The Gujarat Titans (GT) are a stubborn team. Instead of fixing glaring weaknesses, they’ve chosen to stay the course. The early success of 2022 and 2023 is perhaps the reason behind it. However, despite the limitations, they made the playoffs in the last season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This shows the quality players they have.
No real change for GT
They know the top three of Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler, combined with the bowling attack consisting of Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Jason Holder, is good enough on most days. However, this also means that all of them have to pull their weight more often than not. Which isn’t possible in T20 cricket.
They carry two or three players, who they don’t utilise. Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia didn’t bat against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru despite GT batting coach Matthew Hayden claiming that their roles are to play short and impact innings. Washington Sundar has bowled just 51 balls (8.3 overs) in 7 matches.
Despite all of this, they are expected to stick with the same team. The only real change they’ve made is bringing Jason Holder in. But even while doing that, they weakened the middle order by removing Glenn Phillips. But that doesn’t really matter. GT will stick to their guns.
Manav Suthar vs Ashok Sharma for impact sub spot
Against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the real question isn’t really the team but the impact player. The MA Chidambaram Stadium hasn’t hosted a day game yet. Although spin hasn’t played a big part in Chepauk till now, it might start to aid them from here on. This means it’ll be either Manav Suthar or Ashok Sharma who’ll play.
In the last game, Suthar was slotted in the starting team. However, he didn’t get to bat and bowled just 2 overs. In fact, he wasn’t handed the ball until the 16th over. It’s a clear sign that GT doesn’t really trust him. Meanwhile, Ashok has overall had a positive impact.
In the end, the decision to play Ashok or Suthar might come down to the pitch. If it aids spinners, having a left-arm orthodox spinner will be extremely handy. He’ll be able to bowl to right-handed batters, who are six of the top seven CSK batters.
Predicted GT Playing XI vs CSK
| S. No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shubman Gill (c) | Opener |
| 2 | Sai Sudharsan | Opener |
| 3 | Jos Buttler (wk)✈️ | Wicketkeeper |
| 4 | Washington Sundar | All-rounder |
| 5 | Shahrukh Khan | Batting all-rounder |
| 6 | Rahul Tewatia | Finisher |
| 7 | Jason Holder✈️ | All-rounder |
| 8 | Rashid Khan✈️ | Bowling all-rounder |
| 9 | Kagiso Rabada✈️ | Right-arm fast bowler |
| 10 | Prasidh Krishna | Right-arm fast bowler |
| 11 | Mohammed Siraj | Right-arm fast bowler |
| Impact Sub | Ashok Sharma/ Manav Suthar |
