GT vs RR Review – Royals march to the top of table with a win over Titans

Rajasthan Royals recorded a thrilling three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans to cement their top spot in the Indian Premier League 2023 points table on April 16. David Miller and Shubman Gill shone with bat to help Gujarat score 177/7 but Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer dragged Rajasthan to a sensational comeback after early jolts.

Samson won the toss for Rajasthan Royals and elected to bowl first at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium as Trent Boult gave the Royals a brilliant start with Wriddhiman Saha’s wicket in the first over. Jos Buttler ran out Sai Sudharsan in the fifth over to add early pressure on Gujarat but Hardik (28 off 19) and Gill (45 off 34) to keep the scoreboard moving.

Sandeep Sharma gave Rajasthan Royals a chance to stop Gujarat from posting a big total with Gill’s wicket, but David Miller (46 off 30) and Abhinav Manohar (27 off 13) tore apart Rajasthan bowlers in death overs to post a challenging total. Sandeep two wickets for 25 while Boult, Zampa, and Chahal picked one each for Rajasthan.

Rajasthan’s in-form openers failed to provide a good start as Gujarat bowlers took an early control, with Hardik dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shami getting Buttler for a duck. Impact Player Devdutt Padikkal, scored 26 off 25 but Rashid Khan added further pressure with Padikkal and Riyan Parag’s wickets.

Samson (60 off just 32) balanced the game by smashing three consecutive sixes off Rashid in the 13th over and Shimron Hetmyer remained unbeaten as he smashed 56 off just 26 to finish the game with four balls to spare. Mohammed Shami took three wickets while Rashid picked two for Gujarat but the latter proved costly with his spell.

Top performers from the match:

Sanju Samson: Rajasthan Royals skipper led by example as he smashed 60 off 32 with the help of three fours and six sixes. He changed the momentum towards Rajasthan in the 13th over with three consecutive sixes off Rashid Khan.

David Miller: The South African big-hitter top-scored with 46 off 30 with the help of three fours and two sixes to ensure a big total for Gujarat. He was also impressive while fielding, taking two excellent catches to dismiss Samson and Parag.

What’s next for both teams?

Rajasthan Royals take on Lucknow Super Giants in their next game at home on April 19 while Gujarat Titans next face Lucknow Super Giants away on April 22