The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is halfway through and is nearing its conclusion, with the final of the event scheduled on May 28. Although no team has yet been able to confirm their spot in the playoffs of the ongoing tournament, India’s former head coach and veteran all-rounder Ravi Shastri picked a side that he thinks will be the probable champions of the IPL 2023.
Speaking on Star Sports, Shastri predicted Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT) to be the winners of the 16th edition of the IPL. He even revealed the reason behind his choice and said that the defending champions have the most balanced team, with certain players consistently performing for them.
Gujarat currently sits at the top of the IPL 2023 points table with 12 points. The Ahmedabad-based franchise registered six wins in nine matches and will next face Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on (May 5). Notably, GT won the previous season of IPL by defeating RR in the summit clash.
Shastri also spoke about the RR skipper Sanju Samson’s captaincy in the current IPL edition and lauded the wicket-keeper batter for managing his spinners brilliantly.
“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,” said Shastri.
“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,” he added.
As far as RR’s performance in the IPL 2023 is concerned, the Samson-led side are placed on the fourth spot in the team standings with five wins in nine matches. However, both RR and GT suffered losses in their previous games.
