Lucknow. When the Gujarat Titans team takes the field against Lucknow Supergiants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) match here on Saturday, it will try to leave behind the defeat in the last match and return to the winning track.
On the other hand, Lucknow Supergiants would like to maintain the winning streak at their home ground and occupy the top spot in the points table. Gujarat will be looking to start fresh after their three-wicket defeat to Rajasthan Royals in the last match, while Lokesh Rahul-led Lucknow team registered a morale-boosting 10-run win against the same team.
Both these new teams of IPL had performed brilliantly in the last season but there has been a lack of consistency in their performance in the current season. Both the teams have faced defeat in two matches so far. Titans, however, have played one match less than Supergiants. The biggest weakness of Titans this season has been their defense. Mohammed Shami has been able to pick up wickets consistently in the early overs but needs more help from Alzarri Joseph and Josh Little.
Captain Hardik Pandya has also failed to do wonders with the ball and so far he has picked up just one wicket in four matches. Experienced fast bowler Mohit Sharma has made the most of the opportunities he got in the two matches. Rashid Khan has been impressive in the spin department except for one match. However, in the last match, Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson hit him for three consecutive sixes, which would have shaken his confidence. With batsmen like Shubman Gill, David Miller and Sai Sudarshan in form, Gujarat Titans are strong in this department.
The team’s bowlers, however, will have to raise their bar to contain the Supergiants’ batsmen. Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran and Marcus Stoinis have the ability to tear apart any bowling unit. However, the rhythm of captain Lokesh Rahul and all-rounder Deepak Hooda is a matter of concern for the team, who have not played a single memorable innings so far this season. Talented leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi and experienced Amit Mishra have been in fine form for the Super Giants in the spin department while Krunal Pandya has also put in match-winning performances.
The team has good pace bowling options in the form of Mark Wood, Avesh Khan and Yudhvir Singh Charak. Naveen-ul-Haq performed brilliantly against Rajasthan Royals in his debut match and will look to continue in the same vein. Having beaten the Super Giants on two occasions last season, however, the Titans may have a slight psychological edge.
Teams: Teams are as follows: Lucknow Super Giants: KL Rahul (Captain & Wicketkeeper), Kyle Mayers, Deepak Hooda, Kunal Pandya, Amit Mishra, Nicholas Pooran (wicketkeeper), Naveen Ul Haq, Ayush Badoni, Avesh Khan, Karan Sharma, Yudhveer Charak, Yash Thakur, Romario Shepherd, Mark Wood, Swapnil Singh, Manan Vohra, Daniel Symes, Prerak Mankad, Krishnappa Gautam, Jaydev Unadkat, Marcus Stoinis, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav.
Gujarat Titans: Gujarat Titans: Hardik Pandya (Captain), Shubman Gill, Kona Bharat, Wriddhiman Saha, Rahul Tewatia, Abhinav Manohar, Mohammed Shami, Pradeep Sangwan, R Sai Kishore, Vijay Shankar, Sai Sudarshan, Rashid Khan, Shivam Mavi, Mathew Wade, Odion Smith, Urvil Patel, Darshan Nalkande, David Miller, Yash Dayal, Jayant Yadav, Noor Ahmed and Alzarri Joseph.
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