Gujarat Titans (GT) full schedule for the IPL 2023

The defending champions Gujarat Titans face a very tricky run-in with constant traveling between matches.

Gujarat Titans scripted history by winning the Indian Premier League in their first season. Hardik Pandya’s men were in rampant form in the group phase, amassing 20 points and losing just four games in their run to the top of the table. GT breezed past Rajasthan Royals in the first qualifier and overcame the same opposition in the final at their home ground. 

The management were smart in their pre-auction draft picks last season, signing captain Hardik Pandya and Afghan spinner Rashid Khan for INR 15 crores and dashing opener Shubman Gill for INR 8 crores. They carefully completed their roster with smart picks over big-money buys. Ace finisher David Miller perfectly complemented the likes of top-order constants Gill and Hardik. Rahul Tewatia continued his impressive finishing exploits down the order. 

On the bowling front, new finds Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore and Yash Dayal were threatening from the get-go, while seasoned operators Mohammed Shami and Rashid Khan played key roles in the team’s success. 

In the latest auction, Gujarat Titans went about filling the miniature gaps in the starting XI and seeking cover. Kane Williamson was roped in at base price and will be a vital contributor considering the Narendra Modi Stadium’s long boundaries. Shivam Mavi, who recently earnt his first India cap, was picked for INR 6 crores. Pacer Joshua Little, all-rounder Odean Smith and keeper-batsman KS Bharat were the other notable picks. 

The Gujarat Titans find themselves in Group B, paired alongside Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore and SunRisers Hyderabad. As per the norm, GT play their fellow group members once and the other five teams twice in the league phase. 

The Titans’ opening match sees them face-off against Chennai Super Kings at Ahmedabad on March 31st. This is the first match of the season and can set the template for what is to follow. The IPL returns to the home-away format for the first time since 2019 and the fans will be itching to back their players to the hilt. 

GT’s fixture run-in can be interpreted as challenging, as they do not have consecutive home matches at all. The constant alteration between playing home and then immediately playing away can make settling in a challenge for the players. But, Gujarat have a good mix of players who can fulfill multiple roles in differing conditions and on a variety of surfaces. 

Home Matches

Gujarat Titans face-off against CSK, KKR, RR, MI, DC, LSG and SRH at the Narendra Modi Stadium. CSK are always tough to beat, but GT will fancy their chances against KKR and DC who are ravaged with injury concerns. The recent player auction has strengthened all the teams significantly. SRH used their massive purse to splurge on key individuals who can revitalize the team’s fortunes and GT will be vary of the rise in quality across the franchises. 

Date	Venue	Game	Time	Day
31st March	Ahmedabad	Vs CSK	7:30 PM	Friday
9th April	Ahmedabad	vs KKR	3:30 PM	Sunday
16th April	Ahmedabad	Vs RR	7:30 PM	Sunday
25th April	Ahmedabad	vs MI	7:30 PM	Tuesday
2nd May	Ahmedabad	vs DC	7:30 PM	Tuesday
7th May	Ahmedabad	vs LSG	3:30 PM	Sunday
15th May	Ahmedabad	vs SRH	7:30 PM	Monday

Away Matches

The busy format for the Titans sees them travel immediately after home matches and this means that the recovery and acclimatization process could end up becoming an uphill task. But, the presence of senior players who have years of IPL experience will aid the defending champions. They travel to Delhi, Mohali, Lucknow, Kolkata, Jaipur, Mumbai and Bengaluru. 

Date	Venue	Game	Time	Day
4th April	Delhi	Vs DC	7:30 PM	Tuesday
13th April	Mohali	vs PBKS	7:30 PM	Thursday
22nd April	Lucknow	Vs LSG	3:30 PM	Sunday
29th April	Kolkata	Vs KKR	3:30 PM	Sunday
5th May	Jaipur	Vs RR	7:30 PM	Friday
12th May	Mumbai	Vs MI	7:30 PM	Friday
21st May	Bengaluru	Vs RCB	7:30 PM	Sunday

Home Venue

Played one, and won one. Gujarat Titans have a 100% win record at their home venue, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The one game they won was the all-important 2022 IPL final, which they sealed with a dominant seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals. 

The pitch has displayed contrasting natures during test matches held at similar times of the year. Against England, the surface was a haven for spinners, offering turn and bounce. In the recently-concluded fourth Border Gavaskar Trophy, the pitch bore a flat look and was of great help to the batsmen with the ball coming on nicely. 

The dimensions, both straight and square are longer than average, and the team management’s auction picks reflected the same. GT boasts of a good arsenal of hit-the-deck-hard bowlers such as Alzarri Joseph, Mohammad Shami, Yash Dayal, and Shivam Mavi and it remains to be seen how the quartet can be utilized effectively.

Date	Venue	Game	Time	Day
31st March	Ahmedabad	Vs CSK	7:30 PM	Friday
4th April	Delhi	Vs DC	7:30 PM	Tuesday
9th April	Ahmedabad	vs KKR	3:30 PM	Sunday
13th April	Mohali	vs PBKS	7:30 PM	Thursday
16th April	Ahmedabad	Vs RR	7:30 PM	Sunday
22nd April	Lucknow	Vs LSG	3:30 PM	Sunday
25th April	Ahmedabad	vs MI	7:30 PM	Tuesday
29th April	Kolkata	Vs KKR	3:30 PM	Sunday
2nd May	Ahmedabad	vs DC	7:30 PM	Tuesday
5th May	Jaipur	Vs RR	7:30 PM	Friday
7th May	Ahmedabad	vs LSG	3:30 PM	Sunday
12th May	Mumbai	Vs MI	7:30 PM	Friday
15th May	Ahmedabad	vs SRH	7:30 PM	Monday
21st May	Bengaluru	Vs RCB	7:30 PM	Sunday