IPL returns to home-and-away format with defending champions Gujarat Titans to face Chennai Super Kings in opener

MARCH 31: The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to return to its traditional home-and-away format after four years, with defending champions Gujarat Titans facing off against Chennai Super Kings in the opening match on Friday.

The tournament was held in the United Arab Emirates in 2020 and the second half of the 2021 edition due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the IPL will also see three Bangladesh players participating, with Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das for Kolkata Knight Riders and Mustafizur Rahman for Delhi Capitals, the highest participation from Bangladesh. However, Liton and Shakib may miss some games due to being held back for Bangladesh's one-off Test against Ireland.

Gujarat Titans, one of the two expansion teams, will look to retain their title, while Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings will aim to reclaim the crown in the 16th edition of the tournament. The teams will need to quickly adapt to a new rule that allows tactical substitutions with an "Impact Player" coming in to bat or bowl as needed.

Top Indian players like Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shreyas Iyer are missing the tournament this year due to injury, while England's Jonny Bairstow is still recovering from surgery.