CSK will take on GT in Ahmedabad [Source: IPLT20.com]
To the delight of cricket fans across the globe, the biggest T20 carnival, the Indian Premier League, will kickstart on Friday. The tournament opener promises to be a cracking one, as the mighty Chennai Super Kings will take on the defending champions Gujarat Titans at the famed Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Team Preview: Gujarat Titans
Hardik Pandya will play a key role for GT [Source: Twitter]
Led by Hardik Pandya, Gujarat Titans have a formidable look on both batting and bowling fronts. While skipper Pandya will be their key all-rounder, the batting responsibilities will be shouldered primarily by Shubman Gill, who has recently enjoyed stellar success in international cricket.
However, David Miller's absence will be a blow for the Titans, as he is their prime finisher. As he is unavailable, the finishing duties will be performed by Rahul Tewatia and Matthew Wade.
On the other hand, the Titans' bowling unit looks robust, studded with Mohammad Shami, Rashid Khan, Shivam Mavi, Yash Dayal, Sai Kishore and Hardik Pandya. However, they don't have a death-overs specialist and are expected to struggle with the ball in the slog overs.
Team Preview: Chennai Super Kings
The eyes will be on Ruturaj Gaikwad [Source: IPLT20.com]
On the other hand, MS Dhoni-led CSK had a disastrous season last year, finishing at the ninth position in the points table. While they have acquired legendary all-rounder Ben Stokes, the unavailability of several key players might dent their chances in the tournament opener.
Mukesh Choudhary, who starred with the new ball for the franchise in the IPL 2022, has been ruled out of the first few games due to injury, whereas Maheesh Theekshana and Sisanda Magala will miss the opening fixture owing to national commitments.
In such a scenario, it will be interesting to see what bowling combination the Super Kings go with to stand up to the Titans' challenge.
So, considering the players they have, we expect CSK to field an XI comprising multidimensional players, who can contribute with both bat and ball.
Match Details
Date & Time: March 31, 07.30 PM IST
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Live Streaming: Jio Cinema & Star Sports Network
Pitch Report: The surface in Ahmedabad will be fresh, offering decent assistance to the fast bowlers early on. However, the track will become batters' paradise as the game progresses. Spinners will get some turn throughout the day. But as the deck won't likely slow down, the toss-winner might opt to field first.
Probable Playing XIs
Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Kane Williamson✈️, Sai Sudharsan, Hardik Pandya (C), Matthew Wade✈️, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan✈️, Shivam Mavi, Mohammad Shami, Yash Dayal
Impact Player Probables: Joshua Little, Odean Smith, Jayant Yadav, Sai Kishore
Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway ✈️, Moeen Ali ✈️, Ben Stokes✈️, Shivam Dube, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (WK), Deepak Chahar, Simarjeet Singh, Tushar Deshpande/Rajvardhan Hangargekar
Impact Player Probables: Mitchell Santner, Dwaine Pretorius, Matheesha Pathirana
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keepers: Devon Conway, Wriddhiman Saha
Batters: Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube
All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ben Stokes/Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja
Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Mohammad Shami, Rashid Khan
Captain: Hardik Pandya
Vice-Captain: Ravindra Jadeja
Prediction
Both teams have some flaws as mentioned above. However, we expect GT to emerge victorious in this clash, considering the balance they have in their lineup.
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