In the 48th match of the Indian Premier League 2023, Gujarat Titans are set to face Rajasthan Royals at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. After facing humiliating defeat against Delhi Capitals, defending champions will be keen to get back on winning track as soon as possible. Rajasthan Royals, who have already beaten GT this season, have the opportunity to overtake them to the top spot, adding to the story of what is undoubtedly the most contested season in IPL history.
To put that in context, RR’s victory will propel them to the top, but only two points separate them from PBKS in sixth place. What adds spice to Friday’s match is that these are two well-built squads who not only competed for the title last season but also started the season smoothly – four wins in the first five for RR, and three for GT.
Along the way, flaws in both squads have been revealed, which they can both exploit in Jaipur. Meanwhile, a win here will give GT a three points lead over Lucknow Super Giants and can keep them atop for some days.
GT vs RR: Pitch Report
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur has two pitches, one full of runs while the other is a nightmare for the batters. So far, two matches have taken place at this venue, with completely different conditions. In the first game against Lucknow Super Giants, RR got trapped in the slow pace of the wicket.
While against CSK, RR scored 200+ and registered a 32-run victory over four-time champions. Both clubs have recently struggled with slow pitches and will be hoping that the one they play on has lots of runs on it.
GT vs RR: Head-to-head records
Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals are a rivalry to watch out for in upcoming years. The defending champions had a better hand over the inaugural champions as they beat RR in all three games they faced last season. In the finals of the last season, GT pulled off an amazing victory to clinch the trophy. However, RR has already pulled one back this year with a victory in Ahmedabad and will be keen to double it in Jaipur.
Total Matches: 4
RR Won: 1
GT Won: 3
GT vs RR: Players to watch out for
#Yashasvi Jaiswal: Star Mumbai-based batter has been phenomenal throughout the ongoing tournament. He has been the most consistent and highest run scorer for the Rajasthan Royals. With a magnificent century against Mumbai Indians, he must be in the highest confidence and will be keen to repeat it. He scored 77 runs against CSK in the last game at this venue.
#Shubman Gill: Star India batter Shubman Gill is the highest run scorer for the defending champions in the ongoing tournament. Though he had an on-and-off season he will be keen to perform well against the Rajasthan Royals. He has scored 339 runs in nine games at an average of 37.67 at a strike rate of 140.66.
#Yuzvendra Chahal: The star India leg spinner has been in sublime touch in the ongoing Indian Premier League. He has clinched 12 wickets in the ongoing tournament. But the important thing is his numbers against GT skipper Hardik Pandya. Pandya who comes to bat at number three in the last few games has terrific numbers against him and it will help Chahal to clinch some wickets.
#Mohammed Shami: The star India pacer Mohammed Shami has been phenomenal throughout the tournament. He has cliched 12 wickets in the powerplay which is four more than the second-best. He is the leading wicket-taker in the ongoing tournament and has amazing numbers against Jaiswal and Jos Buttler.
