Five-time champions Mumbai Indians have started their IPL 2023 campaign with a defeat. Not the first time that the most successful franchise in the tournament’s history has made such a start, in fact they have the image of slow starters who roar back as the league progresses.
Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans have once again begun the IPL season on a high as they have won their first two games against the Chennai Super Kings and the Delhi Capitals. Pundits, ex-cricketers, and fans all believe that the Titans have all the resources to defend their title.
To everyone's surprise, the 16th edition of IPL witnessed bowlers completing 11 deliveries in an over, which happened twice on consecutive days, first from RCB pacer Mohammed Siraj and a day later from CSK paceman Tushar Deshpande. Siraj bowled 11 balls during MI's 19th over, which included five wide balls, while Deshpande bowled three wides and two no-balls in the fourth over of LSG's chase.
Gujarat Titans had a sensational debut season last year as they went on to win the title. Ahead of the season, not many people gave the team a chance, deeming them weak on paper. However, the team silently went about its business and punched above its weight. First, they finished on top of the points table and then won the qualifier and the final, both against the Rajasthan Royals. This year looks no different, look who is reigning supreme in the points tally!
IPL is famously known for its nail-biting last-ball finishes. However, the first week witnessed none going to the final ball. Out of nine encounters, only one—Punjab Kings v Rajasthan Royals (RR) match at Guwahati—promised to go till the last ball, however, RR surrendered the chase with them requiring 10 off the last ball.
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