Gujarat Titans (GT) are set to continue their journey in the ongoing IPL 2024 as they face off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
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GT vs RCB: Match Preview
The Titans enter this match fresh from a narrow defeat in their previous encounter. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, they experienced a loss against Delhi Capitals in Delhi, marking their fifth defeat of the season. Facing the team currently at the bottom of the table, the Titans aim to secure their fifth victory of the season.
On the contrary, the Bengaluru-based team is enduring a forgettable season in IPL 2024. With only two wins in nine matches, RCB managed a strong victory over the Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last outing. However, challenging the Titans in Ahmedabad presents a formidable task for the 2016 finalists.
Gujarat Titans’ season has been a mix of ups and downs. In their recent match against Delhi Capitals, their strategic decisions came under scrutiny: Sandeep Warrier, their standout bowler of the day, was limited to just three overs, while left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore, who had claimed 4 for 33 against Punjab Kings, was introduced late in the 19th over, conceding 22 runs.
In their upcoming match on Sunday, returning to their home ground, the Titans will seek to refine their strategy, akin to their previous daytime fixture at the venue. In that game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, recognizing the slowdown in conditions once the ball softened, GT utilized Afghanistan spinners Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed, along with Mohit Sharma, who delivered 13 cutters out of 24 balls during overs 7 to 14, resulting in three crucial wickets and only 53 runs conceded.
RCB, with just one left-hand batter in their top seven, could face a spin-dominated challenge. Alongside Rashid and Noor, GT may introduce Sai Kishore in the powerplay to apply early pressure on Virat Kohli, who has a slower strike rate of 123.57 against spinners compared to 161.62 against fast bowlers.
However, RCB boasts Rajat Patidar, who has displayed excellent form and a strike rate of 225 against spinners this season. Additionally, RCB’s recent win against Sunrisers, where spinners Karn Sharma and Swapnil Singh excelled, provides confidence.
GT will also seek to enhance their batting performance in the powerplay, as their run rate of 8.1 in this phase is the second-lowest among all teams this season. Slow starts from the top three batsmen – Wriddhiman Saha, Shubman Gill, and Sai Sudharsan – have placed pressure on the middle order, comprising several power-hitters, to compensate.
In Terms Of Recent Form:
Gujarat Titans LWLWL
Royal Challengers Bangalore WLLLL
GT vs RCB: Pitch Report & Conditions
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad presents a balanced pitch that offers assistance to both fast bowlers and spinners alike. This equilibrium sets the stage for a closely contested battle between the two teams. As the match progresses, batting becomes more favorable in the second innings, with the ball coming onto the bat smoothly. Therefore, the team winning the toss may opt to field first to take advantage of the conditions.
Players should prepare for a scorching afternoon, with temperatures peaking at 40°C. In their recent match at the venue, GT suffered a significant defeat, being dismissed for 89 runs, a total easily chased down by Delhi Capitals within nine overs. However, in their previous afternoon fixture in Ahmedabad, GT’s bowlers performed admirably to limit SRH to 162 for 8, allowing the hosts to successfully chase down the target with five balls to spare.
GT vs RCB: Head-to-head
- Matches Played: 3
- Won by Gujarat Titans: 2
- Won by Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 1
- No Result: 0
- First Played: April 30, 2022
- Last Played: May 21, 2023
GT vs RCB: Team News and Impact Player Strategy
Gujarat Titans
In the previous match, Gujarat Titans (GT) swapped Sai Sudharsan for Sandeep Warrier as the Impact Player; if they bat first this time, they are likely to reverse that decision. With Azmatullah Omarzai’s underwhelming performances in six matches, and given their ample bowling options, GT may consider inserting Kane Williamson at No. 4.
Predicted XII:
- Shubman Gill (captain)
- Wriddhiman Saha
- Sai Sudharsan
- Azmatullah Omarzai or Kane Williamson
- David Miller
- Shahrukh Khan
- Rahul Tewatia
- R Sai Kishore
- Rashid Khan
- Noor Ahmad
- Mohit Sharma
- Sandeep Warrier
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
In the latter part of the match against SRH, RCB made a strategic substitution, bringing in left-arm spinner Swapnil Singh as the Impact Player instead of Rajat Patidar. This decision proved fruitful as Swapnil dismissed Aiden Markram and the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen in a single over, tilting the game in RCB’s favor. Considering their success, RCB is unlikely to alter their lineup unless there are injury concerns.
Predicted XII:
- Virat Kohli
- Faf du Plessis (captain)
- Will Jacks
- Rajat Patidar
- Cameron Green
- Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper)
- Mahipal Lomror
- Karn Sharma
- Swapnil Singh
- Lockie Ferguson
- Mohammed Siraj
- Yash Dayal
GT vs RCB: Players Under The Spotlight
GT- Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill hasn’t maintained his usual consistency this season, posting scores of 6, 35, and 8 leading up to this game. His slow starts have also affected GT’s run rate during the powerplay overs. However, as GT returns to their home ground, where Gill has historically performed well, there’s anticipation regarding his ability to kickstart his team effectively. Gill boasts an impressive average of over 64, accumulating 833 runs in just 16 IPL games at this venue.
RCB- Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli showcased a mixed performance in the previous match against SRH, scoring a 43-ball 51, marking his third half-century of the season. However, his innings was a tale of two halves. After a brisk start, he struggled to accelerate, particularly against left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem and the left-arm seamers Jaydev Unadkat and Natarajan, who utilized a variety of slower deliveries. In this year’s IPL, Kohli has been prolific in the powerplay, striking at 155 with 35 boundaries. However, his strike rate drops to 123 in the middle overs, where he has managed only 13 boundaries. GT may exploit this by introducing spin early against Kohli, who has a strike rate of under 140 against Rashid, Sai Kishore, and Noor.
GT vs RCB: Match Prediction
Scenario 1:
- Gujarat Titans win the toss and choose to bowl.
- Powerplay score: 45-55.
- First innings score: 185-195.
- Result: Gujarat Titans win the match.
Scenario 2:
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru win the toss and choose to bowl.
- Powerplay score: 55-65.
- First innings score: 195-205.
- Result: Gujarat Titans win the match.
GT vs RCB: Dream 11 Fantasy Prediction
Team 1:
- Keeper: Wriddhiman Saha
- Batsman: Shubman Gill (VC), Faf du Plesis, Virat Kohli (C)
- All-rounders: Azmatullah Omarzai, Cameron Green, Will Jacks
- Bowlers: Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal
Team 2:
- Keeper: Dinesh Karthik, Wriddhiman Saha
- Batsman: Shubman Gill (VC), Sai Sudarshan, Virat Kohli (C), Faf du Plesis, Rajat Patidar
- All-rounders: Cameron Green, Will Jacks
- Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad
When and Where to Watch the Match: Streaming & Broadcast Details
What: Gujarat Titans (GT) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), IPL 2024
When: 3:30 PM IST, Saturday – April 28
Where: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Where to watch GT vs RCB Live Streaming: JioCinema app for FREE
Where to watch GT vs RCB Live Telecast: Star Sports
