In the upcoming clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on April 28th at 7:30 PM IST, Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to battle it out in the 45th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Currently, Gujarat Titans hold the seventh position on the points table, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru finds themselves at the bottom.
Having played nine matches each this season, Gujarat Titans have secured victory in four games, whereas Royal Challengers Bengaluru has managed to win only two. In their recent outing against Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans suffered a narrow defeat by a margin of 4 runs despite commendable contributions from Sai Sudharsan (65 runs) and David Miller (55 runs).
In contrast, Royal Challengers Bengaluru tasted success in their previous encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad, triumphing by 35 runs, with notable performances from Virat Kohli (51 runs) and Rajat Patidar (50 runs). Historically, Gujarat Titans have dominated their rivalry with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, winning two out of three encounters in this format.
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Given the high-scoring nature of the tournament, Gujarat Titans will be keen to avoid a repeat of their previous match at home, where they were bowled out for just 89 runs. A challenging surface is not something they would desire this time around. Head-to-head statistics favour Gujarat Titans, who lead with two victories against Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s one in their previous encounters.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
An interesting tactic for the Titans could be introducing their spin weapon, Rashid Khan, early during the powerplay. He boasts a successful history against RCB’s top batsmen, having dismissed Faf du Plessis three times and Virat Kohli twice in the IPL. Even though skipper Shubman Gill isn’t in peak form, his past success against RCB’s Mohammed Siraj might spark a turnaround.
Probable XI: Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill (c), David Miller, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Noor Ahmad, Mohit Sharma, Sandeep Warrier
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
With Will Jacks and Cameron Green finding form with the bat recently, Australian power-hitter Glenn Maxwell might have to extend his batting break. While all eyes will be on Virat Kohli’s battle against the Titans’ spin trio, RCB will be hoping young batsman Rajat Patidar can dominate against the spinners. Patidar has been impressive this season against spin, boasting a remarkable strike rate of 225 and an average of 67.
Probable XI: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c), Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Wriddhiman Saha, Virat Kohli (C), David Miller, Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, Shubman Gill (VC), Sai Sudharsan, Will Jacks, Cameron Green, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Dinesh Karthik, Virat Kohli (vc), David Miller, Rajat Patidar, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan (c), Will Jacks, Cameron Green, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mohit Sharma,
