GT vs RR Review: Gujarat thump Rajasthan to go to the top of the table
Gujarat Titans emerged victorious against Rajasthan Royals in Match 23 of the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League by 58 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, April 9. With this triumph, GT registered their fourth win of the season.
Skipper Shubman Gill departed early after adding only two runs to the scoreboard courtesy of a peach of a delivery by Jofra Archer. Sai Sudharsan, however, powered his way to 39 by the end of the powerplay. The final delivery of the 10th over brought about the end of Jos Buttler (36 off 25). It was the same over in which Sudharsan registered his third fifty of the season.
Shahrukh Khan’s 36-run knock provided a vital boost to the innings but Theekshana ended his stay at the crease via a smart piece of bowling. The mystery spinner, however, ended up conceding 54 in his quota. Sudharsan departed for an excellent 82 while the same over resulted in Rashid Khan’s dismissal after a handy cameo. GT ended up on 217/6, with Archer being the most economical bowler (1/30 in four overs).
As far as the run-chase is concerned, RR scored 57 while losing a couple of wickets. Arshad Khan and Mohammed Siraj were dismissed in consecutive overs to set the visitors back early on in the second innings. Mohammed Siraj’s first three overs were utilised inside the powerplay itself whereas Impact Player Kulwant Khejroliya also struck in his first over. The left-arm pacer got rid of Riyan Parag (26 off 14). After the end of 10 overs, RR were 85/4.
Prasidh Krishna then struck to send Sanju Samson back to the shed for a 41-run knock. Rashid Khan secured his second dismissal of the evening by claiming Shubham Dubey’s wicket. A double-wicket over by Prasidh in which he bagged Jofra (four off four) and Shimron Hetmyer (52 off 32) pretty much flatlined RR’s hopes of getting anywhere close. RR ended up getting skittled for 159 in 19.2 overs.
Top performers of the match
Sai Sudharsan (82 off 53)
The left-handed batter looked in fine touch throughout his time in the middle. It was just the innings which was required from his side’s perspective. Sudharsan’s fourth IPL half-century comprised eight fours and three sixes.
Prasidh Krishna (3/24 in four overs)
The right-arm medium impressed once again with an economical spell while being amidst the wickets. Despite getting hit for 12 runs in his first over, Prasidh returned magnificently well in the remainder of his spell.
What’s next for both sides?
GT will take on Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Saturday, April 12, and RR will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday, April 13. Both games are scheduled to commence at 3:30 p.m. (IST).
