IPL 2023: 3 Key Match-Ups to Watch-Out in GT VS LSG Match No.51

In the 51st match of the IPL 2023, Gujarat Titans (GT) will strive to maintain their incredible form against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The reigning champions have been in top form and are expected to leverage their home ground advantage against LSG. Unfortunately, LSG will be missing their captain KL Rahul for the remainder of the tournament, which may make it challenging for them to confront this formidable Gujarat team on their home turf.

Hardik Pandya’s Gujarat Titans currently lead the IPL Points Table with 14 points, having won seven of their ten games so far. Lucknow Super Giants, on the other hand, are placed second with 11 points and are eager to challenge the defending champions as they face off at the Narendra Modi Stadium. In their last game, Gujarat comfortably defeated Rajasthan Royals, who were bowled out for just 118 runs in 17.5 overs, with only one player scoring more than 20 runs. Rashid Khan stood out with three wickets for just 14 runs in four overs, while fellow spinner Noor Ahmad picked up two wickets. The Titans chased down the target with ease, losing only one wicket and winning the game in just 13.5 overs. Joshua Little will not be available for the Titans as he is in Ireland.

Lucknow Super Giants currently occupy the second position in the IPL 2023 points table, having won five of their ten matches. Their most recent match against Chennai Super Kings was affected by rain, resulting in a no-result. Prior to the rain interruption, Lucknow managed to score 125 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 19.2 overs. Previous to that game against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Lucknow failed to chase the target of 127 runs and lost by 18 runs. Sadly, their captain KL Rahul sustained an injury during the match and has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament. Karun Nair has joined the team as his replacement.

IPL 2023: Top Player Battles to Keep an Eye on in GT VS LSG Game:

3) Shubman Gill vs Krunal Pandya

Shubman Gill has been Titans’ highest run-scorer in IPL 2023, amassing 375 runs so far. However, he has had difficulty facing Krunal Pandya, who got the better of him in their previous encounter this season. Gill has also struggled against left-arm spinners, with Krunal conceding just 29 runs off 37 balls against him in the tournament.

Despite this, Gill has an impressive overall record against left-arm spinners in IPL, with a strike rate of 134.44. Krunal will need to have a precise plan to keep Gill under check in their upcoming game. It will be an interesting face-off between the two players, with Gill looking to get back into form and Krunal looking to maintain his hold over the young batsman. Gill’s performances will be crucial for GT in their bid to defend their IPL title, and he will be eager to put up a good show against LSG. 

2) Kyle Mayers vs Mohammed Shami

The upcoming match between GT and LSG in the IPL 2023 will feature an interesting matchup between Kyle Mayers and Mohammed Shami. Mayers has been in top form for Lucknow, scoring at an impressive strike rate of 142 during the powerplay overs this season. On the other hand,le Shami has been highly effective with the new ball, with his tally of 12 powerplay wickets being the highest for any bowler this season.

As both players open the proceedings in their respective departments, they are bound to face each other. Their face-off promises to be an intriguing contest, with Mayers looking to maintain his aggressive approach against the experienced Shami. It remains to be seen whether Mayers can continue his impressive form against Shami, who has been one of the best bowlers in the IPL this season. Overall, this match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams looking to secure a crucial victory in their bid to qualify for the playoffs. The outcome of the match could hinge on the performances of key players such as Mayers and Shami, making their individual battle all the more important.

1) Hardik Pandya vs Ravi Bishnoi

Gujarat Titans’ skipper, Hardik Pandya, comes into the game with great confidence, having played an outstanding innings of 39* runs off just 15 balls in his team’s last match against the Rajasthan Royals. Pandya is known for his ability to handle spinners with ease, so Ravi Bishnoi, the key spinner of Lucknow Super Giants, will have to come up with a well-planned strategy to stop him. Jr Pandya has scored 55 runs off just 25 balls against Bishnoi without losing his wicket, so the young spinner needs to be extra careful while bowling to him. Pandya’s overall strike rate against leg spinners in the IPL is 130.10, indicating his dominance against this bowling style.

The LSG skipper will need to work with his bowlers to develop a plan that could limit the impact of Pandya in this upcoming match. Given his current form, the Titans’ captain can take the game away from LSG if they don’t find a way to dismiss him early or restrict his scoring. It will be an exciting contest between Pandya and Bishnoi, as both players will be determined to come out on top in this battle. Pandya’s proficiency against spin and Bishnoi’s ability to deceive the batters with his variations will make for an engaging matchup, one that the cricketing world will be watching closely.