Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be locking horns with Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 67th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Faf du Plessis-led side suffered a demoralizing loss in their previous game against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and it has taken a big toll on their net run rate as well.
With seven wins in 13 games, a victory might just not be enough for the RCB to reach the playoffs and their fate still doesn’t lie in their hands with other results affecting scenarios. On the other hand, Gujarat Titans have been the team to beat so far in the tournament and have qualified for the playoffs already with 10 wins in 13 games.
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However, with the playoffs approaching, the Hardik Pandya-led side would be looking to keep the winning momentum going as well. The form of Wriddhiman Saha has been a great boost to the side after his scintillating knock in the previous game. In the reverse fixture, GT registered a close win over RCB.
Player battles between both the sides will make a massive difference, and Ahead of the key clash, we take a look at the matchups to watch out for.
#1 Virat Kohli vs Mohammed Shami
The last time Virat Kohli was dismissed, he looked up towards the heavens pleading for something to go his way. This hasn’t happened thus far in IPL 2022 where he has managed just 236 runs from 13 matches at an average of 19.67 and a strike rate of 113.46. He will be up against Titans pace spearhead Mohammed Shami. The seamer has bagged 18 wickets from 13 matches and is the leading wicket-taker for the side. His swing and nippy pace can be a challenge for Kohli.
#2 Josh Hazlewood vs Shubman Gill
While Josh Hazlewood had a torrid game against the Punjab Kings (PBKS), he will be eager to make a fiery comeback against GT. Shubman Gill has breached the 400-run mark in IPL 2022 and he will play a crucial role for the team in the playoffs. Hazlewood has been among the wickets for RCB. He heads into this clash with 13 wickets from nine matches.
#3 Dinesh Karthik vs Rashid Khan
Much of RCB’s final stretch flourishes have come from Dinesh Karthik’s bat and the same will be expected from the veteran batter as he will be squaring off with Rashid Khan. The Afghan tweaker has been among the wickets in the last three matches he’s played, and the onus will be on dismissing the Challengers’ in-form batter. This player-battle might just be the deciding factor.
