IPL match preview: Gujarat Titans v Lucknow Super Giants

The two newest teams in the Indian Premier League will meet again. This is just the second season the Titans and Super Giants have been in play. This is pretty much a top of the table clash and let's see how it could fare.

The Titans were quick to bounce back from a relatively shock defeat to the Delhi Capitals with a comfortable victory over the Rajasthan Royals. That nine-wicket triumph over last year's losing  finalists reminded all and sundry of Gujarat's champion quality.

The Super Giants have been dealt a hefty blow. They will be without captain and opening batsman KL Rahul for the rest of the 2023 IPL. Initially, it seemed injury would only sidelined him for a couple of matches. All-rounder Krunal Pandya will likely continue captaining the team now.

Lucknow have two defeats and a washout to reflect on from their last five matches. They haven't exactly gathered the consistency they'd like going into the business end of the tournament. A win over the reigning champions and table toppers, though, could right some wrongs.

The Titans and Super Giants understandably have a brief head-to-head history. Interestingly, the Super Giants haven't yet beat Gujarat. The Titans have won all three of their meetings.

Pandya's role comes under the spotlight. It remains in the balance whether the added responsibility of the captaincy will empower or limit his roles with the bat and ball. He is crucial in both departments as the Super Giants' pursue a maiden IPL title.

He will up against his brother Hardik Pandya here. This sibling rivalry should be highly entertaining and the on-field dynamic will intriguing to watch. Hardik is arguably a better batsman than Krunal, but arguably inferior with the ball.

The Gujarat Titans are looking primed to win this won. The Super Giants have lost momentum and the exit of Rahul certainly won't help. Gujarat are looking increasingly good for a second IPL title.