IPL 2023 opens with major ticket clash, older format and newer rules

After a four-year hiatus, the Twenty20 tournament will return to its traditional home-and-away format on Friday when Gujarat Titans will begin the defense of their Indian Premier League (IPL) title against Chennai Super Kings, who have won the competition four times.

As India battled the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Arab Emirates hosted the 2020 edition of the money-making league and the second half of the 2021 tournament.

The 10-team event that was expanded last year mostly took place in Mumbai and Pune.

Ahmedabad side Gujarat, one of the two extension groups alongside Lucknow, covered a fantasy debut season by overcoming debut champions Rajasthan Royals before around 100,000 fans in the last at home.

The team led by Hardik Pandya is the favorite to win the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League, but Chennai and Mumbai Indians, the most successful team in the league, will try to win back their title.

During a recent practice session, amid media speculation that it could be Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s last IPL match, Chennai’s fans served as a reminder of what teams have missed by giving him thunderous applause. Home support could play a significant role in this.

Teams will benefit from returning to familiar settings, but they will need to quickly learn a new rule that adds a new strategic dimension to the game.

An “Impact Player” will be permitted to enter the game as needed to bat or bowl for the first time in the IPL.

Ricky Ponting, the Delhi Capitals’ head coach, stated that the move would almost eliminate the requirement for all-rounders.

“Unless they’re absolutely world class and getting picked either as a batsman or as a bowler … I don’t think you’ll see many teams use the guy that might bat at seven and maybe bowl an over or two,”

Ponting said.

“You don’t need those guys anymore.”

Sam Curran will be hoping to disprove the former captain of Australia. In December, the England all-rounder returned to Punjab Kings for 185 million Indian rupees, or $2.25 million, making him the most expensive purchase ever made in the players’ auction.

Cameron Green, an Australian all-rounder who signed with Mumbai for 175 million rupees, will also try to live up to his contract.

Green and other international players will also have the chance to get used to playing in India during the 50-over World Cup in October and November thanks to the IPL.

India captain Rohit Sharma has advised his players to consider skipping some IPL games to manage their workload in preparation for that tournament

While England batsman Jonny Bairstow (Punjab) is still recovering from surgery, top Indian players Rishabh Pant (Delhi), Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai), and Shreyas Iyer (Kolkata Knight Riders) will not participate in the IPL this year due to injuries.