In the 62nd match of the Indian Premier League 2023, defending champions Gujarat Titans host Sunrisers Hyderabad at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In a do-or-die game, SRH won the toss and opted to field first. Considering the moisture in the pitch and a superior bowling line up SRH would be happy to start with the bowl. However, both the teams made some tactical changes in the playing xi before the business end of the tournament.
Host GT added Srilanka superstar Dasun Shanaka to their playing xi. Srilanka skipper Shanaka will make his IPL debut for the defending champions in a crucial game. Notably, Shanaka was roped in by the franchise in place of the injured Kane Williamson. Shanaka is a handy allrounder in the shortest format of the game he has scored 1351 runs in 83 T20 international games for the island nation. With the bowl, he has been crucial for Sri Lanka as he has clinched 25 wickets at an average of 21 and an economy rate of 8.13.
Apart from Shanaka, GT made two more changes including a forced one. Injured Vijay Shankar was replaced by Sai Sudarshan while Yash Dayal makes his comeback after a horror against Kolkata Knight Riders. Notably, Rinku Singh smashed five back-to-back sixes against him to clinch an amazing victory for KKR in their first encounter of the season.
Marco Jansen replaces Glen Philips for SRH
Speaking about changes, Sunrisers Hyderabad also made a tactical change in their lineup. Skipper Aiden Markram said that Marco Jansen replaces Glen Philips in the line-up considering the conditions. “We are gonna bowl first, looks like there is moisture on this wicket, something for the pacers to utilise. If things are meant to work out, it will work out. Guys have permission to express themselves. We look forward to doing that. Trying to play really good cricket, up to our potential and abilities. We have been playing really good cricket but not getting over the line. Would like to pack a punch tonight. Marco Jansen comes in for Glenn Phillips”, he said after winning the Toss.
Meanwhile, GT is playing this match for a special cause which is to spread awareness about Cancer. GT is playing in a special jersey for a social cause. “Yeah, it is a special initiative to support cancer patients. This is just our way of showing our support. We have played really good cricket. Standing at the table doesn’t matter that much, you have to play good cricket.
When we started, we knew it would be a tricky year for us. The players have put up their hands in tough situations and put their hands up. It is a fresh wicket, we would have liked to field as well. We have a couple of forced changes. Shankar got hit by a ball in the net yesterday, Sai comes in. Shanaka makes his debut and also Yash Dayal is back”, says Hardik Pandya.
Here is how fans react to Dasun Shanaka’s IPL debut:
Superb move by GT.
Could be game changer further in play off stage.#GTvsSRH— Sachin XP (@iSachinXP) May 15, 2023
Who should win in fav of my team @KKRiders .???@CricCrazyJohns
— engr sarzamin khan (@EngrSarzamin) May 15, 2023
Pandya ne promise kiya he sbko batting milegi
— Priyanka (@Lostgirlprii) May 15, 2023
Middle order lo vasthada 3rd ah @GMBTweetzzz ?
— LOKESH™ ? (@Lokesh_Online) May 15, 2023
Always wanted him to play for MI, very excited to see him go in this league.
— Aayush Agrawal (@crazycricfan45) May 15, 2023
W moment in crucial stage by my Gujarat
— MSD_shubh7 (@Shubh_7_) May 15, 2023
Much Better finisher than dhoni
— SAVAGE (@Freakvillliers) May 15, 2023
Maa meede na…theeskondi GT 2 free points and Q1 berth
— PAVAN KANTAMNENI (@pavankantamneni) May 15, 2023
TITANS 12TH MAN IS ALL SMILES
— Titans 12th man (@Oneofthemankind) May 15, 2023
Hope Shanuka gets to bat?
— SaiNath (@SainnathR) May 15, 2023
Isko bhi abhi debut karna hey kya ?
— 186 (@notamythanymore) May 15, 2023
Brilliant Captaincy by King Kohli
— TÕTÄLKÕHLÌ (@LoyalKohliFan18) May 15, 2023
Brilliant Captaincy by King Kohli
— TÕTÄLKÕHLÌ (@LoyalKohliFan18) May 15, 2023
