Gujarat Titans (GT) will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in match number 62 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday, May 15. Gujarat are table-toppers with 16 points from 12 games, while Hyderabad have only eight points from 11 matches. GT are all but assured of a qualification for the playoffs as they look to defend their title. On the other hand, SRH are on the verge of elimination, their chances hanging by a thread. Gujarat went down to Mumbai Indians (MI) by 27 runs in their last match, while Hyderabad were hammered by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by seven wickets. Here are player battles for GT vs SRH IPL 2023 match 62.
#1 Wriddhiman Saha vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Shubman Gill has been in brilliant form for GT in IPL 2023. However, Wriddhiman Saha’s contribution cannot be underestimated. There have been a few occasions when the latter has taken on the bowling at the start, allowing Gill to settle in. Will Saha roar again?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been good for SRH without being exceptional. What he has done well is to claim key wickets at the start of the innings. He has got the ball to move a little at the start of the innings and has made an impact using his experience. Bhuvneshwar will look to stop a Saha onslaught.
#2 Anmolpreet Singh vs Mohammed Shami
Anmolpreet Singh hasn’t quite set the tournament on fire, but he has played a few impressive knocks. In three matches, he has scored 100 runs at a strike rate of 128.21. In fact, he has crossed 30 in all three games. Can he give SRH another good start?
Mohammed Shami had a rare off day against MI. He was completely taken apart, first by Mumbai’s openers and then by Suryakumar Yadav, who clubbed his maiden IPL hundred. Shami in Ahmedabad will be a totally different proposition and will have the upper hand over Singh.
#3 Hardik Pandya vs Mayank Markande
GT skipper Hardik Pandya has played a few good knocks for the franchise, although it would be right to say he hasn’t come to the party yet. His half-century against Delhi went in vain, but he followed it up with a blazing cameo. Will the real Hardik stand up against SRH?
Leg-spinner Mayank Markande has infused life into the SRH camp ever since being drafted into the playing XI. In nine games, the 25-year-old has picked up 12 scalps, averaging 22.75 at an economy rate of 7.80. Hardik will go after Markande, but the latter has the skills to make life tough for him.
#4 Heinrich Klaasen vs Rashid Khan
Heinrich Klaasen has been SRH’s standout batter in IPL 2023. In nine matches, he has smashed 262 runs at an average of 43.67 and a strike rate of 180.69. Almost every time, he has come in and has lifted the run rate. SRH will want him to carry on playing in the same manner.
Rashid Khan had an exceptional match against MI. He claimed 4/30 and then smacked 79 not out off 32. The effort came in a losing cause, but the Afghan cricketer once again showed his value to the team. Klaasen is one of the better players of spin, so the battle should be an intriguing contest.
#5 Rahul Tewatia vs T Natarajan
“Ice man” Rahul Tewatia has not had much to do for GT in IPL 2023. But, as always, he has produced those quick cameos to finish off games for the team. The left-hander loves making an impact and will be keen to do well, given an opportunity against SRH.
T Natarajan has had a few good matches with the ball and a few mediocre ones. When has got it right, though, his yorkers have been top notch. SRH would want the left-arm seamer to be at his best since they cannot afford to slip. Can Natarajan rise to the challenge?
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants Dream 11 Team -VIDEO
