IPL 2024: Can GT restrict high-flying KKR in must-win fixture?
Gujarat Titans will have a lot to play for as they host Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 63 of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). While KKR have already sealed a playoff berth, the Titans must win their remaining two matches by massive margins to keep their outside chances alive. KKR will head into the game as favorites. Here is the preview.
Pitch report and other details
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host this duel on May 13 (7:30pm IST). The wicket here usually assists the batters right from the start. This venue has played host to several high-scoring games in the tournament. However, spinners can outfox the batters here. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and stream the same on JioCinema.
Here's the head-to-head record
These two teams have met just thrice in IPL with GT leading the head-to-head record 2-1. KKR's only win in this regard came at the Narendra Modi Stadium last year. The game made massive headlines as Rinku Singh smashed Yash Dayal for five successive sixes in the final over to power KKR over the line.
A must-win game for GT
With five wins in 12 games, GT are placed eighth in the points table. One more defeat from here on will officially eliminate them from the playoff race. Meanwhile, playoff-bound KKR are leading the table with eight wins in 11 games. They need at least one win in their remaining two fixtures to ensure a top-two finish.
GT must unleash their A-game
Centuries from Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan powered GT to a comprehensive win over Chennai Super Kings in their preceding outing. The duo must replicate their heroics. Notably, GT's bowling attack has looked fragile this year. Meanwhile, KKR have been powered by Sunil Narine's all-round brilliance. Several other players have also stood up as the two-time champions have won consistently.
Here are the probable XIs
KKR probable XI: Philip Salt (wk), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rinku Singh, Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy. Impact Player: Vaibhav Arora. GT (Probable XI): Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, David Miller, Matthew Wade (wk), Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Kartik Tyagi. Impact sub: Sandeep Warrier.
Here are the key performers
Narine has scored 461 runs this year (SR: 182.94). With the ball, the spinner has collected 15 wickets at an economy of 6.64. Meanwhile, Andre Russell has been striking at 185 this year. With 527 runs at 141.29, Sudharsan is GT's leading run-getter in IPL 2024. Gill trails him with 426 runs at 38.73.
