Gujarat Titans (GT) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face off in a crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match on Monday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. GT, currently ranked eighth in the points table, is fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive, while KKR has already secured their place in the next round.
Both teams have two matches remaining in the league phase, and a win for GT would significantly boost their chances of advancing. GT captain Shubman Gill has been in excellent form this season, scoring four centuries, including one in their last match against Chennai Super Kings. Gill’s twin centuries with Sai Sudharsan were the cornerstone of GT’s massive total against CSK, and their role will be crucial once again as they face KKR.
KKR, on the other hand, will be without Phil Salt for the playoffs, opening the door for Rahmanullah Gurbaz to slot into the team. Gurbaz has a good record against Rashid Khan, slamming him for 30 off 11 balls in the IPL without losing his wicket. He will be a key weapon for KKR against GT’s star spinner.
The match is expected to be a close contest, with both teams having a good mix of experienced and young players. Seven teams are still in the race for the playoffs, with Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad well-placed at second and third position, respectively. CSK, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants are all tied at 12 points, while GT and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are at 10 points and can reach a maximum of 14 points.
GT’s likely playing XI (if batting first) includes Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, David Miller, Matthew Wade (wk), Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, and Kartik Tyagi. If bowling first, Sai Kishore may replace one of the bowlers.
KKR’s likely playing XI (if batting first) includes Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Nitish Rana, Shreyas Iyer (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Harshit Rana. If bowling first, Vaibhav Arora may come into the team.
In head-to-head encounters, GT has a 2-1 advantage over KKR. The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium has favored teams batting second this season, with dew playing a factor. Both captains may opt to chase if they win the toss.
For fantasy teams, key players to consider include Shubman Gill, Sunil Narine, Sai Sudharsan, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Matthew Wade, Rashid Khan, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, and Vaibhav Arora.
