🏏IPL 2023: Match 48 - GT vs RR on 05/05/2023 at 7:30 PM IST 🏏 - Page 4

Rajasthan Royals, who have already beaten GT once this season, have the chance to usurp them to the top spot, adding to the narrative of arguably the most competitive season of IPL. To put it in context, RR's win will take them to the top but only two points will separate them and PBKS at sixth.

What also adds spice to Friday's fixture is the fact that these are two smartly-built squads that didn't just fight it out for the title last season but also began seamlessly this year - four wins in first five for RR; three in five for GT. Along the way, imperfections in both their squads have been exposed, that they can each exploit in Jaipur. RR have shown a tendency to slow down in the middle-overs, where GT can get aggressive from both ends with the spin of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed. GT's issues are more on an individual level, Saha's effectiveness in the PowerPlay dipping and Hardik Pandya's batting stocks being at an all-time low.

Both teams, however, with six (GT) and five (RR) wins, and excellent NRRs have enough going for them to nullify the issues that have crept up over the course of a tough season that also involves continuous travel across the country for the first time since 2019. Friday's game could be a great starting point for both to achieve that.

What to expect: Two matches have happened at this venue so far, with polar opposite conditions. When the surface was slow and sluggish, RR struggled, Buttler scored at less than a 100 strike rate and LSG defended 154/7 against the hosts. When the ball flew off the deck and off the bat, Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed 77 off 43 and RR made 202/5 in a 32-run win over CSK. Both teams have had recent trouble on slow pitches and will hope the one they play on has plenty of runs on it.

Head-to-head: GT beat RR in all the three games they faced them last season - including the final - but RR have already pulled one back this year with a victory in Ahmedabad.

Originally posted by: Vedika.Kapoor

Thanks for the tag 🥰 might skip discussions today as i am busy and unwell

Originally posted by: Vedika.Kapoor

Thanks for the tag 🥰 might skip discussions today as i am busy and unwell

Get well soon Vedi dear

Gujarat Titans will be eager to move on from their underwhelming batting display when they take on an inconsistent Rajasthan Royals, which will challenge the Hardik Pandya-led side for the top spot.

Gujarat Titans are perched atop the points table with 12 points despite their five-run loss to wooden spooners Delhi Capitals, while the Royals are on the fourth spot and have 10 points.

The Sanju Samson-led side has ample talent but has been unable to hold on to a winning run recently. Rajasthan have lost three games and won as many in their last six fixtures.

Vijay Shankar could only muster 17 runs off 35 balls in IPL 2022. But this season, he has been stunning in the middle order.

He has the highest strike rate (290) among all batters who have faced at least 24 balls in the death overs.

Jos Buttler praises Dhruv Jurel

Ahead of the match, Buttler hailed Jurel. He said, "I think Dhruv has had a fantastic season. He was with us last year as well and the talent is clear to see.

His performances have been fantastic. I think his mindset is brilliant. He plays without fear, he plays for the team and in a tough role - No. 5, 6, 7 can be a tricky role in T20 cricket, but he's playing that brilliantly well. He's been excellent for us this year."

Rajasthan's batting vs Gujarat's bowling

RR are the fastest-scoring team in IPL 2023 in the powerplay, with a run rate of 9.6. Meanwhile, GT are the most economical bowling unit in powerplay, at 7.3 run rate.

Yashasvi Jaiswal in top form!

Jaiswal has been stunning this season. He is second in the Purple Cap race with 428 runs and a highscore of 124. He has not been dismissed by a spinner this season. He has faced 93 deliveries, smacking 139 runs, packed with seven sixes. Against pace, his balls per boundary ratio is 3.1. Today, if he registers a minimum of 25, he will become the third-fastest Indian to smack 1000 IPL runs, only behind Tendulkar (31) and Gaikwad (31).

Thanks for the tag