101 runs. He will be a vital cog in Gujarat’s side if he is able to play at the top of his game. It would be interesting to see how he fares in a new environment in the season opener.

Abhinav Manohar could have a breakout season at the IPL 2023. The 28-year-old played eight IPL games in 2022, where he scored 108 runs. If he is given chances consistently, Manohar could well prove to be an important player for Gujarat in the forthcoming tournament.

All-rounders: Hardik Pandya(c), Rahul Tewatia

Hardik Pandya. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Skipper Hardik Pandya was exceptional for Gujarat in the previous edition of the tournament. Pandya led the side to their first IPL title in their very first tournament. Being 29 years old, Pandya has a wide range of experience playing in the IPL. The Gujarat skipper has played 107 IPL matches, where he has scored 1963 runs and taken 50 wickets as well.

Rahul Tewatia is not just an explosive batter but is quite effective with the ball as well. The 29-year-old played a key role for Gujarat in their quest for the IPL title in 2022. Tewatia has 738 runs in 64 IPL matches, including 32 wickets as well. If Tewatia picks up on his form, he could don a pivotal role in Gujarat Titans’ squad.

Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal and Mohammed Shami

Yash Dayal. (Photo Source: Instagram)

Arguably the best part of Gujarat’s line-up is their bowling depth, which starts with ace spinner Rashid Khan. The 24-year-old would be one of the most important players for Gujarat as the competition commences. Rashid has 112 wickets in 92 IPL matches, and 313 runs to his name as well. He could be vital for Gujarat in dismissing the Chennai batters.

Sai Kishore was roped in by Gujarat Titans for INR 3 crore at the IPL mega auctions in 2022. Being highly impactful with the ball, Kishore can be decent with the bat as well. Playing five matches in the IPL, Kishore has six wickets to his name.

Yet another player that Gujarat splashed the cash on at the 2022 mega auctions is Alzarri Joseph, who has played 12 IPL matches so far, aggregating 13 wickets. He could be another player on Gujarat’s side who could make a massive impact if used properly.

Yash Dayal is yet another pacer who could bolster Gujarat’s pace attack. In the nine IPL matches that he has played so far, Dayal has claimed 11 wickets. If he is able to play at the top of his game against Chennai, he could pose some serious problems for the team.

The spearhead of Gujarat’s bowling attack, star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami will once again look to make an instant impact in the season opener against CSK. In the 93 games that Shami has played, he has managed to add 99 wickets to his name. If Gujarat are looking to grab their first win of the IPL 2023, Shami will have to put in a fabulous performance.