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As the IPL season heats up, Gujarat Titans face off against Rajasthan Royals in what promises to be a fascinating contest between two teams with contrasting strengths and recent form.
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Team News & Form Guide
Gujarat Titans have been quietly efficient, even in the absence of Kagiso Rabada, who has returned to South Africa for personal reasons. Gerald Coetzee could be called upon to add firepower with the ball, though it remains curious that Gujarat continue to underuse their overseas contingent. Glenn Phillips appears to be carrying a knock, ruling him out of selection.
One standout has been Washington Sundar, promoted to No. 4 in the previous match and delivering a composed performance in a dominant win over Sunrisers. Gujarat’s top order—led by Gill and Sai Sudharsan—has been a major force, consistently setting up or chasing down totals with ease.
Probable Gujarat XI: Sai Sudharsan, Gill, Buttler, Sundar, Rutherford (Ishant sub), Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj
Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, are enjoying a two-match winning streak. The reshuffled batting order has added much-needed stability, and the idea of pushing Wanindu Hasaranga up the order seems to have been dropped.
One concern is the use of Kumar Kartikeya as an impact substitute. Tushar Deshpande, one of the most potent wicket-takers over the past two years, may be missing out due to fitness issues. The Royals’ bowling remains their weak link.
Probable Royals XI: Jaiswal, Samson, Parag, Rana (Kartikeya sub), Hetmyer, Jurel, Hasaranga, Arsher Khan, Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Yudvir Singh
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Pitch & Conditions
Historically, this ground has favoured the chasing side in night matches (66% win rate in 23 games), likely due to dew. However, with new rules allowing a ball change in the second innings, the chasing advantage may be less pronounced now. Expect a par score in the 190-200 range.
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Head-to-Head Breakdown
Matches Played: 4
Gujarat Titans Wins: 3
Rajasthan Royals Wins: 1
Last Meeting: Gujarat Titans won by 9 wickets
Key Trends: Gujarat’s top order has consistently dominated, and their spinners have outbowled Royals in the middle overs. Samson has been Rajasthan’s most consistent performer against GT.
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Players to Watch
Washington Sundar – Slotted into a top-order role and offers all-round value.
Shubman Gill – In prime form and a reliable anchor.
Sanju Samson – Averages 46 vs Gujarat with an explosive strike rate of 166.
Rashid Khan – Always a threat in the middle overs, especially against Rajasthan’s left-handers.
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Fantasy XI Prediction
Wicketkeepers:
Sanju Samson (VC)
Jos Buttler
Batters:
Shubman Gill (C)
Sai Sudharsan
Riyan Parag
All-rounders:
Washington Sundar
Rahul Tewatia
Wanindu Hasaranga
Bowlers:
Rashid Khan
Prasidh Krishna
Theekshana
Captain Pick: Shubman Gill – Consistent at the top with big-score potential
Vice-Captain Pick: Sanju Samson – Good record vs GT and overdue a major knock
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This fixture pits GT’s polished, high-performing top order against a scrappy but improving Royals side. If Gujarat bring their A-game and optimize their XI with more overseas quality, they could take full control of this clash. But rajasthan Royals are batting power house…. chasing may be the best suited…
But Gujrat titan to win…