In the upcoming match of IPL 2023, two of the top-performing teams from the previous season will face each other. The defending champions, Gujarat Titans, and the runners-up, Rajasthan Royals, are set to compete against each other for the first time in this season. Both teams have been in great form lately and have performed exceptionally well in the previous edition.
Gujarat Titans- Despite being positioned favorably in the points table, the Gujarat Titans have some concerns regarding their performance in the current season of IPL. Although they have been successful in chasing targets, losing only once in 12 matches while batting second, the Titans have won nine of those matches in the final over, including two in this season. This has raised some doubts about their ability to close out games efficiently. During the post-match interview after the game against the Kings, skipper Hardik Pandya acknowledged the need for his team to finish games earlier rather than taking them too deep. The Titans will look to address this issue and secure comfortable victories in the upcoming matches to avoid any unnecessary last-minute drama.
Rajasthan Royals -In contrast to the Titans, the Rajasthan Royals have been much more efficient and precise in their performances this season, which is why they currently hold the top spot in the points table. Their dominant victories over Sunrisers Hyderabad by 72 runs in the opening game and Delhi Capitals by 57 runs have showcased their excellent form. In their previous match against the Chennai Super Kings, the Royals managed to narrowly avert a comeback by MS Dhoni's team and secure a crucial victory. Now, they will look to continue their winning momentum and build on their early-season success
Probable 11:
Gujarat Titans- Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Vijay Shankar, Rashid Khan, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammed Shami, Joshua Little
Rajasthan Royals - Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson(c & wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jason Holder, Kuldeep Sen, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Interesting Match Facts:
- Mohammed Shami has dismissed Shimron Hetmyer four times in just 17 deliveries.
- Jos Buttler has been dismissed five times in the IPL by Rashid Khan and Mohit Sharma combined.
- Rashid Khan has taken the wickets of Devdutt Padikkal and Shimron Hetmyer twice each in the IPL.
- Yuzvendra Chahal has dismissed Hardik Pandya twice and David Miller three times in the IPL.
- David Miller has been dismissed twice by R Ashwin and has a strike rate of 115.38 against him.
- Sanju Samson needs only 54 more runs to reach the landmark of 3000 runs for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
- Hardik Pandya needs just 16 more runs to reach 2000 runs and 50-plus wickets in the IPL, a feat achieved by only five other players, and he will become the youngest to do so.
Pitch and Weather report:
Teams chasing have won both matches at this venue so far in IPL 2023. The upcoming match is expected to have batting-friendly conditions, with temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius. In the last four matches played at this venue, teams batting second have emerged victorious, making it a preferred choice for the chasing teams.
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Date & Time: 16th April, 7:30 PM IST
Live Streaming: Star Sports Network and Jio Cinema.
Dream XI Team:
