IPL 2024, Match 52: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans Match Preview

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to square off against Gujarat Titans (GT) in match 52 of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2024 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, May 4.

The Royal Challengers won only one out of their first eight games but have managed to win two games on the bounce against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans. However, Faf du Plessis and Co. are still languishing at the bottom of the table with just six points in their kitty from 10 games. The Bengaluru-based franchise will have to win all their remaining matches and hope that other results also go their way as they look to sneak into the playoffs.

Former captain Virat Kohli is in the middle of another prolific season, having scored 500 runs from 10 matches at an average of 71.43 and a strike rate of 147.49. He has already hit four half-centuries, including one in the last game against Gujarat. However, the star of the show in the last match was Will Jacks. The England batter scored a blistering 100 not out off just 41 balls, hitting five fours and 10 sixes to help RCB chase down a 201-run target with four overs to spare. Rajat Patidar has also looked in impeccable touch after getting off to a slow start in the season. If du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell get going, the Royal Challengers could be a very tough side to bowl against.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Purple Cap

The bowling department has been the Achilles heel for RCB over the years and the story has unfortunately been the same in IPL 2024. Mohammed Siraj was expected to be the spearhead but he has been far from his best. In nine matches, he has taken just six wickets at an average of 53.83 and conceded runs at an economy rate of 9.50. Yash Dayal, who was picked up in the IPL 2024 auction, has fared slightly better, having taken eight wickets in nine games at an average of 39.62 and an economy rate of 9.32. Both of them will have an important role to play on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans have had a turbulent campaign, winning four matches and losing six out of the 10 they have played. The former champions are placed at No. 8 on the points table and are coming into this encounter on the back of consecutive losses.

Sai Sudharsan has continued from where he left of in last year's final. The southpaw has scored 418 runs in 10 matches at an average of 46.44 and a strike rate of 135.71. However, captain Shubman Gill has not been able to replicate his form from last season. In 10 matches, the Punjab batter has only aggregated 320 runs at an average of 35.56. Wriddhiman Saha has been in woeful form and that has not helped GT's cause. David Miller has played some handy knocks but is yet to take the tournament by storm. However, Shahrukh Khan's aggressive half-century in the last game should give the Titans some confidence.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Orange Cap

Mohammed Shami's absence has been felt in the bowling line-up. Rashid Khan has also been off-colour and was taken for 29 runs in the last over in the last game against RCB, courtesy of a rampant Jacks. Mohit Sharma started well but his performances have tapered off in recent matches. In 10 matches, he has bagged 10 wickets at an average of 36.20. However, his economy rate is close to 11 and is quite concerning for the Gujarat faithful.

M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru Pitch Report:

Four games have been played so far at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and two each have been won by teams defending and chasing. The average first innings score has been 207. The high-scoring venue registered a record this season in the last game between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Bengaluru. A whopping 549 runs were scored, making it the highest aggregate in a T20 match. Another run-fest should be on the cards for Saturday. The captain who wins the toss could opt to bowl first as defending totals at this ground, with all small boundaries, is very difficult.

Also Check: RCB vs GT Live Score, Match 52

Probable Playing XI:

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

RCB brought back the out-of-form Glenn Maxwell in the last game. However, the Australian white-ball legend wasn't required with the bat. After getting two wins on the trot for the first time this season, RCB might not look to tinker with their playing XI, unless some last-minute injury arises.

Predicted XI: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (C), Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Siraj 

Impact Player: Swapnil Singh

Gujarat Titans (GT)

The Titans might look to bring in Matthew Wade for Wriddhiman, who has looked completely out of touch. However, they would have to sacrifice one overseas player to free up the slot for Wade. 

Predicted XI: Wriddhiman Saha (WK)/Matthew Wade, Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudarshan, Azmatullah Omarzai/Vijay Shankar, Shahrukh Khan, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Noor Ahmad, Sandeep Warrier

Impact Player: Mohit Sharma 

Also Check: RCB vs GT Dream11 Prediction

Head-to-Head Record: