*GT VS MI PREVIEW- QUALIFIER 2:*
*THE BUILD UP:*
It wouldn’t have been a happy homecoming of sorts for the Titans, having lost to CSK by a fair margin but tonight presents itself with a golden opportunity to meet the Super kings again, but first they will have to pass the MI hurdle, a team that is historically known to get the best out of players and do extremely well come the knockouts.
The Hardik led group do not have a chink in the armour, having competed so well with a complete team but it was their tactics and tactics purely that led to their downfall the other night. Even a tad bit of misjudging against a clever side like CSK can prove to be the reason of undoing, who are already led by a mastermind in MSD. Nehra and Hardik need to keep this game as simple as possible, try to enforce mistakes from the MI camp who are still weaker on their bowling front compared to their staggering batting, and see the results.
MI, on the other hand will fancy their chances having beaten LSG comprehensively and wrecking their ship. The weaker front, the bowling was instrumental in this win as Akash Madhwal blew not just LSG but all IPL fans with his mind blowing display of seam bowling. If MI can bring this confidence leading into this game, they can stop GT as they bat to glory. The likes of Jordan, Hrithik and Behrendroff and the contributions from them can be make or break for the visiting team coupled with the returns of their top order which has shown form at different stages of the tournament.
Another key factor would be how GT look to stop the carnage from MI’s middle order, as their no3 to no6 have all batted in top gear and can take a real toll on the bowling. Miscalculations and experiments and we may very well, witness another CSK vs MI final.
*GT PROBABLE XI:*
Wriddhiman Saha(wk), Shubman Gill, Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya(c), David Miller, Abhinav Manohar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Alzarri Joseph, Mohammed Shami, Mohit Sharma
GT will look at Mohammad Shami for the early breakthrough once again and with the right arm seamer enjoying a good matchup vs the MI opening pair of Kishan-Rohit, Hardik’s job becomes easier. Throw the ball to Shami first up and see him weave his magic against this destructive opening pair.
David Miller could be vital to the fortunes of Gujarat Titans and with this game scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad itself, where he averages 41.6 at a strike rate of nearly 170, the MI bowling lineup could be in trouble. They have had a tough time against the Protea finisher already and with such an important game at hand, things could take a wild turn in favour of the defending champions.
Shubman Gill is nine runs away from bagging the orange cap and is currently the second highest Indian run getter ever in an IPL season, only behind Virat Kohli’s 973. His imperious record at this ground alongside the youngster coming off some very good form, could rub salt on MI’s wounds. He will be one of the most important players for GT heading into this must win game.
*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*
With GT likely to play only three foreigners in their first XI, we could see Noor Ahmed spring come magic after coming in as the impact substitute. Him bowling in tandem with Rashid, could be crucial for the home side and a similar role could be played by Shankar if GT are chasing a total.
*MI PROBABLE XI:*
Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Nehal Wadhera, Tim David, Chris Jordan, Piyush Chawla, Akash Madhwal, Jason Behrendorff
Suryakumar Yadav to be Mumbai’s pick to counter Rashid and the magic that he generally weaves around batting lineups. The Mumbaikar has scored 67 runs in 47 deliveries and hasn’t been ever dismissed by the Afghani leg spinner. GT would look to bring SKY quickly to the table to attack him from the word “go” and search for his wicket.
Madhwal should enjoy bowling at this ground where there’s something for the pacers if they bowl consistency and hit the lengths right and Madhwal, who’s known to deceive batters with his lengths, could be a triumph card for MI once again. His battle against the inform Gill upfront could decide the fate of this game.
Titans and Mumbai are the two best chasing sides in IPL 2023, having won six of their nine chases. Whichever side wins the toss is likely to chase and in this way with the success shared while chasing, the toss could prove to be an important phase in the course of the game later.
*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*
I would personally love to see Sandeep Warrier play at this ground but MI are unlikely to experiment at this stage of the tournament so expect Kumar Karthiye to be slotted in as the impact sub and a similar role to be played by Nehal Wadhera if MI are chasing.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR GT:*
Highest run getter- Shubman Gill/David Miller
Highest wicket taker- Rashid Khan/Mohammad Shami
*FOR MI:*
Highest run getter- Suryakumar Yadav/Cameron Green
Highest wicket taker- Akash Madhwal/Jason Behrendroff
*FOR THIS GAME:*
I personally want GT to win and I expect them to live up to my hopes.