Gujarat Titans won the Indian Premier League trophy in their debut season and created history. They were one of the lowest-rated teams last season before the start of the league, and probably no one had picked them as favorites to lift the cup. But they did it in style and have also continued their dream run in IPL 2023. In their first game of the season, Gujarat Titans defeated Chennai Super Kings by five wickets, chasing down the target of 179 runs in the last over of the match.
In the second game against Delhi Capitals, GT’s bowlers restricted them to just 162 runs in 20 overs. Mohammad Shami and Rashid Khan picked three wickets each, while Alzarri Joseph picked two for the team. With the bat, Sai Sudharsan, the uncapped batter, scored a half-century to help GT chase the target in 18.1 overs. David Miller also played a key role with his 16-ball 31-run knock. Sudharsan was adjudged the Player of the Match for his batting performance.
GT Team Setup in IPL 2023
In the season opener, Kane Williamson, Rashid Khan, Joshua Little, and Alzarri Joseph were the four overseas players. But an unfortunate injury in the same game ruled out Williamson from the tournament, and David Miller replaced him in the playing 11 in the next game. So far, they have used Sai Sudharsan and Vijay Shankar as the impact players in two games. Sudharsan scored 22 runs off 17 deliveries in the first game, while Shankar made 29 off 23 in the second match. GT have used the impact player rule according to match situations, which has worked for them each time.
They have retained Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha as the opener from the last season, and the move has worked decently so far. Gill has been in the best of his form currently and is playing some attacking fun88 right from the word go. His skills have helped Saha to play freely and give a flying start to the team. In number three, GT have found one of the best-uncapped players in the form of Sudharsan. The left-handed batter had played five games for the team last season and scored 145 runs at a strike rate of 127.19.
Hardik Pandya bats in the number four position and can perfectly play the role of an anchor. By batting in this position, he gives himself the freedom to control the game. David Miller, Vijay Shankar, and Rahul Tewatia are batting in the next three positions. All three of them possess the capability to finish matches from any point. Rashid Khan is there in the lower middle order and can come in handy when the situation demands.
Rashid, Mohammed Shami, Joshua Little, Yash Dayal, and Alzarri Joseph are the five bowlers that the team has used so far. Tewatia can bowl a few overs if required. Hardik Pandya has consistently bowled four overs for India in the recent few games, and he can do the same for GT. Overall, GT have a lot of options in the bowling unit in the current playing 11. Little has been playing in the IPL for the first time and has been expensive so far. Yash has not bowled his quota of four overs in both games so far.
GT have roped in Dasun Shanaka as the replacement for Williamson. He can be used for the latter part of the tournament or straightaway be included in the playing 11. Like Pandya, Shanka can bat in the middle order at any position and bowl four overs. In the current lineup, he can replace Little and strengthen the batting unit.
Shivam Mavi, the most expensive buy in the last year’s mini-auction, is still unused. Mohit Sharma and Pradeep Sangwan have tons of experience with them and can be brought into the playing 11 at any point. Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore or Jayant Yadav can be used when the team travels to spin-friendly conditions. Srikar Bharat can replace Wriddhiman Saha as the wicketkeeper-batter if Saha needs a break. Matthew Wade can be slotted in the middle order to finish the games. GT have one of the best bench strength among the ten teams.
Important Upcoming Encounters for GT
GT will have three of their next five games at their home venue, which will be important. They have cracked the code to win the games in Ahmedabad and might use the same in these matches. GT will play against Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Lucknow Super Giants next week. The Kings were one of the four teams that managed to defeat GT last season. GT won three games, including the final against the Royals last season, and defeated the Super Giants in two games as well. These will be crucial games for the defending champions. If they manage to overpower these few teams, they can finish in the top four again.
Can GT Win IPL 2023?
Only two teams have won the IPL in consecutive years, and GT have the opportunity to become the third team. They ticked most of the boxes last season and could get their hands on the trophy. In the mini-auction last year, they managed to fill the gaps from last season. This is why they have one of the best playing 11 and bench strength in the tournament so far. GT might be able to win the Indian Premier League 2023 if they manage to continue performing as they have done in the first two games.
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