Conway has been dismissed by Shami, bowled out with a full, fast delivery that slanted in from round the wicket. Shami has now taken 100 IPL wickets, having made a mess of the stumps with a delivery that nipped in sharply and went through the gate.
Conway’s loose drive was unable to prevent the ball from clattering into middle and off, as his front foot remained stationary. Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya have won the toss and elect to field first.
Dhoni: Were also looking to bowl. 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 atmohsphere. Preparation was good. We assembled quite early. It’s a luxury to have (impact player). It becomes slightly easy to take the decision because you can use it at any time. Influence of allrounder has become slightly less because of the rule.
Pandya: We’ll bowl first. 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).
Gujarat Titans (Playing XI): Wriddhiman Saha(w), Shubman Gill, Kane Williamson, Hardik Pandya(c), Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, Joshua Little, Yash Dayal, Alzarri Joseph
Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w/c), Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Rajvardhan Hangargekar
