PBKS aim to get campaign back on track in GT’s fortress

Gujarat Titans (GT) are chasing their third Indian Premier League (IPL) final in a row. Punjab Kings (PBKS) have not made it to the playoffs since reaching their only final in 2014. The two teams, who have been on opposite ends of the table in the last two seasons, brace to take on each other at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, which has been one of the most difficult places to visit in recent times.

The transition from Hardik Pandya to Shubman Gill has been as smooth as it can be, with barely any visible cracks in the Gujarat set-up. The same cannot be said about Punjab, who have plenty of leaks to fill, as their skipper Shikhar Dhawan continues to sail his crew through the waves.

It’s a new day and a new opportunity to set things straight. While you cannot win a tournament this early, you certainly can lose it. PBKS would hope that is certainly not the case as they look to put a dent in GT’s home record.

GT vs PBKS Head-to-Head 

Overall - Games 3 | GT 2 | PBKS 1

NOTE: This is the first GT vs PBKS match in Ahmedabad

Venue and Conditions

GT have been dominant at home, having won eight of their 12 matches at home in the IPL so far, including both their matches in Ahmedabad in IPL 2024.  The pacers might be a tad more expensive (9.3) compared to the spinners (8.6) at this venue since IPL 2023, but the former has been superior in terms of their average (26.2) and strike rate (17). The fast bowlers have also picked up 4.3 wickets per match, compared to spinners’ 1.8.

The average first innings score in Ahmedabad since IPL 2023 has been 190/6, with the team batting first having won six of the 11 matches. However, the captain calling it right at the toss has elected to bowl on eight occasions. That could very well be the case once again on April 4 (Thursday).

Weather Forecast

We are set to have a cloudy day in Ahmedabad, but the chances of rain seem to be dim. The temperature during the start of the match is expected to be around 33°C and will drop as the match rolls on, much to the relief of the players and spectators. However, the humidity is certain to be on the rise, so dew could be a factor for the team bowling second.

Things to watch out for

Gill-Saha opening partnership

Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill have failed to put on a substantial partnership this season so far. They have looked good in whatever time they've spent together at the crease but have not gone past 36 yet. While Saha has managed just one fifty in 11 innings against his former team, Gill, on the other hand, has two fifties in the last five innings against Punjab. 

Moreover, Gill has hit five 50-plus scores in Ahmedabad in his 11 innings in the IPL since 2023, along with a strike rate of 168. He will once again hope to make the best of playing at this venue.

Can Punjab pacers step up?

An economy rate of 9.5 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) was Kagiso Rabada’s most expensive spell in the IPL this season. Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel have also not backed up the South African speedster as well as they would have liked. Arshdeep has conceded at over 10 in the last two games, while Harshal, who predominantly bowls at the death, has leaked more than 11 an over in all the matches this season.

As a result, PBKS have a boundary percentage of 66% (third worst) with them conceding a boundary every 4.2 deliveries (second worst) in IPL 2024 so far. They certainly will have to tighten the screws against a powerful GT line-up.

Will Dhawan continue to impress?

Shikhar Dhawan is the glue that holds the PBKS batting together. He scored 70 runs at a strike rate of 140 in the previous game against Lucknow and will be hungrier to fare even better against GT. However, Dhawan does not like to chase a target, given that he averages just 24.2 (SR 144) batting second in IPL since 2023. He is most dangerous when his side bats first as his average of 55.6 (SR 139) depicts. 

The PBKS skipper, against GT, could find it a tad difficult to negotiate Rashid Khan and the in-form Mohit Sharma, given that they have dismissed the southpaw eight times between them in 17 innings. 

Probable XIs

There’s no confirmation of Liam Livingstone’s participation in this game after he injured what seemed to have been his hamstring in the previous game. Sikandar Raza could slot in for Livingstone if needed. GT, on the other hand, could be sweating over the fitness of David Miller, who seemed to bat with an injured leg against SRH. Kane Williamson could potentially slot into the XI if Miller does not recover in time.

GT: Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Sai Sudharsan, David Miller / Kane Williamson, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Umesh Yadav, Noor Ahmad, Mohit Sharma; Darshan Nalkande/Abhinav Manohar (IP)

PBKS: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone/Sikandar Raza, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh; Prabhsimran Singh/Vidwath Kaverappa (IP)

Telecast and Streaming Details

The match will be live on Star Sports Network and live-streamed on Jio Cinema. The game will start at 7.30 PM, with the toss happening at 7:00 PM. 

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