First match of the 2023 IPL between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings: Talking Points and Who Said What?

Gujarat Titans started their championship defense with a decisive victory in the inaugural match of the Indian Premier League between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat.

Only Ruturaj Gaikwad managed to hold his own against Gujarat’s bowling when Chennai was given the opportunity to bat first. The other batsmen couldn’t remain out in the middle for very long. The second-highest score from the innings was merely 23 by Moeen Ali, who played a fantastic knock of 92. Chennai’s first-inning score of 178/7 was made possible by Ruturaj’s valiant performance.

In response, Gujarat was able to chase down the mark in the last over with help from nearly all of the batting order. Gujarat was able to successfully complete the task in 19.2 overs, launching their campaign. Let’s look at the key moments from the game, in which Gujarat thrashed Chennai in the opener:

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s magnificent strike

Chennai’s batting was all over the place as they frequently lost wickets to Gujarat Titans potent bowling attack. Gaikwad managed to hold one end, though, and continued the innings by consistently hitting boundaries. His 92 off 50 balls, which included four fours and nine sixes, was a brilliant innings.

Shubman Gill maintains his strong performance.

With hundreds in all three forms in the first three months of 2023, Shubman Gill was in excellent form going into the IPL. He maintained his momentum in the first game, too, smashing a stunning 63 off 36 balls with the aid of six fours and three sixes to help Gujarat’s run chase get off to a fantastic start.

In his IPL debut, Rajvardhan Hangargekar impresses with the ball for CSK.

Rajvardhan Hangargekar, 20, of Chennai, who was playing in his first IPL game, stood out among the bowlers, taking three wickets and giving up 36 runs in four overs. He eliminated Wriddhiman Saha, Sai Sudharsan, and Vijay Shankar while making vital plays in the game.

MS Dhoni, a departing skipper, said:

There will be dew, as we all knew. We could have improved the craftsmanship a little bit. It was a pleasure to watch Ruturaj Gaikwad play since he was superb and had excellent ball timing. It’s enjoyable to see him choose his alternatives.

I believe it’s crucial for the youth to get involved. I believe Raj Hangargekar has pace and will eventually develop into a bowler. Believe the bowlers will improve; you need to concentrate on a no-ball because it is something you can control. I went forward with two left-armers since I thought they would be a better alternative. Shivam was an option, but overall, I was at ease with the bowlers.

Hardik Pandya, the winning skipper, said:

Undoubtedly really joyful. Although we put ourselves in a challenging scenario, Rahul and Rashid handled it quite effectively. We were pleased when the innings were halfway over since they had a chance to reach 200 at one point, but we were able to stop them with those two wickets. This impact regulation makes my job challenging. Someone will bowl less because I have too many possibilities.

Alzarri bowled late because I realized after this game that bowling long, hard lengths was the way to go. Rashid is a fantastic asset since he can help you win wickets and score runs later in the order. Yet, today’s shots—mine and Shubman’s—weren’t the best; we must improve if we don’t want to place the blame on the lower-ranked players.

Player of the Match Rashid Khan (2/26 and 10* off 3) said:

I am thrilled to get this significant Man of the Match award. a significant amount of energy for the remainder of the competition. I give it everything throughout the practice sessions and aim to perform at my best in all three forms. I knew in my head that if I kept it simple and got two wickets, we would be back in the game, even if it is difficult to bowl to lefties. The aim was to keep it tight.

I was confident we would succeed, provided I kept things straightforward. (On batting progress) It’s all due to the time we spend in the nets and the trust the coaching staff and skipper Hardik placed in me. I’ve been hitting consistently, and the results are clear.