The Indian T20 League 2023 has started with a bang as Gujarat is hosting Chennai at their home ground, Narendra Modi Stadium. This is the first time in three years that the tournament is being played in the home-away format. Because of the covid-19 pandemic, travel was restricted for a few years, and the tournament was held in fewer venues in the last three seasons.
Apart from the games not being played in the home-away format, there were also a few other restrictions. The crowds in the stadium were not allowed at full capacity and the cheerleaders were also missing.
However, these restrictions have changed with the tournament’s 16th edition. The cheerleaders and the entire crowd are back in action. Over 100,000 people have gathered at the Narendra Modi Stadium to watch the season openers, and cheerleaders are on hand to keep them entertained.
An image of the cheerleaders from the match has gone viral on the internet. Fans were elated at the sight of the dancers cheering for their teams and keeping the crowds entertained.
Ruturaj Gaikwad sets the stage on fire
As for the game, Hardik Pandya won the toss and asked Chennai to bat first. So far, the wicket has been favourable to batters, as evidenced by Ruturaj Gaikwad‘s batting. Chennai’s opening batter has scored the first half-century of the season and has kept the Men in Yellow in a good position.
On the other hand, the defending champions managed to get a few early wickets. Mohammed Shami was able to get the first wicket of Devon Conway in the third over itself, while Rashid Khan dismissed Moeen Ali, who looked to take him on, and Ben Stokes, who marked his debut in the yellow jersey.
However, Gaikwad did not let the pressure of wickets creep onto him as he kept the boundaries in check. At the time of writing this article, Chennai has managed to score 114/3 in 12 overs.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the return of Cheerleaders
— ZEEMO (Alt) (@ZeemoAlt) March 31, 2023
Ha lawde hamare ghar me bhi tv hai
— Boogie Woogie (@_BoogieWoogiee_) March 31, 2023
I see the old IPL is back now.
— A. (@Abs7crazy) March 31, 2023
First match k baaad nahi honge baaki k matches me.
— लावारिस कहीं का (@DevGoswami143) March 31, 2023
https://t.co/kPorl6ymCJ
💀they just copied— Rohan Rane (@RohanRane08) March 31, 2023
I want to see Rohit as cheerleader make it happen
— Suraj (@suprsuraj) March 31, 2023
Dream for psl
— Frosty (@redball2004) March 31, 2023
We boys after knowing cheerleaders are back in #IPL #CSK pic.twitter.com/8M2WHNJ0gl
— Titu (@TituTweet_) March 31, 2023
Mufa bhai 💦💦 pic.twitter.com/79bBK6QnqR
— Harshit (@Here4virat18) March 31, 2023
— Ansh Shah (@asmemesss) March 31, 2023
