In the inaugural game of IPL 2023 on Friday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Chennai Super Kings are aiming for a solid start while Gujarat Titans are looking for early wickets. After winning the toss, GT captain Hardik Pandya decided to bowl first.
The match between CSK captain MS Dhoni and GT captain Hardik Pandya is one between a mentor and a student. Last year, GT took home the trophy, while CSK placed second-to-last in the standings. This year, the Dhoni-led team will try to equal the previous record by winning five trophies, while GT will attempt to retain the championship.
Pandya credits Dhoni
During the toss, Pandya hailed his former skipper MS Dhoni. He said that he is a great admirer of Dhoni. The GT skipper also said that everyone gets motivation from him.
“Almost everyone in the country has got motivation from him (Dhoni). Been a fan and admirer of him.”
Pandya also forgot the playing eleven
Ravi Shastri asked him at the toss about his team combination. Pandya in his non-chalant way replied that he doesn’t know the team combination.
“I don’t know (combination for today).”
Gujarat Titans (Playing XI): Wriddhiman Saha(w), Shubman Gill, Kane Williamson, Hardik Pandya(c), Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, Joshua Little, Yash Dayal, Alzarri Joseph
Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w/c), Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Rajvardhan Hangargekar
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad had a magnificent opening ceremony on Friday to kick off IPL 2023. Arijit Singh opened the festivities with a beautiful musical performance. Rashmika Mandanna and Tamannaah Bhatia then made brief appearances in dance. Fans saw Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya and CSK captain MS Dhoni as they were welcomed onto the stage to close up the event.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
