Former Indian Opener Aakash Chopra has picked his probable playing 11 for Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of their opening encounter against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The defending champions will take on the four-time champions in the opening game of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League.
With the IPL 2023, scheduled to begin today, cricket experts have shared their opinions on the opening game between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans. Speaking on his youtube channel, Aakash Chopra believes Gujarat will open with Indian opener, Shubman Gill and wicket-keeper batter Wriddhiman Saha at the top followed by Kane Williamson who can play as the anchor for the side.
“Gujarat has Shubman Gill and I will say Gujarat has Wriddhiman Saha. Get both of them to open. Keep Kane Williamson at No. 3. There is another wicketkeeping option in the form of KS Bharat and one more in the form of Matthew Wade. But I would say – Saha was doing well, so continue with him if he is batting well in the nets,” Aakash Chopra said.
Aakash Chopra feels Gujarat Titans will continue with their skipper Hardik Pandya at Number 4, followed by Matthew Wade, Abhinav Manohar, and Rahul Tewatia forming the middle-batter.
“Then Hardik Pandya at No. 4. After that, you can keep Matthew Wade at No. 5 if you want. Then Abhinav Manohar and Rahul Tewatia. I have heard Vijay Shankar is batting well. So this could be your batting lineup if Gujarat loses the toss and bat first.
Gujarat Titans will begin the title clash against heavyweights Chennai Super Kings on Friday (March 31). So far, only two teams – Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians – have managed to defend their titles and win back-to-back IPL trophies. It will be interesting to see whether Gujarat Titans can replicate the historic feat achieved by this legendary team.
Jayant Yadav Should Play Ahead Of Sai Kishore – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra reckoned that Gujarat Titans might be tempted to play off-spinner Jayant Yadav ahead of left-arm spinner Sai Kishore as Chennai Super Kings have four left-hand batters in their batting lineup so that he can provide a perfect match-up against CSK.
“If they get to bowl first, in bowling you will get Rashid Khan, Mohammad Shami, Alzarri Joseph, Shivam Mavi – who also bats decent. The opposition team has Ben Stokes, Ravindra Jadeja, Devon Conway, and Moeen Ali. Jayant Yadav has been picked in this team just because they can use him whenever there are left-handers. Don’t use R Sai Kishore here, use Jayant Yadav,” Aakash Chopra added.
Aakash Chopra’s Probable Playing 11: Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha, Kane Williamson, Hardik Pandya (C), Matthew Wade, Rahul Tewatia /Abhinav Manohar, Jayant Yadav, Shivam Mavi, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Shami, and Alzarri Joseph.