IPL 2022, GT vs LSG Highlights: Gujarat Titans beat Lucknow Super Giants by 5 wickets

Mohammed Shami to Quinton de Kock, Good-length ball, angling in on middle. Quinton de Kock defends it off the front foot towards covers. 

Evin Lewis walks in at number 3.

We are all set for the game to begin! The match officials have made their way out to the middle and they are followed by the players of Gujarat. Out comes the opening pair of Lucknow. Quinton de Kock and KL Rahul are at the crease. Mohammed Shami has the new ball in his hand. Let's play says the umpire.

Rashid Khan is up for a quick chat. He says that he is excited for new challenges, new team and a new captain. Tells that he always enjoys new things and he is looking forward to it. Mentions that he just have the same mind but new jersey, team and skills and is so happy to be back here in India and the tournament is happening here. Says that most importantly some crowd is here too so it's great to see and he is looking forward to the competition and enjoy the skills and talent. Tells that it's always great to have the Purple Cap but more than that he will just have in mind that the team needs his effort. Says definitely it's been a long time since he had that cap on his head, it was in 2017 in his second game but since then he never had that cap. Says it will be a great feeling to have that.

PITCH REPORT - Graeme Swann and Matthew Hayden are near the pitch. Swann says that it's a brand new pitch and two brand new franchises making their debut. Informs that the pitch has moved two strips across from game one, so on one side the square boundary is only 59 meters and on the other side is 70 meters. Matthew Hayden tells that there is a slight difference from Match 1 - it looks very dry and has a lot of grass from that first game. Rashid Khan will come into play since it is quite dry and it has lost its tack. Mentions that there are a few cracks opening up too. Dew is a huge factor so both the captains would love to chase.

Hardik Pandya, the skipper of Gujarat, says that they will bowl first. Mentions that they want to see how the wicket is playing and check if there is any dew. Tells that it is special to play at Wankhede and says he has played a lot of matches there. Mentions that the boys will play with full freedom and informs there is no pressure on them. Says that it's a different role, different team but the feeling is same. Informs that Lockie Ferguson, Matthew Wade, Rashid Khan and David Miller are their four overseas players.

KL Rahul, the skipper of Lucknow, says that they would have bowled first well as dew plays a crucial part at Wankhede. Adds that it will be important that they enjoy their first game and express themselves on the field. Tells that they are very excited to get going and the new franchise gives them a good opportunity to enjoy the tournament. Mentions that the three overseas players are Quinton de Kock, Evin Lewis and Dushmantha Chameera.

Lucknow (Playing XI) - KL Rahul (C), Manish Pandey, Krunal Pandya, Quinton de Kock (WK), Evin Lewis, Dushmantha Chameera, Deepak Hooda, Ayush Badoni, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, Ravi Bishnoi.

Gujarat (Playing XI) - Shubman Gill, Matthew Wade (WK), Vijay Shankar, David Miller, Hardik Pandya (C), Rahul Tewatia, Abhinav Manohar, Lockie Ferguson, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, Varun Aaron. 

TOSS - Gujarat has won the toss and they have elected to BOWL first.

Both franchises would be happy to start their campaign against a new outfit but they would be aware that they can't take too much time to find their feet. It's going to be a cracking encounter and it will give us the first real indication of what a 10-team league is going to be like. Can Gujarat get a 'shubh aarambh'? Or will Lucknow come out as giants over them? We shall find out. Stick around for the toss and team news.

... Match Day ...