GT vs KKR set to play on April 9 [iplt20.com]
The unbeatable defending champions, Gujarat Titans (GT) collide against a resurgent Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in an epic IPL 2023 match on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The Hardik Pandya led Gujarat have played two matches and have won both the games rather convincingly. KKR started the tournament on a wrong note, but bounced back with a drubbing of RCB in their second match.
Team Previews
Gujarat Titans
Arguably the most balanced team in the tournament, Gujarat Titans are a team to beat in this tournament. If Shubman Gill doesn't fire, Hardik Pandya will, if Pandya fails, David Miller will score, if Miller fails, the finisher Rahul Tewatia will finish things off in style.
There is a sense of calmness that Hardik brings to the table that has benefited the franchise since the start of last season. They play as a unit and that has helped the Titans to become a formidable foe in their short stay in the IPL. In both their matches, it seemed as if Gujarat will lose the match, but the confidence in the batting lineup was witnessed on both occasions as the defending champions crossed the winning line without breaking any sweat.
The emergence of Alzarri Joseph has helped Hardik's cause and the wily Rashid Khan keeps on chipping in with wickets whenever he comes onto ball. The big question is - Can anyone stop them?
Kolkata Knight Riders
The original captain out of the tournament with a back injury, a makeshift leader announced in Nitish Rana, a loss to kick-start the IPL, but KKR left that behind in a 'statement' win over the high-flying RCB.
Almost everything went right for them, especially the emergence of Shardul Thakur the power-hitter. KKR looked down and out at 89 for 5 against RCB, but Shardul became an unlikely hero and blasted a quick-fire 29-ball 68 to help his side cross the 200-run mark.
The KKR spinners continued the good work and finished the job as RCB faltered in the chase.
An interesting battle awaits us. Who will walk out victorious?
Match Details
Date and Time: April 9, 3:30 PM IST
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Live Streaming: Star Sports, Jio Cinema
Pitch Report
Expect a belter of a track at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The batters will enjoy the stroke-play and the ball will come onto the bat nicely. A tough day for the bowlers awaits.
Predicted XI
GT: Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, Joshua Little, Yash Dayal, Alzarri Joseph
Impact Players: Vijay Shankar, Srikar Bharat, Abhinav Manohar, Odean Smith, Shivam Mavi
KKR: Mandeep Singh, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana (c), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Shardul Thakur, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy
Impact Players: Narayan Jagadeesan, Anukul Roy, Suyash Sharma, Lockie Ferguson, David Wiese.
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-keepers: Wriddhiman Saha, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters: Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan, David Miller
All-rounders: Sunil Narine, Hardik Pandya
Bowlers: Alzarri Joseph, Varun Chakravarthy, Shardul Thakur, Rashid Khan
Captain: Rashid Khan
Vice-captain: David Miller
Prediction
GT have won back-to-back matches and apart from PBKS are the only unbeaten team in the tournament. They have a balanced squad and will start as the favourites on their home turf.
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
