IPL 2023: GT vs CSK Match 1 Confirmed Playing 11 for both Teams
MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya in focus as we look at IPL 2023 Match 1 GT vs CSK confirmed best playing 11 for both teams.
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.
The other key question would be the selection of a Wicket-keeper opener for Gujarat Titans. Wriddhiman Saha did well for Gujarat last season, so deserves a go for the initial matches. But KS Bharat is a good option too. Bharat has the hitting range as seen while playing for RCB, but he may have to wait for his chances until Saha fails to perform.
Another thing that Gujarat can do is play Odean Smith for Abhinav Manohar and Yash Dayal for Alzarri Joseph. That way, Gujarat could get an extra bowling option. The team could also opt for R. Sai Kishore if Ahmedabad’s pitch assists spin. However, as seen in the recent International matches, the Ahmedabad pitch is usually spicy assisting pace more.
IPL 2023 – GT vs CSK Match 1 Best Predicted 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
Top 4 Impact Players: KS Bharat, Yash Dayal, R. Sai Kishore & B. Sai Sudharsan
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: Akash Singh, Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana (o), Matheesha Pathirana (o), 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.
The selection of Mitchell Santner or Dwaine Pretorius is more to do with the pitch and availability of Indian pacers. Ahmedabad pitch may not assist spin much, so Pretorius should get an edge there. Plus, with Mukesh Choudhary still recovering, CSK would need a death bowling option in the form of Pretorius.
Given the impact player rule, CSK may not play Shivam Dube in the first-choice playing 11. Dube could be brought in as a replacement for a batter or a bowler depending on the match situation. Also, with Mukesh not there, CSK could play two solid pacers in the form of Simarjeet Singh and Tushar Deshpande. Hangargekar is also an option, but the experience of Tushar could be preferred.
IPL 2023 – GT vs CSK Match 1 Best Predicted Playing 11 for Chennai Super Kings:
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 4 Impact Players: Shivam Dube, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Subranshu Senapati & Prashant Solanki
Top Fantasy Players for GT vs CSK Match 1 IPL 2023:
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
Thanks for reading! What’s your playing 11 for Team India for the GT vs CSK Match 1 of IPL 2023? Please email your comments to business@cricalytics.com
ALSO READ: IPL 2023: Revamped Format Changes and Rules – What’s New?
Adesh Kothari is the founder of AK4Tsay1 Cricalytics with over 20 years of experience following Cricket.
Cricket to him is like what Football is to Lionel Messi, Singing is to Lata Mangeshkar, Dancing is to Michael Jackson, and Acting is to Clint Eastwood.
Besides his effervescent love for Cricket, Adesh is an MBA by qualification.
