The newly-introduced "Impact Player" rule allows a player to do everything, the moment he takes the pitch. As per the rule book "Impact Player can only be an Indian player unless the franchise has fewer than four overseas players in the Playing XI." Four-time Indian Premier League (IPL) winner Mahendra Singh Dhoni shared his honest opinion, about how the new "Impact Player" rule will affect the shortest format of the sport.
"Looks a good wicket and I don't think it will change. Don't know if there will be dew because it rained last night. You want to play in front of people. This stadium is twice the capacity of other stadiums. Fantastic atmosphere. Preparation was good. We assembled quite early. It's a luxury to have (impact player). It becomes slightly easier to make the decision because you can use it at any time. Influence of allrounder has become slightly less because of the rule,” Dhoni said at the toss.
“"It's always good to play here. New start, new season, quite exciting. Almost everyone in the country has got motivation from him (Dhoni). Been a fan and admirer of him. Want boys to enjoy it. Result will take care of itself. It's different - I've left it in the coach. Ashu pa works all night on what needs to be done. I don't know (combination for today),” Pandya said after he won the toss and opted to bowl.
Gujarat Titans opted to bowl first after winning the toss in high-octane CSK vs GT IPL 2023 opener at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Chennai Super Kings: Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ben Stokes, Ambati Rayudu, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, MS Dhoni (w/c), Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Rajvardhan Hangargekar.
Gujarat Titans: Wriddhiman Saha (w), Shubman Gill, Kane Williamson, Hardik Pandya(c), Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, Joshua Little, Yash Dayal, Alzarri Joseph.