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regular-article-logo Tuesday, 21 May 2024

IPL 2023: Gujarat Titans require openers to fire against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur

Rajasthan have variety in their bowling attack, which includes world-class spinners

Our Bureau Calcutta Published 05.05.23, 07:04 AM
Star opener Yashasvi Jaiswal of Rajasthan Royals.

Star opener Yashasvi Jaiswal of Rajasthan Royals. PTI Photo

There is not much to choose between Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans, the two powerhouses of IPL 2023. So when they clash in Jaipur on Friday, fireworks are expected.

Rajasthan, last year’s runners-up, had had the last laugh when the two had met in the first leg last month. But the Titans, the defending champions, haven’t done too many things wrong this season and sit at the top of the points table. Not that Rajasthan, placed fourth, are too far down.

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Can Sanju Samson’s Rajasthan do a double on the Titans this year? They can, given the rich talent they possess. Topping the talent chart for them is opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. The 21-year-old has three fifties and a hundred and is scoring them at a strike rate of 159.70. In comparison, his much-decorated opening partner, Jos Buttler, has lost some of the early fizz he generated. But Samson and finisher Shimron Hetmyer are there to build on good starts.

Shubman Gill of Gujarat Titans.

Shubman Gill of Gujarat Titans. PTI picture

Rajasthan also have variety in their bowling attack, which includes world-class spinners.

The Titans, led by Hardik Pandya, have an equally balanced team. But they would like their openers to do better. While Shubman Gill is batting well having already hit three fifties, the same cannot be said about his opening partner Wriddhiman Saha, who is averaging 16.77 from nine games.

Today’s match

■ Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans, 7.30pm, Jaipur, live on Star Sports & Jio Cinema

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