IPL 2022: Match 24 – Predicted Gujarat Titans Playing XI vs Rajasthan Royals

After winning three matches on the trot, new entrants Gujarat Titans were given a reality check in a group stage match of Indian Premier League (IPL) against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Chasing 163, the Orange Army went on to win the match by eight wickets and handed GT, their first loss in the tournament.

The Titans are placed fourth on the points table, with three wins in four matches. The new side will face a tough challenge against, table-toppers Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their next match. The Ahmedabad-based franchise would want to come back on their winning run, after defeating RR.

The Titans have a very balanced squad. However, the GT’s team management might want to give a chance to young left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore in place of pacer Darshan Nalkande, who has been a bit expensive so far. Other than that, the rest of the team is expected to be the same.

Gujarat Titans’ predicted XI against Rajasthan Royals

Openers – Shubman Gill, Matthew Wade

Opening batter Shubman Gill failed to get going against SRH, as he scored just seven runs. However, the right-handed batter has been in impressive touch in the tournament. Against PBKS, Gill played a safe knock along with keeping his strike rate above 150 throughout his innings and finished with a match-winning 96 off 59 deliveries that included 11 fours and one six.

After failing to perform in previous matches, Australian wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade did manage to score 19 runs against the Orange Army. The left-handed batter would want to improve his performance in the upcoming match and score at a brisk pace as well.

Middle Order: Sai Sudharsan, Abhinav Manohar, David Miller

After playing a vital knock of 35 runs in his debut match, young batter Sai Sudharsan failed to get going against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The left-handed batter scored just 11 runs before he was scalped by T Natarajan. The 20-year old will want to do well for his side in the upcoming match.

Similarly, David Miller also played a vital knock in his new franchise. The left-handed batter scored 30 off 21 balls in the first match against LSG. Miller remained unbeaten in both the second and the third match as well, scoring 20 and six runs respectively. However, the 32-year old could not get going against SRH and will want to rectify his mistakes in the upcoming match.

On other hand, Abhinav Manohar, who played an excellent knock of 35 in just 21 balls is expected to retain his position in the middle order for the Gujrat Titans.

All Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Rahul Tewatia

Captain Hardik Pandya has been quite phenomenal with both bat and ball so far. The right-handed batter has played some decent knocks in the past four matches including one fifty in the last match. With the ball, he managed to get the wicket of skipper Kane Williamson in the last match and would like to continue his good form in the upcoming match as well.

After his ultimate heroics with the bat against PBKS, Rahul Tewatia was a no-show man, with both bat and ball against SRH. The all-rounder will like to perform more consistently for the new entrants if GT is eyeing that top-four spot in its maiden season.

Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan, Lockie Ferguson, R Sai Kishore

GT pacers have been quite effective so far, where the duo of Mohammed Shami and Lockie Ferguson have provided some vital wickets to the new entrants. While Shami was adjudged the “Player of the Match” in GT’s debut match, Ferguson bagged the award in the second match after grabbing four wickets against Delhi Capitals.

Ace-spinner Rashid Khan is bowling some tight lines and lengths and keeping the opposition batters quiet, during the middle overs. Despite being economical, Khan has not managed to get wickets at regular intervals and he would want to perform well against the RR. On other hand, pacer Darshan Nalkande, who has been a bit expensive so far, can be replaced by the left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore.

GT playing XI –

Matthew Wade (Wk), Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Hardik Pandya (C), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Abhinav Manohar, Rashid Khan, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Shami, R Sai Kishore.