IPL 2023: GT vs CSK - Defending Champions Gujarat Titans start title defence with 5-wicket victory

Defending champions Gujarat Titans picked up where they left off in the IPL as they beat 4-time champions Chennai Super Kings by 5 wickets in their tournament opener in Ahmedabad.

Asked to bat first, Chennai struggled to get a strong hold in the game and lost wickets at regular intervals.

However, it was Ruturaj Gaikwad's brilliant 92 runs off 50 balls which helped steer the Super Kings to a healthy total of 178/7 in their 20 overs.

Chennai also made history as Tushar Deshpande became the first ever impact player in the IPL after replacing Ambati Rayudu in the 2nd innings, where Gujarat got off to a good start, all thanks to an in-form Shubman Gill.

Hangargekar's 3/36 for Chennai almost gave the defending champions a scare but Gill's 63, combined with important contributions from the lower-middle order saw the Titans get over the line in the final over.

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