IPL 2023: Sublime drone show lights up Ahmedabad sky during opening ceremony

As the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League got underway on Friday, March 31, it was preceded by a gala opening show that witnessed the footfall of celebrated film stars and musicians, among others.

While the ceremony was graced by acclaimed actors Rashmika Mandanna, Tamannah Bhatia, and popular playback singer Arijit Singh, what else caught the attention of the fans was a dazzling drone show that lit up the Ahmedabad night sky to leave onlookers in awe. 

Reportedly, around 1500 drones laced with LED and other technology-backed tools took to the sky in Ahmedabad to present a sublime light show in a first-of-its-kind addition to the 16-year-long tradition of IPL opening ceremonies. 

Practice for the 3D drone show had been carried out for the past couple of days to perfect the various formations that the drones could be seen drawing up in the sky. Among the array of patterns created by the drones was the iconic replication of the coveted IPL trophy that teams in the 16th IPL would be fighting for. This perfectly coordinated arrangement was controlled by a central computer system that made use of cutting-edge technology to pull off the drone-driven frenzy.

Here are some more pictures from the drone show

Ruturaj Gaiwad fires Chennai to a competitive total in the first innings of the IPL opener

Dashing Maharashtra batter Ruturaj Gaikwad has given effect to a top-notch innings, dearly missing out on his well-deserved century by just eight runs. Playing against defending champions Gujarat Titans at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi stadium, Ruturaj charged upon the Gujarat bowlers right from the word go as the ... year-old ravished nine fours and four sixes to finish his first innings of IPL 2023 on 92. He fell prey to West Indian fast bowler Alzarri Joseph on the first ball of the 18th over to wrap up his 50-ball innings.

No other batter barring Moeen Ali could stand for long in the middle as the MS Dhoni-led side looked pale in their first encounter of the tournament. Ali delivered yet another promising start which he failed to capitalise on as Gujarat Titans' strike bowler Rashid Khan sent him back after he had hit four fours and one six to amass 23 runs in 17 deliveries.

For Gujarat, Mohammad Shami, Rashid Khan and Alzarri Joseph took two wickets each.