IPL 2022: Match 21 – Predicted Gujarat Titans Playing XI vs Sunrisers Hyderabad

The new entrants Gujarat Titans are on a roll in the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Titans have managed to win all three of their previous matches beating Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). Skipper Hardik Pandya has been quite impressive with his captaincy, which was a big question mark coming into this edition.

Opener Shubman Gill, after scoring a duck in the first match, has been prolific for the Titans, making two back-to-back 80+ scores against DC and PBKS. Pacers Lockie Ferguson and Mohammed Shami have been quite effective as well, and ace-spinner Rashid Khan is also doing his job quietly.

However, they still have some areas of concern and are likely to be tested more once they move towards the business end of the tournament. The new franchise would want to continue their winning momentum against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, who are coming into the match after defeating the defending champions Chennai Super Kings.

Gujarat Titans’ predicted XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad:

Openers – Shubman Gill, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)

Shubman Gill had a fantastic outing in the previous game against the Punjab Kings and he looked the most comfortable batter for GT. The right-handed batter, despite playing risk-free cricket, managed to keep his strike rate above 150 throughout his innings and finished with a match-winning 96 off 59 deliveries that included 11 fours and one six.

Wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade has failed to perform in the last two matches, making one run against DC, and six runs against PBKS. He is expected to be replaced by the other wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the playing XI. Gurbaz has represented Afghanistan in 20 T20 matches in which he has scored 534 at a strike rate of 137.63. The right-handed batter has also stroked three fifties in the 20-over format.

Middle Order: Sai Sudharsan, Abhinav Manohar, David Miller

Youngster Sai Sudharsan played a vital knock of 35 runs in his debut match against PBKS. He, along with Gill, stitched an excellent 101-run partnership for GT and set the template to chase down the target of 190 runs. The left-handed batter will be expected to repeat his antics with the bat in his second match as well.

David Miller has also played some vital knocks for his new franchise. The left-handed batter scored 30 off 21 balls in the first match against LSG. Miller remained unbeaten in both the second and the third match as well, scoring 20 and six runs respectively. Right-handed batter Abhinav Manohar, who has not got a proper chance to show his batting skills, is also expected to retain his position in the playing XI.

All Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Rahul Tewatia

Skipper Hardik Pandya has been quite phenomenal with both bat and ball so far. The right-handed batter has played some decent knocks in the past three matches including two 30+ scores. Taking the new ball, Pandya has been bowling some tight lines and getting some vital wickets for his side as well. The skipper will look to continue his good form against the Orange Army.

All-rounder Rahul Tewatia played a gem of an innings against PBKS, hitting two huge sixes in the final over and taking his side to victory. He also played a good knock against the Lucknow Super Giants and got his side home in a tricky run chase. The all-rounder will like to perform well against SRH as well.

Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan, Lockie Ferguson, Darshan Nalkande

Pacers Mohammed Shami and Lockie Ferguson have been quite impressive for the new entrants. While Shami was adjudged the Player of the Match in GT’s debut match, Ferguson bagged the award in the second match after grabbing four wickets against Delhi Capitals.

Similarly, experienced leg-spinner Rashid Khan is also doing his job quietly, scalping some crucial wickets for his side. Rashid is one of the main weapons for the Titans to keep the opposition batters quiet during the middle overs. Pacer Darshan Nalkande, who scalped two wickets and was on the verge of getting a hat-trick in his debut match, is also expected to retain his position in the playing XI.

Gujarat Titans Predicted XI:  Shubman Gill, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sai Sudharsan, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Abhinav Manohar, Rashid Khan, Lockie Ferguson, Darshan Nalkande, Mohammed Shami