Parthiv Patel and Shubman Gill. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 kicked off fabulously as defending champions Gujarat Titans took on the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings in the season opener of the competition. Led by Hardik Pandya, Gujarat got the start they needed as they won the first game by five wickets.

Chennai scored 178 runs on the board after an excellent bowling display by Rashid Khan and Mohammed Shami. As the MS Dhoni-led side looked to defend the target, the four-time champions’ plans were hindered thanks to a fabulous knock by star India batter Shubman Gill.

Following Gujarat’s win in the season opener, former India cricketer Parthiv Patel came forward to give his take on Gill’s performance against Chennai Super Kings.

“On this wicket, the target was below par, so a strong start is essential. I think the Gujarat Titans got that and kept the momentum. Shubman Gill did what we know Shubman Gill can do and carried over his international form into the IPL. We may get to see a 600-run season from Shubman Gill,” Parthiv Patel was quoted as saying on JioCinema.

It seemed like Ruturaj Gaikwad was batting on a different wicket: Patel

Parthiv Patel touched upon a variety of topics; the 38-year-old also talked about Ruturaj Gaikwad’s explosive knock in the match. He scored 92 runs off 50 deliveries and was integral to Chennai posting 178 runs in the first innings.

“It seemed like Ruturaj Gaikwad was batting on a different wicket compared to the other batsmen. The approach he used is extremely praiseworthy,” Parthiv Patel said.

Gaikwad was the highest run-getter of the match and will look to build upon his performance from the first game in the upcoming matches. After losing the season opener to Gujarat, Chennai Super Kings will next take on the KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants on Monday, April 3. Super Kings will be playing the upcoming contest in Chennai.