Team News
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Rajasthan Royals are in a slump, having lost their last five matches. Particularly painful have been their recent chases against Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Delhi — all games they should have closed out. Their well-documented middle-order frailty continues to haunt them.
Sanju Samson remains sidelined with no confirmed return date, meaning 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi keeps his place. While talented, relying on someone so young highlights the Royals’ struggles with squad depth.
Probable XI: Jaiswal, Suryavanshi (Sandeep sub), Rana, Parag, Jurel, Hetmyer, Dubey, Archer, Hasaranga, Deshpande, Farooqi
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Gujarat Titans are locked in a fierce battle for a top-two finish, with just one point separating the top four sides. Remarkably, they’ve leaned heavily on domestic players, often fielding only two overseas stars even in key victories.
Kagiso Rabada’s status remains uncertain following his departure for personal reasons, but Gerald Coetzee is available. Sherfane Rutherford missed the previous match against KKR.
Probable XI: Sai, Gill, Buttler, Tewatia, Shahrukh, Rashid, Washington, Kishore, Siraj, Krishna, Ishant
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Pitch and Conditions
The Jaipur surface has been consistent, producing scores around the 170–180 range. Lucknow Super Giants posted 180 recently, and Rajasthan managed 173 prior to that, suggesting middling totals rather than huge scores are the norm.
Six-hitting has been steady rather than explosive, but totals around 17 sixes per match remain very achievable. Rajasthan could find value batting first, as setting a total has appeared less mentally taxing for them compared to chasing.
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Match Outlook
Rajasthan face an uphill task. Their confidence looks fragile after consecutive collapses under little pressure. Against a polished and efficient Gujarat unit, it’s difficult to see where the Royals can suddenly find their edge.
If Rajasthan are to upset the odds, they must strike early with the ball — quick, cheap wickets are crucial to exposing Gujarat’s middle-order vulnerabilities. Jofra Archer delivering a special performance is likely essential to that plan.
Otherwise, the Titans appear poised to control proceedings, much like they did in the reverse fixture when they posted 217 and bowled the Royals out for 159.
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Players to Watch
Sai Sudharsan (GT):
One of the most consistent batters this season, Sai has recorded only one score below 36. He previously smashed 82 against Rajasthan and remains a pivotal figure in Gujarat’s top order.
Riyan Parag (RR):
Despite strong starts, Parag has struggled to convert them into big innings. Without Samson, much of the Royals’ batting responsibility now falls on his shoulders. A breakthrough innings feels overdue.
