IPL 2024, RCB vs GT: Decoding the key player battles
What's the story
Gujarat Titans will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 45 of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL).
RCB have lost seven of their nine matches and one more loss from here on could officially end their playoff hopes.
GT, meanwhile, have blown hot and cold as they have just four wins in nine outings.
Let's decode the key player battles.
#1
Virat Kohli vs Rashid Khan
Virat Kohli is in stellar form as he is the leading run-getter of the season with 430 runs (SR: 145.76).
As per ESPNcricinfo, he has struggled big time against Rashid Khan.
Kohli has been dismissed by Rashid twice across seven IPL meetings.
The leg-spinner has also not allowed Kohli to score freely as the latter's strike rate in this battle is 120.68.
#2
Dinesh Karthik vs Mohit Sharma
RCB's wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has aced the finisher's role this season as his strike rate of 195.52 is fourth-best among batters with 200-plus runs.
Mohit Sharma, GT's designated bowler in death overs, will have the onus to keep him quiet.
Notably, the pacer conceded 0/73 in four overs in his preceding assignment against Delhi Capitals, the most expensive figures in IPL history.
#3
Shubman Gill vs Mohammed Siraj
Shubman Gill is a pivotal figure in this GT line-up and removing him early will be on Mohammed Siraj's checklist.
Siraj is yet to dismiss Gill in seven IPL meetings. The GT batter has slammed 55 runs in 35 balls (SR: 166.66).
While Gill's powerplay strike rate this season reads 133.03, Siraj's economy in this phase is 10.46 ( 2 wickets).
#4
David Miller vs Karn Sharma
David Miller will look to make an impact in this game. He likes attacking spinners and his primary challenge will be against RCB's Karn Sharma.
The duo has faced each other four times in IPL and Karn has dismissed Miller once (Bat SR: 136.84).
Leg spinners have dismissed Miller 12 times across 53 IPL innings. He owns a strike rate of 135.64 against them.
Details
Key details about the match
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host this duel on April 28 (3:30pm 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.