The Stakes
Both Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT) are in desperate need of a win. Currently languishing near the bottom of the table, their slow-scoring top orders are a major concern.
Top-Order Woes Plague Both Sides
Despite being in a high-scoring season, both teams have struggled at the top. In seven matches, only Shubman Gill from Gujarat Titans has managed a fifty. PBKS captain Sam Curran lamented the lack of support from his batsmen, and the stats back him up.
The Slowest at the Top
PBKS and GT boast the slowest top-three in the IPL, with strike rates well below the league average. While big scores aren’t everything in T20, they haven’t even been managing consistent contributions of 20s and 30s. This has put pressure on the lower middle order, with players like Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans), Shashank Singh (PBKS), and Ashutosh Sharma (PBKS) bailing out their teams on multiple occasions.
Recent Form
- Punjab Kings: Lost their last 3 matches (LLL)
- Gujarat Titans: Inconsistent form with wins and losses alternating (LWLLW)
Expected Playing XIs
Punjab Kings:
Sam Curran (c), Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Liam Livingstone, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Singh
(Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow are doubtful due to injury)
Gujarat Titans:
Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, David Miller, Abhinav Manohar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohit Sharma, Azmatullah Omarzai/Josh Little, Spencer Johnson, Sandeep Warrier, R Sai Kishore/Shahrukh Khan
Players in Spotlight
Jitesh Sharma (PBKS):
Sharma’s recent form has been a concern, averaging just 11.8 against pace bowling this season. Can he find his touch before the T20 World Cup squad selection?
David Miller (GT):
Miller’s return from injury bolsters Gujarat’s middle order. His consistent batting, without sacrificing strike rate, is crucial for their success.
Pitch and Conditions
The pitch at Mullanpur favors fast bowlers, with a first-innings average of 187. Spinners haven’t found much assistance, with pacers taking five times more wickets in the first four games.
Stats that Matter
- Rashid Khan vs. Liam Livingstone: An interesting battle as Rashid has dismissed Livingstone thrice in the IPL this season. However, in all T20s, Livingstone holds his own with a high strike rate against Rashid.
- The Ashutosh & Shashank Show: These two youngsters have been a saving grace for PBKS, contributing a significant portion of the team’s runs at a high strike rate.
- GT’s Slowdown: Compared to their performance last season, GT has slowed down in all batting phases – powerplay, middle overs, and death overs.
- Rabada’s New Role: The switch in bowling strategy for PBKS has benefited Kagiso Rabada. He’s taking wickets and maintaining a good economy rate despite bowling less in the death overs.
This match promises to be a battle between two struggling teams, with the team that overcomes their top-order woes likely to emerge victorious.