One is a team high on momentum. The other is actually looking to build one.
Tonight's clash between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals at the expansive Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad should be interesting as both the teams are coming off wins.
GT, led by Shubman Gill, is riding high on a three-match winning streak. Its recent victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad showcased its batting depth and bowling prowess. With three wins in four games, GT currently sits second in the points table and will aim to consolidate their playoff chances with another win tonight. RR, captained by Sanju Samson, has had a mixed start to the season with two wins and two losses. However, its emphatic 50-run victory over Punjab Kings in the last match has boosted their confidence. The Royals are looking to climb out of the mid-table positions and will need a strong performance to overcome the Titans.
Gill has regained his form, anchoring the innings and leading from the front against SRH in the last encounter. Sai Sudharsan, the young batter, is chasing the Orange Cap and has been a consistent performer for GT. Jos Buttler is also in fine fettle (even though he got a nought against SRH). Washington Sundar too has emerged at the top in the last match. In the bowling department, there is no clarity on the availability of Kagiso Rabada who has left for South Africa for unspecified reasons. But the bowling has been led by Sai Kishore even though Rashid Khan is still to hit his best form. Mohd Siraj too is in great rhythm.
Sanju Samson's aggressive batting at the top will be crucial for RR's chances. Yashasvi Jaiswal has shown glimpses of brilliance and will look to build on his recent form. Jofra Archer's return to form with the ball and Ryan Parag's ebullience with the bat will be pivotal for RR, especially in the death overs.
The Narendra Modi Stadium has evolved into a batting-friendly venue, with consistent bounce aiding stroke play. The average first-innings score here is around 180, making it a high-scoring ground. Teams winning the toss are likely to opt for chasing, as 80% of matches at this venue have been won by the team batting second.
GT and RR have faced each other six times in IPL history, with GT dominating the rivalry with five wins. RR's sole victory came in 2023 while chasing a target.
Both teams boast strong squads, but GT's recent form and home advantage make it favourites for tonight's clash. RR, however, has the firepower to pull off an upset if its key players deliver.
Probable teams:
Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ishant Sharma.
Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c/wk), Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Sandeep Sharma.