IPL 2024: Gujarat Titans' strongest predicted playing XI against Kolkata Knight Riders, Match 63

Gujarat Titans (GT) kept their playoff hopes alive with a recent 35-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Hanging by a thread, the only way for them to make it to the last four is to win the remaining two matches at an excellent margin. The 2022 champions are currently eighth in the points table with a dismal net run rate of -1.063.

Titans' first assignment is against table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the first team to qualify for the playoffs. The two-time champions sealed a berth in the knockout stage after beating Mumbai Indians (MI) by 18 runs. Nevertheless, expect a losing game from them as one more win will guarantee them a top-two finish in the table. 

A defeat for GT at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday, May 13 would mean they are out of the tournament. If they manage to topple KKR, happiness will not only be in the GT camp but also for the other six teams still in contention for the playoffs. Shubman Gill and Co. made a few changes to their line-up against CSK and it worked well for them. Can we expect them to play the same winning combination against KKR?

Check Here: GT vs KKR Dream11 Team Prediction,

Here is the strongest predicted playing XI of GT for the 63^rd match of IPL 2024 against KKR:

Openers: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan

GT made a great decision to drop the struggling Wriddhiman Saha in the match against CSK. The in-form Sai Sudarshan replaced the out-of-form keeper-batter in the opening role, a decision that paid off handsomely. GT were asked to bat first and both did not let the smiles leave the faces of the CSK fans.

Both scored their respective centuries to form a double-century partnership (210) and help GT post a huge total of 231. Notably, Sudharsan is currently the fourth-leading run-scorer in the series with 527 runs. On the other hand, Gill has scored 426 runs at an average of 38.73 and a strike rate of 147.40.

Also Check: Orange Cap in IPL 2024- Most Runs

Middle-order: Shahrukh Khan, David Miller, Matthew Wade (wk) 

When Shahrukh Khan was with Punjab Kings in the previous seasons, he played the role of a finisher. But GT gave him a promotion in the batting order and it gave the desired result. He is a powerful striker and can provide much-needed acceleration in middle overs. 

David Miller hasn't played a big innings this season, but he has been there in the middle order to give the team a solid finish. The franchise trusts him to rescue the team when the top order is crumbling. Matthew Wade hasn't had much of a chance this season. The Australian was back in the team against CSK to do the wicketkeeping duties as they dropped Saha from the XI.

Also Check: Who will win today’s IPL match between GT and KKR?

All-rounders: Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan

Rahul Tewatia's all-round prowess has not been utilized by GT this season but he has been a regular in the XI for his contributions in the batting department. Batting in the lower middle order, the southpaw is tasked with delivering a blazing finish. Tewatia does not hesitate to trouble the batters with his leg-spinner deliveries when the team calls for it or when the pitch is too supportive for the spinners.

Rashid Khan's failure in both departments is one of the reasons for GT's poor campaign. This time the former champions did not get the desired service from the Afghanistan all-rounder. In the previous match against CSK, he picked up two wickets but at the cost of 9.50 runs per over.

Check Here: GT vs KKR Live Score, Match 63

Bowlers: Noor Ahmad, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Kartik Tyagi

Afghanistan duo Noor Ahmad and Rashid will take charge of the spin department. Left-arm wrist spinner Noor is a great addition to GT with his wicket-taking ability and economical spell. Mohit Sharma will lead GT's pace attack which includes veteran Umesh Yadav and youngster Kartik Tyagi.

Mohit was excellent against CSK in the last match, where he picked up three wickets at an economy of 7.80. However, the story was different in previous matches where he leaked a lot of runs, especially in the death overs. Yadav returned to the team in their last match and took one wicket at an economy of 6.70. Meanwhile, Karthik Tyagi had a forgettable debut for GT as he conceded 51 runs in his four overs.

Also Check: Purple Cap in IPL 2024 - Most Wickets

GT’s Predicted XI against KKR:

Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, David Miller, Matthew Wade (wk), Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Kartik Tyagi.

Impact Substitute: Sandeep Warrier