IPL 2023: 3 Players Who Will Be Crucial for Gujarat Titans to Win PBKS vs GT Match No. 18

IPL 2023: After winning their maiden season in 2022, the Gujarat Titans started the 16th edition with a couple of comprehensive wins. They beat Chennai Super Kings in the season opener by five wickets. Then, they beat Delhi Capitals by six wickets in their second game. GT was on the verge of winning their third game in a row, but Rinku Sing’s heroics snatched that victory from them.

He hit five consecutive sixes off the last five balls to win it for KKR, and GT suffered their first loss. But that was a rare moment, and Gujarat almost won that game. Hence, they will take the confidence forward when they face the Punjab Kings in their next game. GT just needs their key players to deliver a match-winning performance to register their third win. In this article, we will talk about three important GT players in PBKS vs GT Match No. 18.

IPL 2023: 3 Key Players for Gujarat Titans in PBKS vs GT Match No. 18

3. Sai Sudharshan

Among the teams full of superstars, a 21-year-old left-handed batter Sai Sudharshan has made a big impact. He is the leading run-scorer for the team this season and has two consecutive half-centuries under his belt heading into the game against PBKS. Despite some low scores from GT openers in the last couple of games, Sudharshan hasn’t let more wickets fall.

He has given the team the solidity they required and also scored runs at a good pace. The left-hander has scored 137 runs in three innings at an average of 68.50 and a strike rate of 133.01, including two half-centuries. He will be a big wicket for PBKS because he can take the game away from them with another good knock on Thursday.

2. Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill is always a big wicket for the opposition across all formats because of the form he is in. The 23-year-old started the IPL 2023 with a 63 off 36 against CSK to lead his team to victory. But after that, in the games against GT and KKR, he got starts but got out at the wrong time.

But still, he has scored 116 runs in three innings at an average and strike rate of 38.67 and 145, respectively. Gill will look to play a good inning this time around and can be the game-changer for the defending champion. The opener has been in good form and can play a big inning, which can turn the game in their favor. PBKS will require that its bowlers remove him quickly before it is too late.

IPL 2023: 1. Rashid Khan

At one stage, KKR was moving towards victory in the last game, but it was the hat trick from Rashid Khan that brought GT back into the game. He also led GT in the absence of Hardik Panday. Rashid has been the key man for the defending champion this season as well. He is the second-highest wicket-taker of the season.

In three games, he has taken 8 wickets and is in the race for the “Purple Cap.” He is also good with the bat and has played a few cameos for his team down the order, which makes him a valuable player for the team. Rashid will be required against PBKS as well, who can stop their batter in the middle. And after PBKS batters struggled against SRH leg-spinner Mayank Markande, Rashid proved to be more lethal.