IPL 2023: GT vs CSK Preview – Cricket’s biggest carnival begins

The Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans will take on MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League 2023 curtain raiser at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 31, Friday. The Titans will be coming into the game high on confidence, having won the title last year and having defeated their opposition twice last year.

Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, had a very contrary season as compared to the Titans, as they finished in ninth place in the points table. Things fell out of place for the Super Kings as they kept facing setbacks in the form of player injuries and some managerial decisions as well. But the team looks strong on paper this time around, and the Men in Yellow will be hoping to turn their fate.

Gujarat Titans have dominated Chennai Super Kings in the tournament’s history. Hardik Pandya led his side to victories in both the games that they played against CSK and thus the Yellow Army would be gunning to get their first-ever victory against GT. While Shubman Gill and Rashid Khan will be among the key players for the Titans, CSK will rely on their all-rounders Ben Stokes, Ravindra Jadeja, and Moeen Ali to do well.

Pitch and conditions

The surface at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has typically proven beneficial for the spinners. The batters too gain an advantage and keeping in mind the recent games played at the venue, the upcoming contest can be a high-scoring one. Any score of above 180 runs can be a winning total.

Venue details: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Last T20 match at the venue: IND- 234/4 (20 overs) | NZ- 66/10 (12.1 overs)

Here’s the probable playing XI for Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings clash:

Gujarat Titans:

The defending champions will be without the services of their star performer David Miller for the opening clash. He will be busy playing for South Africa. Matthew Wade is likely to replace him. The team would look to form a strong XI to start the campaign on a high note. 

Chennai Super Kings:

After a forgettable season last year, Chennai Super Kings would want to kick start their campaign on a high note. Their aim, from the very beginning, would be to finish in the top four in the points table and enter the playoffs. They too have the Sri Lankan players missing out due to their national duties.