Gujarat Titans to take on CSK in IPL 2023 opener
Thala Dhoni was earlier doubtful to be available to play against Gujarat Titans. What built this report was people finding him wearing a brace on the right knee. CSK’s CEO has spoken, assuring that Dhoni will feature in the opener.
That is, however, less likely to cause fear among Gujarat Titans (GT). The team made its debut last year and surprised everyone by winning the title. Hardik Pandya came out as a potential leader for team India who could soon follow Rohit Sharma’s footsteps in white ball. Not that everyone is looking for Sharma’s retirement, but a replacement ahead of the announcement is worth finding.
GT has a stronger hold over its competition against CSK. They won 2 out of 2 matches that were played last year. Jadeja had to step down from captaincy in the middle of the tournament, leading to speculation about his fallout with the team management.
Take it as a bad season since CSK finished in the 9th position out of ten teams. The side lost 10 matches and won 4 to match the record of Mumbai Indians, who finished at the 10th spot with a lower net run rate.
As per local sports news, 2022 was truly disappointing for two giant IPL teams. However, 2023 is a fresh start in the TATA Indian Premier League for all the teams. Hardik Pandya will lead GT again, along with Kane Williamson, who is now India’s favorite for defeating Sri Lanka, thereby helping India qualify for WTC.
Shami and Rashin Khan have the responsibility of picking wickets as early as possible. CSK’s opening pair – Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway – are likely to turn into beasts if allowed to settle on the pitch of Narendra Modi Stadium. Ambati Rayudu brings the experience of hitting power shots white Moeen Ali features as a must-have all-arounder this season.
Ravindra Jadeja and Ben Stokes will contribute on two fronts, batting and bowling, with Jadeja refreshing everyone’s memories of why he is the best fielder in the world.
Deepak Chahar is making a comeback following his recovery from last season’s injury. CSK is coupling him with Mitchell Santner with the aim of sending Pandya and Williamson back to the pavilion. Kane has been teased as a batter best suited for test matches. Half correct, ignoring his potential to level up at any given moment, no matter the format.
Pandya will back him in the middle order if Rahul Tewatia sees his innings fall apart. Shubham Gill, the rising prince of cricket, has a chance to prove that he can turn the game to his side whenever he wants. Opening against CSK is going to be a challenge, with Dhoni keeping the wickets to instruct the best bowl for the GT line-up. Several betting sites are inclining towards GT, assuming that CSK could be on a downfall again. If the batting line-up is anything to go by, then CSK bowling first could pose a threat to GT. Therefore, cricket enthusiasts are keeping a close eye on top cricket betting sites to get all the new and recent updates about ongoing cricket matches.
GT has relied on three batters and two bowlers. The remaining five will take on the fortunes of four-time IPL winners who are desperate to redeem their title, especially with IPL 2023 probably being the last season for Dhoni.