Gujarat Titans to begin IPL title defence in front of sell-out Ahmedabad crowd

The Indian Premier League is set for a grand kick-off at the biggest cricket stadium in the world in what will be a momentous occasion for all 10 teams.

The T20 league returns to the home and away format for the first time in four years following the upheaval caused by the pandemic; last year the IPL was held mostly in western Indian venues in Mumbai and Pune.

This year, all franchises will get a chance to mobilise their local support and also maximise gate revenue, which is projected to be higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Defending champions Gujarat Titans seem well-placed in that regard as they begin their title defence against Chennai Super Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday.

The 132,000-capacity venue has reportedly been sold out for the opening game, which should come as no surprise as Gujarat will be captained by local hero Hardik Pandya and their opponents by crowd-favourite Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

While a return to familiar settings will be a welcome boost for teams, they will need to quickly master new rules that will add another dimension to the game.

For the first time, IPL sides will be allowed to name their playing XI after the toss and also make a tactical substitution with an 'impact player' coming in to bat or bowl as needed.

Also, teams can now review calls of no-balls and wides, which could lead to some contentious moments.

Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting said the introduction of an impact player could negate the need 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.

Even so, it was star