Is GT the best squad on paper? Do they assemble the best playing XI? Perhaps, no. But what’s working for them is, all the players who are getting opportunities for them in the playing XI, are performing in every match they play. And the results are visible. After 7 matches, they are on top of the points table, and have won five and lost two.
Now Shubman Gill‘s team faces KKR on Monday, and once again they will have to come up with an XI that delivers for them. That said, they should consider a few changes. InsideSport takes a look at the GT predicted XI.
Batting Largely Sorted, Shahrukh Khan Not Needed
One of the reasons for GT’s success has been their batting clicking. Sai Sudharsan has scored 365 runs in 7 matches, followed by Jos Buttler with 315. Skipper Shubman too has been good with 215 runs in 7 matches, and so has Sherfane Rutherford 201 runs. But one fails to understand the utility of Sharukh Khan in the XI. Though he is an explosive batter, he has scored 62 runs in 7 matches. There is another one; Rahul Tewatia has 41 in as many matches.
Why can’t Washington Sundar be a part of the XI, instead of one of these. Washi will offer a great spin option when Rashid Khan isn’t having the best of seasons.
No Kagiso Rabada Still, Pace Attack Still Great
Prasidh Krishna has been the pace spearhead in all capacities. He has curtailed the runs and picked up wickets. He has 14 in 7 matches, and is the current purple cap holder. Spinner R Sai Kishore isn’t far behind and has 11 wickets in 7 matches. Mohammed Siraj has exactly the same returns, and hence the team is not missing Rabada at all.
But then Shubman had confirmed in the last match, that the South African pacer will be back in a few days.
GT Predicted XI vs KKR: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ishant Sharma, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
