Ahmedabad, May 21 (UNI) With their place in the playoffs already secured, Gujarat Titans will aim to tighten their grip at the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 standings when they face a demoralised Lucknow Super Giants at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Thursday evening.
In stark contrast, Lucknow, having lost four games on the trot, are out of the qualification race and left playing for pride.
This 64th match of the season presents a classic mismatch on current form. Shubman Gill’s GT have been relentless in their march, registering five wins in their last six matches. Their most recent performance — a crushing 10-wicket demolition of Delhi Capitals — underlined their all-round strength and title credentials.
In that match, GT's opening pair of Gill and Sai Sudharsan stitched together a record 205-run unbroken stand while chasing a tall target, leaving fans and analysts in awe. Sudharsan’s 108 (61 balls) and Gill’s 93 (53 balls) showcased not only technical class but also the psychological edge GT now carry over their opponents.
On the other hand, LSG, led by Rishabh Pant, have endured a disappointing season. Their defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets in their previous outing sealed their exit from playoff contention. Despite a fighting 115-run partnership between Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh, the team failed to defend a competitive total due to poor bowling and tactical lapses.
Pant's own lack of form with the bat has added to LSG's woes, while the middle order continues to falter under pressure. Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni have shown flashes of brilliance, but the inconsistency has hurt their campaign. The bowlers, including Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, and Ravi Bishnoi, have failed to deliver breakthroughs at crucial junctures.
GT's bowling unit, in contrast, is peaking at the right time. Arshad Khan and Rashid Khan have been effective, while the experienced Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj add depth and control. Prasidh Krishna and Sai Kishore offer variations on a surface that has rewarded both pace and spin.
The match is expected to be played under warm and humid conditions, with clear skies through the evening. The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch is known to favour batting in the first innings, while slowing down later — a trend that has led most captains to opt for batting first upon winning the toss.
GT have been especially dominant at home this season, winning their last four games at this venue. Given their confidence, form, and depth, they will start as overwhelming favourites. For LSG, the challenge is as much psychological as it is tactical. Playing with freedom and salvaging pride will be the primary motivation for Pant’s men.
Probable XIs: Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, R Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Sai Sudharsan (Impact Player)
Lucknow Super Giants: Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, William O'Rourke, Shardul Thakur, Shahbaz Ahmed (Impact Player)
The track is expected to be flat with some assistance for spinners later in the match. Teams batting first have fared better, and anything above 190 will be considered a challenging total.
Match starts at 7:30 PM IST.
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