Ravi Shastri names favourites to win the IPL 2023, Snubs CSK

Former Indian head coach and commentator Ravi Shastri has picked his favourites to win the IPL 2023 title.

On Friday, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium will witness the next reverse fixture of IPL 2023 as Rajasthan Royals host Gujarat Titans, the current table-toppers. Both teams are eager to return to their winning ways after suffering defeats in their previous games. As finalists of IPL 2022, both RR, led by Sanju Samson, and Hardik Pandya's GT have carried their form to this season and are considered front-runners in the playoffs race. This game will be the last before the upcoming IPL 2023 rivalry week. According to former India cricketer Ravi Shastri, Gujarat Titans are the favorites to win the IPL 2023 title due to their team balance and collective performance.

Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live, Ravi Shastri said, "Looking at the current form and team standings, I believe that Gujarat will win the trophy. There is consistency and flexibility in this team and there are seven-eight players who are performing consistently. The players in this Gujarat side complement each other."

Sanju Samson's leadership and the spin trio of RR earn praises from Ravi Shastri

Former India head coach, Ravi Shastri, has also commended Sanju Samson's leadership of RR, and is greatly impressed with the way the wicketkeeper-batter is managing his spin troika of R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Adam Zampa in IPL 2023.

Speaking on Star Sports' Cricket Live, Ravi Shastri said, "Sanju Samson has matured as a captain. He uses his spinners very well. Only a good captain can play with three spinners and use them smartly."

RR's thrilling victory over GT earlier in the season

In their previous encounter earlier this season, RR managed to secure a thrilling 3-wicket victory over GT, thanks to crucial contributions from Samson (60 off 32 balls) and Hetmyer (56* off 26 balls) in the chase. Despite losing Jaiswal and Buttler early on, Samson and Padikkal lifted the run-rate before Rashid Khan's spell dismissed Padikkal and Parag. Samson continued to play aggressively and was supported by Jurel and Ashwin, but it was Hetmyer's six off Noor in the final over that ultimately sealed the victory for RR. Chasing a target of 178 runs, RR won with just 4 balls to spare.