With a convincing victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans stormed into the TATA IPL 2023 playoffs. We also confirmed the top spot on the points table once again, becoming only the second team in TATA IPL history to take the apex position for two successive seasons. 

Shubman Gill became our first centurion in the last match, finishing with a magnificent 101 off 58 balls. His nonchalant strokeplay, coupled with timing that made cricket experts raise their eyebrows, took us to a match-winning total. Our bowlers too were outstanding on the night, reducing the Sunrisers Hyderabad to 154 runs in their 20 overs. 

We have picked up nine wins so far and a victory here will equal our points tally from last season. Sai Sudharsan and Yash Dayal, who returned to the playing XI in the last match, instantly produced positive results - which speaks volumes of the team environment. 

While our spot in the Qualifier 1 is assured, skipper Hardik Pandya and the coaching staff will want to end the league stage on a high and carry forward the momentum into the business end.  

Peak into the opponent’s camp

Royal Challengers Bangalore picked up huge wins in their last two matches against Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. A victory in their last league game will take them through to the Playoffs. They will also be playing in front of their home crowd, who will be backing them relentlessly until the final ball is bowled.  

Titan to watch out for

While Mohammad Shami and Rashid Khan have hogged plenty of the limelight with 23 wickets each, our senior pacer Mohit Sharma is in terrific form as well. He has scalped 17 wickets in only 10 matches and returned with a sensational spell of four for 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. His bowling average (13.53) is the second best in the tournament among bowlers with 10 wickets or more.  

Key numbers

Shubman Gill has scored 576 runs so far in TATA IPL 2023 and could become only the sixth cricketer in this tournament to score 600 runs in a season before turning 25. 

Hardik Pandya needs two wickets to complete 150 wickets in T20 cricket. 

David Miller is 52 runs away from 3000 runs in T20 cricket in India.

Match details

Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans, Match 70
Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
7.30 PM