IPL 2023, GT vs CSK: Key Player Battles 

image-lfv970cxThe clash between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings will open IPL 2023 (Source: Twitter)

The 16th edition the biggest cricket carnival known as the Indian Premier League (IPL) commences tomorrow with the clash scheduled between Gujarat Giants (GT) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

While GT enter the tournament as the defending champions, winning the title in what was their first attempt, the four-time trophy-holders CSK finished ninth on the points table last season.

Before the action takes centerstage, let's highlight the key player battles that might decide the fate of the tournament-opener.

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad vs Yash Dayal/Joshua Little 

CSK's Ruturaj Gaikwad has had trouble when pitted against the left-arm pacers. The last IPL season saw him getting dismissed to the likes of left-armers such Daniel Sams, Trent Boult and Yash Dayal.

Considering Gaikwad's Achilles heel, Gujarat may put him to test, bringing in Dayal or Joshua Little to the attack against him.

Gaikwad vs Left arm pacers in T20s: 119 balls, 128 runs, 9 dismissals, avg 14.2, SR 107.6

2. Shubman Gill vs Deepak Chahar 

Albeit in his purple patch, Shubman Gill still has a flaw that makes him vulnerable against the moving ball. The recent-concluded India-Australia series serves as the evident of the above statement as Gill found it hard to tackle Mitchell Starc.

In Deepak Chahar, Chennai has someone who can make use of Gill's weakness with his new-ball swing.

Gill vs Chahar: 33 balls, 45 runs, 2 dismissals 



3. Moeen Ali (batter) vs Hardik Pandya 

GT skipper Hardik Pandya has dismissed Moeen Ali twice while bowling just 15 deliveries to him. 

Moeen's struggle versus short-pitch balls and bouncers are out in the open and he is neither not too comfortable with the stuff aimed at his body. Pandya can work around this ploy and may get the better of the southpaw yet again.

Moeen (batter) vs Hardik in T20s: 15 balls, 16 runs, 2 dismissals

4. Ben Stokes vs Mohammad Shami 

A new addition to the CSK line-up, Ben Stokes, has added weight to the side's batting unit. However, the England Test skipper lately has found the high pace too tough to handle.

As Gujarat's Mohammad Shami has already sent Stokes packing twice in T20 cricket, the speedster can again exploit the latter's shortcoming tomorrow.

Stokes vs Shami in T20s: 14 balls, 16 runs, 2 dismissals