Our journey started at the same time and we have come a long way since then. It’s time to rumble again, as we face the Lucknow Super Giants at their home, the BRSABV Ekana Stadium, for the first time. 

We did a double over the Super Giants last season. In our first meeting against them, which was also our first-ever TATA IPL match, we chased down a competitive total of 159 in the final over. The reverse fixture turned out to be even more memorable, with our bowlers getting them bundled out for just 82 in the run chase. 

The season has changed, the scenarios have changed, while the teams look pretty similar, the combinations have been tweaked. 

Despite not going across the line against Rajasthan Royals, the Titans camp remains positive and confident having dominated a better part of the game. We produced a terrific finish with the bat and our bowlers have remained very economical in the powerplay overs. 

Adding to the list of positives was Rashid Khan temporarily taking the top spot in the Purple Cap race, with 11 wickets in five matches. He has a chance to take that cap once when he takes the field on Saturday. Mohammad Shami (10 wickets) and Alzarri Joseph (seven wickets) have been among the wickets regularly as well. 

Peak into the opponent’s camp

The Super Giants are off to a terrific start in the tournament, winning four out of their six matches. While our Titans boast of the best chasing record in TATA IPL since the start of last season, LSG have the best win percentage batting first in the same time period, losing just twice while defending a total (Matches - 11, Won - 9, Win % - 82). 

They are heading into this encounter on the back of a terrific bowling performance against Rajasthan Royals and are booming with confidence, making this tie furthermore exciting. 

Titan to watch out for

Skipper Hardik Pandya was our top run-scorer last season, leading the side to the title by example. In our last match, he chipped in with a terrific four-over spell with the new ball, conceding just 24 runs and scalping one crucial wicket. He looked in fine touch with the bat as well, chipping in with a quickfire 28 and a 59-run partnership alongside Shubman Gill. 

Key numbers

Alzarri Joseph is one wicket away from completing 100 T20 wickets.

Hardik Pandya needs 22 runs to complete 3,000 T20 runs in India. 

David Miller has scored 577 runs at an average of 72.10 since joining the Titans. Since the beginning of last season, no other batter has averaged above 60 (No. 4 to No. 7).   

Mohammad Shami has picked up six wickets in powerplay overs in TATA IPL 2023, the highest by any bowler so far. 

Match details

Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans, Match 30
BRSABV Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
3.30 PM