RR vs GT: Can Royals Stun The Titans| Predicted XIs, Pitch Report, Fantasy Tips
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RR won in the previous face-off between the two teams [Source: AP]
On Friday, cricket fans across the globe will witness an absolute blockbuster as two formidable outfits, Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans, will take on each other in the 48th group-stage fixture of the ongoing Indian Premier League season. The high-voltage face-off is scheduled at the iconic Sawai Mansingh stadium in Jaipur.
Team Preview: Rajasthan Royals
Led by Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals got a fabulous start to their IPL 2023 campaign, recording four victories in their first five group-stage fixtures. However, they couldn't capitalise on it and went on to incur three defeats in their next four games.
The Royals definitely have a balanced team on paper, but their inconsistency has proved to be fatal for them. Although Yashasvi Jaiswal has grabbed a million eyeballs through his sensational stroke play, Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson need to take bit more responsibility, as they have been hot and cold with the bat.
There's some improvement expected from the bowling department as well. While Jason Holder's expensive spell against Mumbai Indians raised serious questions on his place in the side, Yuzvendra Chahal is no longer a strike bowler that he was at the initial stage of the tournament.
All in all, the Royals have everything which a team needs to succeed in T20s; it's just that they must execute the plans properly as a unit on the field.
Team Preview: Gujarat Titans
Rashid Khan will play a crucial role for GT [Source: AP]
On the contrary,Gujarat Titans have enjoyed prolific success in the IPL 2023, occupying the top spot in the points table with six wins in nine appearances.
They started off the season with emphatic wins over Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals before Rinku Singh shell-shocked them, pulling off a heist for KKR through his sensational 48-run cameo.
However, the Titans recovered from the traumatic defeat in style, securing commanding wins over PBKS, LSG, MI and KKR before losing a close game to Delhi Capitals.
Almost everything has fallen in place for the Titans, be it Shubman Gill's consistency or Mohammed Shami's exceptional performances in the power play. So, the defending champions must move on from their one-off loss against DC and regroup to prevail over the Royals.
Match Details
Date & Time: May 5, 07.30 PM IST
Venue: Sawai Mansingh stadium, Jaipur
Live Streaming: Jio Cinema & Star Sports Network
Pitch Report: The surface at the Sawai Mansingh stadium in Jaipur has traditionally been a paradise for batters. The even pace and bounce of the track will be ideal for stroke play, which is why we expect a high-scoring affair on Friday night. However, there will be some assistance for the spinners. Considering the trend they have followed, RR might opt to bat, while GT will likely chase upon winning the toss.
Predicted Playing XIs
Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (C/WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jason Holder/Obed McCoy, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult
Impact Players: Kuldeep Sen, Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Kuldip Yadav, Murugan Ashwin
Gujarat Titans: Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Shubman Gill, Abhinav Manohar, Hardik Pandya (C), Vijay Shankar, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Alzarri Joseph (If Joshua Little is not available)
Impact Players: B Sai Sudharsan, R Sai Kishore, Mohit Sharma, Shivam Mavi, Srikar Bharat
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keepers: Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler
Batters: David Miller, Shubman Gill, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal
All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin
Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan, Trent Boult
Captain: Sanju Samson
Vice Captain: Hardik Pandya
Prediction
Both teams have some T20 superstars in their lineup, so, a cracking contest is on the cards. However, considering the balance GT have, we reckon they might outclass the Royals tomorrow.
 "Debashis Sarangi")