The 2023 IPL season kicks off on March 31 in Ahmedabad, where the Gujarat Titans, the current defending champions, will face off against the legendary four-time champions, Chennai Super Kings. Shortly after, the Lucknow Super Giants will start their campaign at home against the Delhi Capitals on April 1, before heading to Chennai for a showdown with CSK on April 3.
The most excited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 will kick off on March 31 in Ahmedabad, defending champions Gujarat Titans taking on four-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will lock horns with Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 1 in Lucknow and then travel to Chennai on April 3 for their next match against CSK.
Due to South Africa's schedule for the ICC ODI World Cup qualifiers against the Netherlands on March 31 and April 2, all South African players will be absent from their IPL teams for the first few rounds. This leaves a gap for LSG, specifically the spot usually held by Quinton de Kock, who recently dominated the West Indies with a T20I century. Consequently, Kyle Mayers is expected to step up and open the batting with captain KL Rahul.
The LSG management believes Mayers is the perfect fit for the opening role, as his left-handedness creates a balanced partnership at the top. His T20I record is impressive, boasting a 135 strike rate, and he recently proved his explosive power by hitting a fifty in just 27 balls. Moreover, his ability to bowl medium pace adds extra depth to the squad. Because of these factors, Mayers is the top candidate to open the first two matches with Rahul.
There are indications that if LSG decides to prioritize overseas players in the bowling attack or the middle order, Deepak Hooda might be the one to open with Rahul. Hooda has already shown he can dominate the powerplay, having scored a T20I century. On the other side, the Delhi Capitals, who face LSG in the opener, are expected to be without South African fast bowlers Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje.