Gujarat Titans (GT) will be up against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Thursday (May 16) for their final match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Having lost seven of their 13 matches so far in the league stage, GT were the third team to be eliminated from the playoff race. They currently have 11 points and one more win in the upcoming match will not take them to the minimum cut-off point of 14.
Meanwhile, SRH are just one win away from booking a berth in the playoffs. Pat Cummins and Co. are currently fourth in the points table with 14 points and have two more games to play, including the one against GT. As the two clashes at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, SRH are clear favourites given the home advantage and their remarkable form.
Titans kept their playoff hopes alive with a 35-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, their previous match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was a washout, which put a curtain on their struggling campaign. However, Shubman Gill and his team will aim to end it on a high note and expect a tough fight between the two.
Here is GT’s predicted playing XI against SRH for Match 64 of IPL 2024:
Openers: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan put on a scintillating display against CSK in their last game. Both notched up their respective centuries and forged a partnership of 200+ runs. Both are the pillars of GT’s batting unit and will be expected to carry their sublime form in the final match.
The GT skipper has so far scored 426 runs at an average of 38.73 and a strike rate of 147.40. On the other hand, Sudarshan, currently the fourth leading run-scorer, scored 527 runs at an average of 47.91 and a strike rate of 141.29.
Middle-order: Shahrukh Khan, David Miller, Matthew Wade (wk)
Shahrukh Khan has found a new batting approach ever since he was promoted to No. 4. The right-hander brings much-needed stability in the middle order and helps the team accelerate the scoring rate in the middle overs. He can also chip in with some overs, but GT haven’t used him yet.
David Miller hasn’t played any remarkable innings this season, but he’s been there to make some impactful cameos. Matthew Wade did not get many chances this season as Wriddhiman Saha got the wicket-keeping duties in most of the matches. Saha’s underwhelming performances forced GT to try the Australian.
All-rounder: Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan
We didn’t get to witness a lot of heroics from Rahul Tewatia this seasonKnown for his finishing prowess, the southpaw often bats in the lower middle order. He has played some good knocks but nothing remarkable. GT has also failed to utilise his bowling skills so far.
Rashid Khan has not lived up to expectations this season and that is one of the main reasons behind GT’s dismal campaign. The Afghanistan spinner could not deliver breakthroughs and leaked a lot of runs. GT did not get the expected services from him in the batting department as well.
Bowlers: Noor Ahmad, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Kartik Tyagi
Another spin bowling option for GT is Noor Ahmad. The left-arm wrist spinner has so far been impressive in terms of wicket-taking and economy. Mohit Sharma will lead the pace attack which includes Umesh Yadav, Kartik Tyagi and impact player Sandeep Warrier.
Umesh and Warrier are likely to open the attack for GT. Both will have a tough job against the formidable duo of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. Tyagi failed to shine on his debut for GT as he conceded 51 runs in his four overs without taking any wicket against CSK.
GT XI: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, David Miller, Matthew Wade (wk), Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Kartik Tyagi
Impact Substitute – Sandeep Warrier
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