Efficient Titans run into inconsistent Kings
An upbeat Gujarat Titans will take on a worried Punjab Kings in an Indian Premier League match at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Thursday.
GT registered a moraleboosting sevenwicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in its previous match and recovered from the thrashing against Chennai Super Kings.
Dispiriting losses
PBKS, which started with a victory over Delhi Capitals, is coming off two dispiriting losses against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants.
The Shubman Gillled home side has been meticulous and efficient without being spectacular. B. Sai Sudharsan has held the batting together, especially at the Modi Stadium where the pitches haven’t necessarily been featherbeds.
The return to form of David Miller also augurs well as GT looks for a third straight home win.
Among bowlers, Rashid Khan, Mohit Sharma, R. Sai Kishore and Noor Ahmad have impressed. But the jury is still out on whether Umesh Yadav is an adequateenough replacement for Mohammed Shami.
PBKS, on the other hand, desperately needs a victory. It could have had one if it had not frittered away the chance from a commanding position against LSG. Chasing 200, PBKS was 102 for no loss before being blinded by Mayank Yadav’s searing pace.
Shikhar Dhawan, Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran have been among the runs, but haven’t fired collectively. Livingstone suffered a hamstring injury against LSG and his fitness will be assessed on match day.
Mediumpacer Harshal Patel has bled 137 runs from 12 overs while tweaker Rahul Chahar has blown hot and cold. Will the inform Karnataka pacer Vidwath Kaverappa make his IPL bow or seasoned allrounder Rishi Dhawan be trusted?