Gujarat Titans' quest for the top spot on the points table against Rajasthan Royals
Date | April 16, 2023 |
Time | 7:30 PM IST |
Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India |
Format | T20 |
Bet on this Game
Our Predictions
- Rajasthan Royals lost all the three games they played against the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022
- Gujarat Titans have a strong bowling attack with Rashid Khan, Shami, and Alzarri Joseph
- Rajasthan Royals is a batting-dependent side, and they have a weak bowling attack
MATCH PREVIEW
People are busy with cricket betting apps and we are all set for an epic clash as the defending champions, Gujarat Titans, shall take on last year's runner-up, Rajasthan Royals, in the 23rd game of the Indian Premier League 2023. The Titans come here with a convincing win against the Punjab Kings, while the Royals won a thriller against the Chennai Super Kings. Both sides have lived up to their reputation, winning three out of four games they have played. The winner of this game shall move to the top of the points table, and we expect it to be a thrilling contest with players high on confidence in both camps.
Gujarat Titans Preview
It was a clinical effort from Hardik Pandya's side in the last game against the Punjab Kings. They restricted them to a small total and chased it down clinically, registering a 6-wicket win. The bowling attack has done well in the tournament, and Pandya will look to bank on it. His opponents have the strongest batting line-up, and Pandya would like to see a determined effort from his players in this game.
Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha have laid strong platforms for the side, and he will expect a good show from them at the top. Sai Sudarshan has made 156 runs already and adds punch to the middle order along with Pandya and David Miller. Vijay Shankar did well in the one game he played, adding to the team's firepower down the order with Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan.
Mohammad Shami, Alzarri Joseph, and Rashid Khan have shared 23 wickets, making it a strong attack. Shami and Joshua Littile shall aim for early breakthroughs in the game, as the Royals have their Top 3 in good form. Khan must lead the change in the middle overs along with Joseph. Mohit Sharma and Pandya add variety to this attack.
Expected Starting XI for Gujarat Titans
Hardik Pandya (c), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammed Shami, Mohit Sharma, Joshua Little, Vijay Shankar (Impact Player)
Rajasthan Royals Preview
Sanju Samson's side held its nerves in the last game against the Chennai Super Kings to snatch a 3-run win. The side has batted well in almost all games, but the bowling attack has been found wanting on many occasions. They have to come up with an excellent performance to win this game, having lost thrice against the Titans last season. Samson shall look for a clinical performance from his players in this game.
Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal have made more than 350 runs between them, and the side will need a solid start from them at the top. Devdutt Padikkal, Sampson, and Ravichandran Ashwin add solidity to the middle order and will have an important role. Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, and Jason Holder must do well in the finishers' role.
The bowling attack has taken a bit of a beating in most games. Sandeep Sharma and Kuldeep Sen must do well with the new ball as the Titans have good hitters at the top. Ravichandran Ashwin, Adam Zampa, and Yuzvendra Chahal are key bowlers for the side, and they will need to bowl good spells. The side will expect a better show from Jason Holder, as he hasn't been in the best form.
Expected Starting XI for Rajasthan Royals
Sanju Samson (c & wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parah, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jason Holder, Kuldeep Sen, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa
TOSS: To Bowl First
In both games played at this venue, the side chasing the score has won comfortably. There is some assistance for the bowlers in the early overs, but the wicket gets better as the game progresses. Hence, both captains won't have hesitation at the toss and opt to bowl first in the game.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
We expect a warm and humid evening in Ahmedabad. The batting surface has been excellent, and batsmen have played on the up. The spinners have caused a few doubts in the minds of batsmen, and they will be able to turn the ball. The side batting first will need 180 runs to feel safe on this wicket.
OUR PREDICTION
There isn't much to choose between the two sides on form and confidence. Each side has won three games. The Rajasthan Royals have the strongest batting line-up, but the side lacks the same pool of talent in the bowling department. Titans' bowlers have done well, especially their strike bowlers. They play at their home ground and have the odds with them , and it will make them favorites.
Our Prediction is for Gujarat Titans to win