IPL: Qualifier match will be played between RCB and GT today, Gujarat’s aggressive bowling will be a challenge for RCB.

RCB on top position due to better net run rate

Hospice. If Royal Challengers Bangalore, who are moving strongly towards winning the title for the second consecutive time, want to make it to the finals, then they will have to face the bowling attack of Gujarat Titans in the first qualifier of IPL today. Both teams finished their league stage campaigns with 18 points from 14 matches, but RCB remained on top due to a better net run rate.

RCB will also have the advantage of familiarity with the conditions in Dharamshala in this match, where they had achieved a crucial win against Punjab Kings earlier this month. As far as Gujarat is concerned, it has made it to the playoffs on the basis of its strong bowling attack and excellent performance by the top order. Captain Shubman Gill, skillful Sai Sudarshan and explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler have played important roles in their batting.

But Gujarat’s bowling has been the most impressive as the tournament has progressed. The fast bowling trio of Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada and Prasidh Krishna has taken wickets consistently with the new ball, while Rashid Khan and left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore have maintained excellent control in the middle overs.

Gujarat defeated Chennai Super Kings by 89 runs in its last league match and its team is entering the knockout match with good momentum. A fierce competition can be seen between some players in this match. The match between Kohli and South African fast bowler Rabada can play an important role in deciding the outcome of the match. This will be crucial given the extra bounce they will get in Dharamshala, with Kohli’s ability to counter the initial onslaught from Gujarat’s fast bowlers likely to determine the tone of RCB’s powerplay.

Similarly, Phil Salt’s aggressive approach against Siraj can set the initial pace. Salt returned from treatment for a finger injury specifically to play in the playoffs. This has strengthened RCB’s batting.

On the other hand, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar will test Gill and Sudarshan in floodlights. RCB’s fast bowlers have given a good start to the team this season by adopting an aggressive attitude against the top-order batsmen. The first six overs will be extremely important considering Gujarat’s dependence on its top three batsmen.

The match between Rashid Khan and RCB batsmen in the middle overs can also prove to be decisive, although captain Patidar’s record against spin has been excellent. Considering the strength of both the teams, this match is likely to be exciting.

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