Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals Qualifier 1 Match Preview by JSK247 Book

If you believe in fairytales, there's one to be scripted in the Indian Premier League 2022. Of the four teams that have progressed to the playoffs, two of them are playing their maiden season, one is chasing their elusive first title, and the other has only finished in the top two after 2008 - a season they were crowned champions. Online Cricket Book  Whether history will repeat itself or a coeval tale will be penned, the first step towards that coveted trophy will be taken when the best chasers go up against the best defenders this season in the Qualifier 1.

Gujarat Titans have unobtrusively gone about their job in their debut season, with their performances speaking for themselves. They hit all the right notes to kick-off the season with a five-wicket win, and have unrelentingly continued to sound the same orchestra throughout, with a top-spot finish to the league stage. For all the questions raised about their batting depth post the auction, that they sealed their berth in the playoffs with a couple of games in hand, is testament to their collective success.

They were shrewd operators with the new ball led by Mohammed Shami, having picked up most wickets this season in the powerplay. Leadership looked good on Hardik Pandya, who shone through with his all-round ability. The strong middle order lived up to its repute and Rashid Khan was nonpareil, with ball, of course, and even bat on occasions, to be the best finishing side this year, having won all their six chases in the final over - the most by any team in the IPL.  Cricket Betting Tips Free The only glaring weakness for GT is setting a target - they've lost three of their four games defending, with a common factor being a top-order collapse.

In stark contrast are their opponents, the Rajasthan Royals, with no team batting first as they have done this year. Batting first has suited them too, given their stoic bowling arsenal, winning 7 of the 11 games defending. While their pacers have been economical in the powerplay, it's the spin-twins that have stolen the show with Yuzvendra Chahal and R Ashwin complementing each other to the extent of bringing out the best. Together, they have returned 38 wickets at 23.55.

Jos Buttler was single-handedly responsible for the runs on RR's sheets in the first half of the season, averaging 81.83 then, after which he has tapered away, averaging 19.71 in the latter half. While Yashasvi Jaiswal has made up for Buttler's failures, Samson and Padikkal haven't hit the straps they'd have hoped. Chahal's strikes in the death, have made up for the pacers' failures. Yet, RR have managed to comfortably enter the top four.

When: Wednesday, May 24 at 7:30 PM IST

Where: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

What to expect: RR don't particularly have a comforting record at the Eden Gardens; of the 9 matches they've played there, they've won just the two. The wickets will be fresher with the wickets offering pace. Chasing sides have won 3 of the last 5 games here in the IPL. Online Cricket Id  However, scattered thunderstorms are forecast with humidity up to 68%. In the eventuality of a rain disruption to the extent of no play being possible in regulation time, the winner will be determined via a super over. And if even that's not possible, then the league standing will be factored in.

Head to head: Titans defeated Royals the only time they played each other earlier in the season.

Team Watch

Gujarat Titans

Tactics and matchups: In the league game between the two sides, Buttler scored 54 off 24 in the powerplay. Although he's had quite a contrasting second-half of the season to the first, GT will hope to keep Buttler quiet, which could see Rashid Khan bowl earlier than he usually does. That said, GT will pin their hopes on their new-ball pair to get Buttler, who has fallen to pace 6 times in the last 7 games. Rashid has dismissed Buttler and Hetmyer 4 times each while Samson has often chosen to play out the spinner and even though he averages 68, he strikes them at below 100. GT may replace the misfiring Wade with Alzarri Joseph.

Probable XI: Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill, Matthew Wade/Alzarri Joseph, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Shami

Rajasthan Royals

Tactics and matchups: RR will have to be wary of GT's finishing prowess, with them being the best finishers this season. Tewatia in the IPL averages 67 against left-arm pace and has struck at 188.70, scoring 134 in 71 deliveries, and RR have two in Trent Boult and Obed McCoy. Miller has been a part of that finishing group, but RR will fancy their chance against him with him having fallen thrice to both Ashwin and Chahal, but being particularly tied down by the former. RR's pace attack, though, has leaked runs at the death and this is a weakness that could be exploited by GT's big hitters.

Probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Prasidh Krishna, Yuzvendra Chahal, Obed McCoy

Did you know? JSK247 BOOK

- Titans have won all their six chases in the final over - the most by a team in a season in IPL.

- RR used the fewest overs of spin in IPL 2021, and this year, sit on top of the spin charts.

- Chahal is the leading wicket-taker in death overs this season while Rashid is among the most economical bowlers in this phase.

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