The D-day is finally here as we see the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League kick-starting with the Gujarat Titans taking on the Chennai Super Kings in Match 1 of IPL 2023. On one hand, we have the most consistent side in the history of IPL, CSK, and, on the other hand, we have Gujarat Titans, who went against the odds last year to win a trophy in their debut.
Both teams are quite evenly matched on paper. Gujarat Titans led by Hardik Pandya will be relying on their superb bowling and match-winners in their batting department. Whereas CSK led by Charismatic MS Dhoni will be banking on their all-rounders and spin fortress to sail them through the tournament.
Both GT and CSK are placed in the same group, hence they would be meeting only once in the group stage matches. Even as Ahmedabad is the venue for the first match, Gujarat Titans may not have the upper hand as their experience of playing at Ahmedabad is similar to that of the Chennai Super Kings.
Meanwhile, given that the tournament is only just starting, both Teams will be devoid of a few key players owing to International duties. They may not be able to put forward the best 11, hence would be interesting to see what playing 11 they adopt. So, as we wait for the match to begin, let’s look at the best predicted playing 11 for GT vs CSK Match 1 of IPL 2023.
Match Details:
- Tournament: IPL 2023
- Type: Match 1 – GT vs CSK
- Where: Ahmedabad
- When: March 31, 2023
IPL 2023: Full Squad Details and Players List for Gujarat Titans
- Batters: Abhinav Manohar, B Sai Sudharshan, David Miller (o), Kane Williamson (o) & Shubman Gill
- WKs: KS Bharat, Matthew Wade (o), Wriddhiman Saha & Urvil Patel
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya (c), Jayant Yadav, Odean Smith (o), Rahul Tewatia & Vijay Shankar
- Bowlers: Alzarri Joseph (o), Darshan Nalkande, Joshua Little (o), Mohammed Shami, Mohit Sharma, Noor Ahmad (o), Pradeep Sangwan, R Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan (o), Shivam Mavi & Yash Dayal
- Total Players: 25
Gujarat Titans’ Predicted Playing 11
The main question that Gujarat Titans would face for the first match is the availability of their key overseas players. David Miller is currently scheduled to play the ODI series vs Netherlands. Whereas Alzarri Joseph and Odean Smith just concluded a T20I series, and will join the team before the first match. While Miller would miss the match, Alzarri and Smith may be available.
With David Miller missing the first match, expect Matthew Wade to play as a finisher for Gujarat Titans. In the bowling, GT can opt for one of Odean Smith, Alzarri Joseph or Joshua Little. But given the form Alzarri is in, Gujarat will opt for him ahead of the other two. The only issue is availability. If Alzarri isn’t available, Gujarat should opt for Joshua Little.
IPL 2023 – GT vs CSK Match 1 Confirmed Best Playing 11 for Gujarat Titans:
Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha [wk], Kane Williamson, Hardik Pandya [c], Abhinav Manohar, Matthew Wade, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Shivam Mavi, Alzarri Joseph & Mohammed Shami
IPL 2023: Full Squad Details and Players List for CSK
- Batters: Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu, Bhagath Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad & Subhranshu Senapati
- WKs: Devon Conway (o) & MS Dhoni (c)
- All-rounders: Ajay Mandal, Ben Stokes (o), Dwaine Pretorius (o), Mitchell Santner (o), Moeen Ali (o), Nishant Sindhu, Ravindra Jadeja, Shaik Rasheed & Shivam Dube
- Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana (o), Matheesha Pathirana (o), Mukesh Choudhary, Prashant Solanki, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Simarjeet Singh, Sisanda Magala (o) & Tushar Deshpande
- Total Players: 25
CSK’s Predicted Playing 11
Similar to Gujarat Titans, CSK would face a big dilemma with Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, and Sisanda Magala not available. While Theekshana and Pathirana are busy playing the T20 series vs New Zealand, Sisanda is selected for the national duty vs Netherlands. With these three not available, one of Dwaine Pretorius or Mitchell Santner will have to sit out.
Playing 11 for Gujarat Titans:
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Ben Stokes, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni [c&wk], Dwaine Pretorius, Deepak Chahar, Simarjeet Singh & Tushar Deshpande.
Top Fantasy Players for GT vs CSK:
- Batters: Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Kane Williamson & Devon Conway
- Wks: Wriddhiman Saha
- All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Moeen Ali & Hardik Pandya
- Bowlers: Deepak Chahar, Simarjeet Singh & Mohammed Shami
- CVC Choice: Shubman Gill & Ruturaj Gaikwad