Gujarat Titan's quest for first points against an experienced CSK

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Our Predictions

• Chennai Super Kings lost both games against Gujarat Titans last season, and this will be on their minds  
• Gujarat Titans play at their home ground and will have a huge crowd behind them, making them confident 
• Chennai Super Kings have weaknesses with the ball in the first bowling department, which will concern them 

MATCH PREVIEW         

The Indian Premier League 2023 is here! It's time to switch off all other cricketing action as we see the world's best players start their conquest for the most coveted T20 title. The defending champions, Gujarat Titans, will look for a positive start against the two-time champions Chennai Super Kings. The Titans enjoyed a dream run last year and won the title in their debut season. In contrast, Chennai Super Kings struggled and finished 9th on the points table with just four wins. It is the first game, and both camps will have nerves. We expect a close contest as the best players battle it in the middle.  

Gujarat Titans Preview          

Hardik Pandya would like to start from where his team had left last season. They dominated the tournament, with almost all players contributing to the cause. As they have retained almost the same team from last year, Pandya will feel confident. His opponents are a strong team, and the Titans' skipper would like to guard against complacency and earn the first points for the season. 

Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha were an interesting choice for the opening combination, and it worked for the side last season. A good start from them will put the side in a comfortable position. The middle order is formidable and has the experience, and the trio of Kane Williamson, Pandya, and Matthew Wade will look to build partnerships. Rahul Tewatia must do well in the finisher's role along with Rashid Khan. 

Mohammad Shami claimed 20 wickets last season, and he will be a key player for the team. He must get them the early breakthroughs with Yash Dayal. Rashid Khan will be confident after his exploits in the PSL and has an important role in the game. They have depth in the bowling and shall expect good spells from Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Alzarri Joseph, and Pandya. 

Expected Starting XI for Gujarat Titans        

Hardik Pandya (c), Shubman Gill, Matthew Wade, Kane Williamson, Rahul Tewatia, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, Yash Dayal, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Alzarri Joseph 

Chennai Super Kings Preview               

MS Dhoni's side won four games last year and finished second from the bottom of the points table. It was the worst performance of the team. They have been among the top 4 sides in 13 out of the 15 seasons they have played. Their off-field controversies dominated the headlines last year. Dhoni, the most experienced player in the tournament, shall aim for a positive start to set the ball rolling. 

Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad didn't perform well last year. The side will need a strong show from the pair in this game. They have a formidable middle order and need partnerships between Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, and Ben Stokes. CSK will aim to use their depth in batting with Dhoni, Shivam Dube, and Ravindra Jadeja in the lower middle order.  

Deepak Chahar is the key bowler for the team, and he must put them in a good position, opening the bowling with Rajvardhan Hangargekar. Moeen Ali, Jadeja, and Mitchell Santner will enjoy bowling on this track, and they must trouble the Titans' batsmen. Shivam Dube and Strokes complete a well-balanced bowling attack. 

Expected Starting XI for Chennai Super Kings          

MS Dhoni (c & wk), Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Ambati Rayudu, Ben Stokes, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Rajvardhan Hangargekar,

TOSS: To Bowl First    

It isn’t a surface for slam-bang cricket, as the bowlers have an equal chance on this track. Sides have struggled to defend scores at this venue. Both teams will consider it during the toss, and the side winning the toss will like to bowl first. 

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS  

It will be a warm and humid evening in Ahmedabad. The surface is flat, but we have seen slowness which bowlers like to use and fox the batsmen. Batsmen have to build their innings and rotate the strike. The side batting first shall be happy to have 170 runs on the board, which can be defended with good bowling. 

OUR PREDICTION         

Chennai Super Kings has experienced players, but it is an aging side. They struggled with the bat last season and depended on their bowlers to win games. They must put runs on the board to win here. Gujarat Titans have some of the most exciting players in this format, and their players have done well in recent games which tilts the  odds in their favor. They will have the crowds cheering for them, making them favorites. 

Our Prediction is for Gujarat Titans to win