IPL 2023: Five Players Battles To Watch Out For PBKS vs GT

image-lgdkey3vRashid will be key play in PBKS vs GT (Twitter)

Punjab Kings will go head-to-head against Gujarat Titans in the 18th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. The much-anticipated contest will take place at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Thursday, April 13. 

There’s no denying that cricket is a game of strategic match-ups, and some of these can be game-changers. 

As we gear up for this match, let’s take a look at some of the best on-field rivalries that could shape the result of the contest:-


Shikhar Dhawan vs Rashid Khan 

image-lgdjybnaShikhar Dhawan | Source: Twitter 

Shikhar Dhawan, the current highest run-scorer of the tournament, has been the backbone of the Punjab Kings' batting lineup, scoring runs at will and leading the team's charge. 

Even in the last match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, when wickets were falling from one end, he remained composed and played a vital knock of unbeaten 99 to take his team to a respectable total.

However, heading into this match, Dhawan faces a stern test against the spin wizard Rashid Khan, who has dismissed him four times in T20s and will be a key bowler for the Gujarat Titans. 


Shubman Gill vs Rahul Chahar

image-lgdk31o9 Shubman Gill | Source: Twitter 

While Shubman Gill has been in top-notch form lately and has proven his mettle against spinners, he faces a daunting task in the form of Punjab Kings' spinner Rahul Chahar in the upcoming game. 

This face-off between the two has been intense, with each trying to outdo the other. While Gill has managed to strike at an impressive rate of above 180 against Chahar, the star spinner has dismissed him twice in the 32 balls he has faced. 


Liam Livingstone vs Rashid Khan

image-lgdjyqesLiam Livingstone | Source: Twitter 

The wait is over for Punjab Kings as Liam Livingstone has finally arrived and is up for selection in the next game against Gujarat Titans. The dynamic all-rounder has been in scintillating form, and his power-hitting ability is unmatched. 

However, there's one bowler who has had his number, and that is the spin maestro Rashid Khan. Livingstone has faced 65 balls of the Afghanistan spinner, scoring 115 runs at a strike rate of 176 but also getting dismissed four times. This is going to be an interesting and much-awaited battle on Thursday.  


Shubman Gill vs Kagiso Rabada

image-lgdkd0ukKagiso Rabada | Source: Twitter 

Shubman Gill has been in fantastic form over the last few months, displaying his prowess against both spin and pace. However, there's one bowler who has been known to get the better of him, and that is Kagiso Rabada.

The South African pacer is yet to feature for Punjab Kings in this season, but if he does play, he could pose a significant threat to Gill. Rabada has dismissed Gill twice in T20 cricket, while the young Indian opener has managed only 37 runs off 29 balls against him.  


David Miller vs Arshdeep Singh

image-lgdk218mArshdeep Singh | Source: Twitter 

David Miller has been a key contributor to Gujarat Titans' success last year, particularly with his knack for finishing games and he will look to do the same this year as well. His numbers against Arshdeep Singh are phenomenal, having scored 35 runs off just 14 balls while being dismissed only once. 

With Arshdeep Singh being the best Indian death bowler in the tournament currently, it will be interesting to see how the battle between him and David Miller unfolds in the upcoming game. 


Jitesh Sharma vs Rashid Khan

image-lgdjzw5rRashid Khan | Source: Twitter 

Punjab Kings' young wicket-keeper, Jitesh Sharma, has been a revelation for them. He looked in great touch with the bat even last year and has started off right from where he left the last season. 

He has played both the pace and spin on front foot and with his excellent record against leg spinners, which saw him scoring 65 runs from 25 deliveries with just one dismissal, he might be looking to target Rashid Khan in the upcoming match.