IPL 2023: Match 13, Gujarat Titans (GT) Predicted Playing XI vs Kolkata Knight Riders

Gujarat Titans. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)

The defending champions Gujarat Titans will look to continue their dominant run in the Indian Premier League as they lock horns against Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 13 on April 9 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

They beat Chennai Super Kings in the curtain raiser of the season by five wickets and registered their second victory against Delhi Capitals by six wickets. The Hardik Pandya-led side will be up against KKR who are coming into their third match having blown away RCB in their last game. Gujarat will have to once again bring their A-game to the fore to beat the rejuvenated Kolkata side and complete a hat-trick of wins.

Here’s Gujarat Titans’ predicted XI against Kolkata Knight Riders:

Openers: Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha (wk)

Shubman Gill continued his brilliant form in the opening game of the tournament, scoring 63 off 36 balls against CSK with six fours and three sixes in his innings. However, he failed to fire in the second game and got dismissed for 14. The talented youngster will be hungry for runs come the third game and will look to play another big innings.

Wicketkeeper-batter Saha has been playing aggressively at the top, scoring 25 off 16 and 14 off 7 in the two games so far. The 38-year-old veteran will look to play another big knock for his side in the upcoming match.

Middle Order: Sai Sudharsan, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia

Sai Sudharsan came into the team in the second game replacing the injured Kane Williamson and marked his arrival in style with his knock of 62* off 48 balls, helping his side chase down the target of 163 with utmost ease.

David Miller also marked his arrival in the tournament with a brilliant knock of unbeaten 31 off 16 against Delhi Capitals. The veteran batter has bailed the team out of trouble several times in the past and will be eager to do so in the upcoming game as well.

Rahul Tewatia once again gave the finishing touches to the innings in the first game against CSK, scoring 15 off 14 balls. However, he could not get a chance in the second match. Given an opportunity, the southpaw will look to pull off another spectacular finish for his side.

All Rounders: Hardik Pandya (c)

The dashing leader has done an excellent job as a captain but has failed to fire in the two matches so far. He has scores of eight and five in the two games and has failed to pick up a single wicket in the six overs he bowled. Pandya will be eager to step up and perform for his side if the opportunity presents itself and lead from the front.

Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, Joshua Little, Yash Dayal, Alzarri Joseph

Rashid Khan has proven his mettle time and again in T20 cricket, picking up crucial wickets for his side. He can also score vital runs with the bat lower down the order and finish matches for his team. The 24-year-old put on his all-round skills on display in the opening game against CSK, when he was awarded Player of the Match for picking 2/26 in four overs and scoring unbeaten 10 off 3 balls.

Mohammed Shami has been phenomenal with the ball so far, having picked up five wickets in the two matches. The right-arm seamer will be seen running in with the new ball again and picking some big wickets against KKR. Meanwhile,

Joshua Little has picked up just one wicket in two matches so far at an economy of 8.50. The Irish seamer will be desperate to make an impact in the upcoming fixture and contribute to the team’s victory.

Yash Dayal has bowled just two overs so far in the tournament, giving away 26 runs at an economy of 13 and has failed to pick up a wicket. The left-arm seamer will look to control the run flow in the upcoming game and pick some wickets for his team.

Alzarri Joseph has shone with the ball in the first two matches and picked up four wickets at an average of 15.50. The West Indian seamer has forged a terrific partnership with Shami as the duo have been nothing short of a nightmare for opposition batters.

GT’s Predicted XI against KKR: Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, Joshua Little, Yash Dayal, Alzarri Joseph