Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans: A must-win game for Bangalore

Both the teams will be desperate to win their final group match, to be played at Wankhede Stadium. 

Gujarat Titans became the first team to qualify for playoffs and comfortably sit in the top spot after winning 10 of the 13 matches. Their top-order has been hot and cold in recent games, and their finishers also have not been as prolific as earlier. However, their bowling unit has been top-notch from the first match, with the likes of Mohammed Shami and Rashid Khan continuing to keep the opponents on the back foot. 

On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore have their playoff chances at stake with this match. They will have to win this one to keep their hopes for playoffs alive. The inclusion of Josh Hazlewood and Wanindu Hasaranga has made their bowling attack undoubtedly strong. But apart from bowling, the team will need their batters to perform. Top-order batters remain a matter of concern as they have not been consistent. They will look forward to putting the best show ahead to keep their hopes for playoffs alive.

Players to watch out for

Batters: Glenn Maxwell and Shubman Gill

Glenn Maxwell has been an integral part of RCB’s middle-order and plays decent knocks whenever needed at a high strike rate. He scored 30-plus runs twice in the last three matches and scalped four wickets. In comparison, Shubman Gill has scored two half-centuries in the previous three games and is the leading run-scorer for the team. He has made 402 runs in 13 matches averaging at 33.50. Both will play crucial roles for their teams. 

Bowlers: Wanindu Hasaranga and Rashid Khan

Wanindu Hasaranag is the leading wicket-taker for RCB. He has scalped 23 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 14.65 and an economy of 7.48. On the flip side, Rashid Khan is the second-highest yet crucial wicket-taker for Gujarat. He has picked 16 wickets in 13 matches and bowled with an economy of 6.86.

Stats to keep an eye on

• Gujarat Titans have hit the fewest sixes (59) in the tournament but the most fours (210).
• Yash Dayal has the worst economy rate (10.70) in the powerplay among bowlers who have bowled at least eight overs in that phase in IPL 2022. The second-worst is Alzaarri Joseph at 10.25. 
• Mohammed Shami has dismissed Virat Kohli five times in 60 balls while giving away 80 runs.
• Rahul Tewatia has smashed Harshal Patel for 40 runs off 21 balls without getting out.
• Among batters, Glenn Maxwell has the highest strike rate (200.00), who has faced at least 50 balls against spin this season.

In the previous clash of this season, Gujarat Titans successfully chased down the target of 171 in the final over, owing to the brilliance of David Miller and Rahul Tewatia. Titans will look to replicate the performance, while Faf du Plessis and his men will have to put in their best team performance to win it.