Team Form & News
Gujarat Titans (GT):
Gujarat are on a roll with three consecutive wins, including a commanding chase of 200 against Delhi without losing a wicket. Their top-order firepower—led by Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, and Sherfane Rutherford—has been the backbone of their success.
However, their middle and lower-order remains a concern, especially heading into the knockout stages. With Kagiso Rabada unavailable for the play-offs, Gerald Coetzee is expected to step in and could be a crucial piece if GT are to maintain their momentum.
Probable XI:
Gill, Buttler, Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Kishore, Coetzee, Arshad Khan, Mohammed Siraj (Sai Sudharsan as impact sub)
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Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):
Lucknow’s campaign has faltered dramatically, with five defeats in their last seven matches knocking them out of playoff contention. While Nicholas Pooran has offered some resistance with the bat, Rishabh Pant’s poor run continues, and a shallow squad depth—exposed by injuries—has left them scrambling for consistency.
Probable XI:
Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Pant, Pooran, Badoni, Abdul Samad, Bishnoi, Deep, Avesh Khan, Digvesh, O’Rourke (Thakur as impact sub)
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Pitch & Conditions: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Expect fireworks with the bat. Ahmedabad has been a batter’s paradise this season, with first-innings scores regularly pushing past the 200 mark. Recent totals at the venue include 224, 203, 217, 196, and 243. Over the past 15 games here, the average run rate is nearly 10 runs per over.
Gujarat, in particular, have been prolific at this ground, surpassing 190 in ten of their last 13 appearances. This match promises another high-scoring affair, especially if Gujarat bat first or chase a total with scoreboard pressure absent.
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What to Watch For
GT’s Top-Order Trio: Gill, Buttler, and Rutherford could decide the contest early.
Middle-Order Tests: Gujarat may struggle if their top fails. Playoffs will test their depth.
LSG’s Response: With nothing to lose, they may go harder—but can their bowling contain Gujarat?
Pitch Impact: A batting surface of this nature rewards clean strikers and punishes bowlers who miss their lengths.
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Player Focus
Jos Buttler is due for a standout performance. After a mixed run of form, his aggressive style suits Ahmedabad’s true surface.
David Miller remains a key figure for LSG—if selected. With prior success at this ground, he could be a difference-maker in a late push for redemption.
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Prediction
Gujarat come in as strong favourites due to their current form and dominant record at home. Unless Lucknow bat first and post a massive total, they may struggle to contain a Gujarat unit that looks well-tuned for a deep playoff run.
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