Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals Key Player Battles Preview:
GT vs RR Key Player Battles: These two teams were arguably the best two ones in the competition. They had frequented the top spot the most number of times. Gujarat Titans ended up with 10 wins and finished first in the standings. Rajasthan Royals were a worthy second with 9 wins and a solid net run rate.
The action for this qualifier shifts to Eden Gardens, Kolkata. A new venue will spice up the contest even more. The big match players will be expected to step up in this key contest.
We Look At the GT vs RR Key Player Battles In This Game:
#1 Shubman Gill vs Trent Boult
RR has looked a completely different side when Trent Boult has fired upfront. His early incision is imperative for RR who has otherwise looked lackluster. Boult will go up against Shubman Gill. The GT opener has notched up more than 400 runs this season. He in his young career has shown big game temperament.
It was Gill who set the stage for India’s historic win at the Gabba. GT will be hoping Gill rings in the same magic in qualifier 1. The early mover advantage will play a decisive role in this game.
#2 Hardik Pandya vs Yuzvendra Chahal
The Gujarat Titans skipper, Hardik Pandya, has arguably been the best captain on display this season. He has led with aplomb in leading this new franchise. Pandya found much-needed form in the last league game. He looked set to tee off before getting dismissed. Pandya will be up against the purple cap holder, Yuzvendra Chahal.
The RR spinner has prized out the best of the batsmen this season. He will look to entice Pandya too. The one who ends on top of this battle will have made a solid impact on the game.
#3 Jos Buttler vs Mohammad Shami
The RR opener had smashed 491 runs in the first 7 games. Jos Buttler looked all set to break Virat Kohli’s season record of 973 runs. But soon poor form caught up with Buttler. He has since then gone on to score 138 runs in the next 7 games. His tally current stands at 629 runs from 14 games. RR will need Buttler to fire in this big game.
He has performed in such high-pressure scenarios before none bigger than the World Cup final in 2019. Buttler will face the music of Mohammad Shami first up in this game. If he manages to overcome the Shami challenge, then RR will be on the happier side.
#4 Sanju Samson vs Rashid Khan
He has been nothing of excellent as a captain this season. But Sanju Samson, the batsman is yet to hit the straps. He has played a couple of interesting cameos but an impactful knock has deserted Samson’s bat so far. There can’t be a bigger stage for the RR captain to come good. But he won’t be having it easy against the Afghan wizard, Rashid Khan. The GT spinner has upped his game in the recent few matches. He will be more than a handful for Samson. It will be a top matchup.
