IPL 2024, Punjab Kings face fellow strugglers Gujarat Titans: Preview
Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans meet up in Match 37 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season on Sunday. It's an evening game on a double-header day. Neither PBKS nor GT have had the best of starts, having been found wanting. The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur will host this contest. One expects to see a cracking game.
The story of the two teams in IPL 2024
The Kings are stationed at ninth of the 10-team table with four points. In seven games, PBKS have claimed two wins in addition to facing five defeats. Their NRR is -0.251. The IPL 2022 champions GT are eighth (six points). They have three wins and four defeats from seven games. Their NRR is -1.303.
A look at the H2H record
The two teams have met on four occasions in the IPL and have two wins apiece. Both sides won one game each in 2022. In the IPL 2023 season, GT claimed victory in their only meeting. Earlier this season, PBKS beat GT by three wickets.
PBKS vs GT: Key details
Whichever side wins the toss, opting to bat here would be a sound option. Pacers will enjoy bowling with the new ball while the spinners would be in the game when the ball gets older. The match will start at 7:30 pm IST. One can watch it live on the Star Sports Network and stream the same on Jio Cinema.
Can PBKS complete the double over GT?
PBKS sweat over Shikhar Dhawan's fitness as he continues to remain on the sidelines after playing the first five matches. The Kings have been largely dependent on Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma as specialists at the top have failed to deliver. As far as GT are concerned, their batting lacks the desired balance and rhythm. A better bowling side will benefit immensely.
A look at the key stats
In 12 matches (11 innings), Shubman Gill has scored 486 runs against PBKS at 69.42. His strike rate is 145.50. Ace spinner Rashid Khan has done well against the Kings. He owns 23 scalps from 14 matches at 14.10. Across 56 innings, PBKS pacer Arshdeep Singh has managed 25 wickets in the powerplay overs. In 76 IPL matches, Kagiso Rabada owns 116 wickets.
PBKS probable playing XI
PBKS probable playing XI: 1: Rilee Rossouw, Prabhsimran Singh, Sam Curran (c), Liam Livingstone, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh. Impact players: Harpreet Singh, Rahul Chahar, Shivam Singh, Rishi Dhawan, Vidhwath Kaverappa.
GT probable playing XI
GT probable playing XI:Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, David Miller, Abhinav Manohar, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Mohit Sharma, Noor Ahmad, Spencer Johnson. Impact players: Sandeep Warrier, Darshan Nalkande, Vijay Shankar, Umesh Yadav, Sai Kishore.
