Gujarat Titans (GT) started their season with a defeat against Punjab Kings (PBKS); since then, they’ve been unstoppable. That’s largely due to how their batters, especially the top order, have fared. Jos Buttler is one of the protagonists behind their destructive batting form. It’s the same Buttler who, until last season, was fulfilling the same role for the team he’ll face in the 23rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL): Rajasthan Royals.
It could make for a compelling revenge story, given that RR suffer from the very issues Buttler is now solving for GT. But Buttler and RR have shared a deeper connection over the past seven years, too deep to easily reduce to vengeance. This was echoed by Sanju Samson, RR’s captain, who called the English wicket-keeper one of his closest friends.
But c’est la vie, and c’est la IPL. There is no reprieve for even the closest of friends, and GT will want to maintain their dominance, as they currently occupy second place on the points table.
Team Overview:
Besides Buttler, Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill have been instrumental in showcasing GT’s brilliance with the bat. However, they’d be pleased to see some contributions coming from the middle order too, since the top order has so far carried most of the load. One point of concern for Gujarat is Rashid Khan’s uncharacteristic form this season. It hasn’t cost them yet, but that doesn’t mean it won’t. The cushion has mainly been provided by Mohammad Siraj’s spectacular performances with the ball—he’s taken nine wickets in three games and is expected to continue delivering in upcoming matches. For this game, however, they will be without Kagiso Rabada, who has left the team due to personal reasons.
RR, on the other hand, are coming off two consecutive wins. In their victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Nitish Rana’s 81-run knock gave them the edge they needed. A similar role was fulfilled by Yashasvi Jaiswal, whose bat had been relatively quiet against PBKS. If RR’s batters continue sharing the load like this, they could notch up a few more wins. Jofra Archer finally seems to have adjusted to the conditions, and RR will hope his form continues to improve, especially on the tracks in Ahmedabad.
Head-to-Head Matches:
Barring one game in the 2023 season, Gujarat Titans have won all encounters against Rajasthan. The current head-to-head record stands at 5-1 in GT’s favour across six games.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Both teams made a total of 356 runs in the last game played in Ahmedabad—by IPL standards, not an excessively high-scoring affair. The pitch here usually offers true bounce, which should suit stroke-makers. That said, bowlers will also fancy their chances on this surface.
Prediction:
RR have gained the momentum they needed, and two consecutive wins suggest they are more than just a team with lingering problems. However, with GT playing at home, they’ll be keen to make the most of the conditions and aim for the top spot on the table.
Where to Watch:
India: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar
UK: Sky Sports, SkyGo
USA: Willow TV
Australia: Kayo TV, FoxTel Go
Bangladesh: T Sports, Toffee app
New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ
Afghanistan: ATN
South Africa: SuperSport
Sri Lanka: Dialog
MENA: Cricbuzz
