5 Player Battles To Watch Out For in GT vs RR IPL 2023 Match

image-lgj2kqaoGT will take on RR tonight [Source: IPLT20.com]

Tonight, Gujarat Titans will cross swords against Rajasthan Royals in the 23rd match of the Indian Premier League 2023. Both teams comprise some outright match-winners, so we expect a fascinating clash in Ahmedabad. 

Meanwhile, there are some on-field rivalries which can determine the outcome of the game. Let's analyse and list such five player battles to watch out for in this face-off. 


Jos Buttler vs Mohammed Shami & Rashid Khan

image-lgj2m6l3Jos Buttler in action [Source: AP]

As expected, Jos Buttler has had an outstanding start to his IPL 2023 campaign, emerging as RR's mainstay with the bat, scoring 204 runs at a superb strike rate of 170 in only four appearances. 

While the English keeper-batter has an upper hand over Gujarat's ace seamer Mohammed Shami, spin maestro Rashid Khan has been his nemesis as indicated by the stats below. 

Jos Buttler vs Mohammed Shami (in T20 cricket): 65 balls, 102 runs, 2 dismissals, SR- 156.92

Jos Buttler vs Rashid Khan (in T20s): 72 balls, 50 runs, 4 dismissals


Shubman Gill vs Trent Boult & Ravichandran Ashwin

image-lgj2nb15Shubman Gill is in sublime form [Source: AP]

Indian batting sensation Shubman Gill's rise in international cricket has been exceptional, to say the least. After grabbing a million eyeballs through some spectacular performances in Indian colours, the Punjab batter has showcased incredible consistency in the IPL 2023, amassing 183 runs in four games at a superb strike rate of 141.86. 

While Gill has stunning numbers against Ravichandran Ashwin, RR's lead seamer Trent Boult has kept him quiet, dismissing him once in T20s. 

Shubman Gill vs Ravichandran Ashwin: 47 balls, 72 runs, 0 dismissals, SR- 153.2 

Shubman Gill vs Trent Boult: 40 balls, 39 runs, 1 dismissal, SR- 97.5


Shimron Hetmyer vs Rashid Khan

image-lgj2o3vhRashid Khan has terrific numbers against Hetmyer [Source: AP]

Swashbuckling West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer has perfectly played the role of a finisher for Rajasthan Royals, playing some impactful cameos down the order. 

However, considering his abysmal record against Rashid Khan, the Titans might keep at least an over of the spin wizard reserved for Hetmyer.

Shimron Hetmyer vs Rashid Khan: 50 balls, 64 runs, 4 dismissals


Sai Sudharsan vs Ravichandran Ashwin

image-lgj2svomSai Sudharsan has had a fantastic tournament [Source: AP]

While the eyes were on Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya and David Miller, young Tamil Nadu batter B Sai Sudharsan has emerged as the backbone of GT's batting lineup in the IPL this season. However, the stylish southpaw has mediocre numbers against right-arm off spinners, which is why his on-field battle with RR's Ravichandran Ashwin will be interesting. 

Sai Sudharsan vs Right-arm off spin in T20s: 43 balls, 49 runs, 3 dismissals, Avg- 16.3, SR- 114


Sanju Samson vs Mohammed Shami & Hardik Pandya

image-lgj2ut9lSamson has recorded two successive failures [Source: AP]

After playing two scintillating knocks in the first couple of games against SRH and PBKS, RR skipper Sanju Samson failed to step up in the subsequent two fixtures, recording ducks on both occasions. 

While the stylish batter from Kerala has dominated Mohammed Shami, his stats against Hardik Pandya could prompt the GT captain to introduce himself when he comes out to bat tonight. 

Sanju Samson vs Mohammed Shami: 28 balls, 54 runs, 1 dismissal 

Sanju Samson vs Hardik Pandya: 21 balls, 37 runs, 2 dismissals