In terms of performances, both Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Gujarat Titans (GT) have had similar starts to IPL 2022 so far. Both sides have won thrice out of four matches. In a quest to strengthen their position at the points table, they shall take on each other at the D.Y. Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday night, in match 24 of the competition.
Despite winning a solitary toss this season, Sanju Samson's Rajasthan are at the top of the points table. All three of their wins have come while defending totals. It shows how well their bowling attack has shaped up this season despite the dew. While Yuzvendra Chahal and Trent Boult have been the stars, R. Ashwin and Prasidh Krishna have supported them quite well.
In batting, Rajasthan's hit-out-or-get-out approach has worked thus far, courtesy Jos Buttler and Shimron Hetmyer and, at times, Samson. However, with a longer tail, this strategy is always a double-edged sword.
For Hardik Pandya's Gujarat, batting is not primary strength, at least on paper. However, Shubman Gill and Pandya himself have bailed them out multiple times. For this fixture they may consider playing Rahmanullah Gurbaz ahead of Matthew Wade, who has not got quick starts at the top. However, considering Wade's experience, the management may persist with him at least once more.
With the ball Gujarat would like their premier wicket-taker Rashid Khan to get into the power-packed Rajasthan batting line-up early. Especially against the likes of Buttler and Hetmyer, Rashid can be more than a handy option.
Likely XIs
Rajasthan Royals: Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Shimron, Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, R. Ashwin, Trent Boult, Prasidh Krishna, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Sen
Gujarat Titans: Matthew Wade (wk), Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Abhinav Manohar, Rashid Khan, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Shami, Darshan Nalkande
Fantasy tips
- Back the new-ball bowlers from both teams to get wickets upfront at this venue.
- Sai Sudharsan of Gujarat is a handy pick for this game. He bats at No. 3 and can help you to balance your fantasy XI.
- Rajasthan have a long tail. Pick the bowlers who will bowl at the death for Gujarat – Shami, Ferguson, Pandya, even Nalkande.
Where to watch
Live streaming of Match 24 of IPL 2022 between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Gujarat Titans (GT) will start at 7.30 PM IST on March 27. You can watch the match on the Star Sports Network and Hotstar.