IPL 2023 Opening Ceremony Highlights: Tamanna, Rashmika sizzle as Arijit enthralls Ahmedabad crowd in dazzling event

That's it folks! GT win the toss and opt to bowl! Now we hand you over to our live coverage of the season opener between GT and CSK. Click here for live score and live updates.

Here are the playing XIs-

CSK: Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w/c), Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Rajvardhan Hangargekar

GT: Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Ambati Rayudu, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w/c), Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Rajvardhan Hangargekar

Meanwhile, after toss, Dhoni said, "Were also looking to bowl. Looks a good wicket and I don't think it will change. Don't know if there will be dew because it rained last night. You want to play in front of people. This stadium is twice the capacity of other stadiums. Fantastic atmohsphere. Preparation was good. We assembled quite early. It's a luxury to have (impact player). It becomes slightly easy to take the decision because you can use it at any time. Influence of allrounder has become slightly less because of the rule."

After winning toss, Hardik said, "We'll bowl first. It's always good to play here. New start, new season, quite exciting. Almost everyone in the country has got motivation from him (Dhoni). Been a fan and admirer of him. Want boys to enjoy it. Result will take care of itself. It's different - I've left it in the coach. Ashu pa works all night on what needs to be done. I don't know (combination for today)."

IT'S TOSS TIME!

GT captain Hardik wins the toss and opts to bowl vs Dhoni's CSK!

Dhoni and Pandya are on the pitc for toss, and can be seen conversing with each other before it begins!

According to Doull (for the broadcasters), "The pitch looks like a belter of a wicket, there's a bit of grass covering on it, the surface is nice and hard. It has some good pace and bounce in it. The new ball might nip around a bit, so the opening batters will have a little bit of work cut out. The square boundaries are comparatively shorter as compared to the straighter ones. A great cricket surface and the outfield looks magnificent. The batters need to put up a good score on the board."

Toss is coming up now! Both Dhoni and Pandya will be back in few minutes!

Time for fireworks as the opening ceremony is coming to a wrap! Everyone poses with the IPL trophy and exchange pleasantries!

Mandira now invites Rashmina, Tamanna, Arijit, followed by Jay Shah and Arun Dhumal to the stage. She then calls upon Dhoni, who enters in a scooter-like chariot. After Dhoni, Pandya comes on a similar carriage with the IPL trophy!

Rashmika's performance ends and the crowd is asking for more! Mandira enters the stage to take over the proceedings now!

The fans are screaming their lungs out as Rashmika is winning everyone over with her brilliant dance moves!

Rashmika is on the stage now, to follow up with Tamanna's performance! IT WAS STUNNIG BY TAMANNA AND THE FANS WELCOME RASHMIKA WITH AN APPLAUSE!

Tamanna enters the stage to begin her dance performance and dazzles the crowd with her gentle sizzling moves!

Arijit's final three song of the evening are Hawaayein from 'Jab Harry Met Sejal', 'Deva' from Brahmastra and 'India Jeetega' from 83 as he waves a final goodbye to the Ahmedabad crowd. Exhilarating stuff indeed

The cameras just panned to the one man in the stadium everyone wants to see - MS Dhoni. Sitting in the dugout, Dhoni was clearly enjoying the show as he could be seen grooving to Arijit's numbers. What a sight! Broadcasters: This should be your next question to MSD - "Are you an Arijit fan?"

Arijit is now on a moving car, along the boundary ropes, rocking with a guitar! He is followed by people with flags of India and IPL franchises.

Arijit sings another chartbuster from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Ilahi! THE FANS ARE GOING GAGA HERE!

He is on fire, bringing out one chartbuster after another as the Ahmedabad crowd sings with him in Unison. After singing some of his iconic sings, Arijit dives into some of his latest pops, including 'Tere Pyaar Mein' and 'Ek Baar Hi Kiya" from the recently released 'Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar'

IT'S THE ULTIMATE WAY TO BEGIN IPL 2023! ARIJIT HAS THE CROWD UNDER HIS TOTAL CONTROL AND THEY ARE JUST TOTALLY SERENADED!

Arijit brings out his famous iconic Kabira song, from Bollywood's Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani! THE FANS ARE GOING CRAZY!

Arijit enthralls the crowd with his famous song Kesariya from the movie Brahmastra.

Arijit Singh is on the stage and begins the event with his stunning voice, serenades the Ahmedabad crowd!

Mandira Bedi is here to open the proeedings as the host for the opening ceremony! SHE GETS WELCOMED WITH AN APPLAUSE!

According to the live broadcast, the GT and CSK buses are on their way to the Narendra Modi Stadium!