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Gujarat vs Chennai (Image Source: Twitter)
On 31 March 2023, the 16th edition of the Indian T20 League kicked off in Ahmedabad. The Gujarat franchise locked horns with the Chennai franchise in the tournament opener. In the last edition, Chennai finished in the ninth position while Gujarat became the champions at their maiden attempt.
So, Gujarat were looking to begin their journey of retaining the trophy with a win at home against MS Dhoni and his men. Before the match, an opening ceremony also took place as several celebrities like Rashmika Mandanna, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Arijit Singh performed. Speaking of the match, Pandya won the toss and asked Chennai to bat first.
Gujarat defeated Chennai by five wickets in the tournament opener
For Chennai, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway came out to open the innings. However, the Kiwi batter failed to score big as Mohammed Shami bamboozled his stumps. He went after scoring just one run. Then, Moeen Ali came and scored quickfire 23 runs off 13 balls. But, on the other side, Gaikwad continued to play some delightful shots all around the ground. He missed a deserving century after getting out on 92 runs off 50 balls, including four fours and nine sixes. However, the Ahmedabad crowd got the chance to see MS Dhoni bat also as he scored 14* runs off seven balls, including one four and six each. Finally, they scored 178 runs for seven wickets in 20 overs.
For Gujarat, Shami, Rashid Khan, and Alzarri Joseph took two wickets each while Josh Little took one wicket. In reply, Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha came out as the openers. Meanwhile, Chennai substituted Ambati Rayudu for Tushar Deshpande and it was the first time when the new Impact player rule came into play. Gujarat also substituted Kane Williamson as Sai Sudharsan came in. The Kiwi batter got an injury while fielding. Saha scored 25 runs off 16 balls. Gill scored 63 runs off 36 balls, including six fours and three sixes. In the end, Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia played crucial cameos. Finally, they managed to chase down the target in 19.2 overs with five wickets in hand.
Here is how fans have reacted to the victory of Gujarat over Chennai:
Dhokla >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Idli #CSKvsGT#GTvsCSK
— Sameer (@BesuraTaansane) March 31, 2023
Gt 🔥🔥🔥🔥#GTvsCSK
— Vicky Nenani (@NenaniVicky) March 31, 2023
Nehra ji wins against Dhoni #GTvsCSK
— Gaurav Kumar (@gkgaurav7) March 31, 2023
Jhoome jo Pathaan… ❌
— Adi (suspended soul) (@aaditea_) March 31, 2023
Maare jo Pathaan, meri jaan.. GT hi jeet jaaye
Rashid Khan.. Pathaan 💙🔥#GTvsCSK #GTvCSK #cskvsgt #IPL2023 #IPLonJioCinema #TataIPL #JioCinema pic.twitter.com/WcdfVon2L0
Rashid and Tewatia🥵#GTvsCSK pic.twitter.com/Rdi7mFUwA4
— Dinesh Kumar (@dineshkumar_25) March 31, 2023
Csk lost their opening match against Gujarat titans 😢💔#IPL2023 #GTVSCSK
— Sriram (@S75045060Sriram) March 31, 2023
GT replaced CSK... Now El classico match is in between MI vs GT
— #HHVM Pan India film (@KalyanBabuIsLuv) March 31, 2023
Fafda Jalebi k Samne Idli Sambhar ki kya Aukat 😍❤️#GTvsCSK #IPL2023 @hardikpandya7 #Jethalal
— वैभव पटेल 🇮🇳🚩 (@VaibhavShyani) March 31, 2023
The match went out of hand because of #chahar one over.#GTvsCSK
— VK_G.O.A.T (@SumaiyaKashfa) March 31, 2023
.#Csk