Gujarat Titans (GT), the table-toppers, are set to clash with the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2023 match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on May 12. With eight wins and three losses in eleven games, GT has established a three-point lead at the summit. Led by Hardik Pandya, the team aims to secure the top spot and directly qualify for the playoffs by achieving a third consecutive victory against MI.
GT began the season on a high note with wins against CSK and DC but suffered a heart-breaking loss to KKR in the final over. However, they quickly rebounded by defeating PBKS. They faced another close defeat against RR by three wickets in the final over in Ahmedabad. GT regained their winning form with a memorable 7-run triumph over LSG in Lucknow, followed by a victory against MI in Ahmedabad.
They showcased a dominant performance in Kolkata, securing two points. Although GT encountered a five-run loss to DC in a low-scoring contest in Ahmedabad, they promptly returned to their winning ways with a commanding display against RR.
In their most recent match against LSG, a brilliant batting performance by Wriddhiman Saha (81 off 43) and Shubman Gill (94* off 51) propelled GT to an imposing total of 227/2. Mohit Sharma led the bowling attack with a remarkable spell of 4-0-29-4, enabling GT to withstand aggressive innings from Kyle Mayers (48 off 32) and Quinton de Kock (71 off 42) and secure a 56-run victory.
Shubman Gill stands as the leading run-scorer for GT this season, accumulating 469 runs in eleven innings. Saha has contributed 273 runs, while Vijay Shankar and David Miller have scored 205 and 201 runs respectively. Hardik Pandya, after a slow start, has found his form and amassed 277 runs so far. Rahul Tewatia and Abhinav Manohar have also made important contributions to the team’s batting lineup.
GT’s bowlers have been exceptional throughout the season. Rashid Khan has been a standout performer, claiming 19 wickets at an economy rate of 8. Mohammed Shami has also been impressive with 19 wickets at an economy rate of 7 runs per over. Alzarri Joseph, with seven wickets, has been replaced by Noor Ahmed in recent games, and Ahmed has been outstanding, picking up 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7. Mohit Sharma has contributed 12 wickets in eight games at an economy rate of 7, while Josh Little has also made valuable contributions. Sai Sudharsan, Josh Little, and Jayant Yadav are all potential impact players for GT.
Expected GT Playing XI: Openers: Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wk). Top and Middle Order: David Miller, Abhinav Manohar, Vijay Shankar. All-rounders: Hardik Pandya (c), Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia. Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Noor Ahmed, Mohit Sharma.