IPL 2023: 3 Players Who Will Be Crucial for Gujarat Titans to Win RR vs GT Match No. 48

IPL 2023: The defending champion Gujarat Titans have dominated the first half of the 16th edition. That is why they are sitting at the top of the points table with 12 points and +0.532. After three consecutive wins, GT had an eye-opener in the last game when they couldn’t chase down a low target of 131 runs against Delhi Capitals. As a result, they suffered a 5-run loss. But despite that loss, they are still at the top.

However, that loss has certainly given the defending champion some areas to look into. The batting looked rusty, but the bowling performance was on point. GT will now lock horns with Rajasthan Royals on Friday in Jaipur. It will be a rematch of the game played earlier this season. RR won that match by three wickets, and now it is time for GT to make it 1-1. This article will include three important Gujarat players in RR vs GT Match No. 48.

IPL 2023: 3 Key Players for Gujarat Titans in RR vs GT Match No. 48

3. Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami was unplayable in the last game against the Delhi Capitals. Indeed, he bowled one of the best spells ever recorded in the history of the IPL. Shami bowled four overs in a row and ended up with 4/11. That was the reason that DC could only manage 130 runs in 20 overs. Shami also won “Man of the Match” for his brilliant spell.

The veteran pacer is currently the “Purple Cap” holder in the ongoing tournament and is in great rhythm. He has picked up 17 wickets in nine games at 14.53 and a decent economy of 7.06. Notably, 12 out of his 17 wickets have come in the power play, which means that if he can remove a couple of wickets from the RR top order, GT will be up and running in the match.

2. Hardik Pandya

The GT skipper was the lone survivor for the defending champion in the last game against DC. Hardik Pandya scored a fighting half-century and made 59 not out from 53 balls. But he couldn’t take his team over the line, which he also admitted after the game. But he will go into the RR game with some runs under his belt.

It will give him confidence. Hardik will be vital against RR in all three aspects: batting, bowling, and captaincy. So far, he has made 213 runs in 8 innings at an average and strike rate of 30.43 and 117.03, with two half-centuries. He has also bowled some overs at a good economy rate of 7.71. RR will have to take care of him because he can turn the game in GT’s favor with his impact.

1. Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill is very important to GT’s success in the IPL. He was among the top scorers for the team last season, and this season as well, he is at the top. The right-hander is also in good form but missed out in the last game and scored six runs. Gill is a consistent performer for the defending champion, and his consistent starts make it easy for the other batters down the order.

In this competition, he has scored 339 runs in nine innings at an average of 37.67 and a good strike rate of 140.66 with three half-centuries. RR will hope that he can have an off day on Friday because Gill can be the game changer for GT. He scored a 34-ball 45 runs the last time both teams played each other.