Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders Predictions: GT are yet to lose a game this season

Playing in their third game of the season Gujarat Titans will welcome Kolkata Knight Riders in the 13th game of the season at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on 9th April. The teams have started their campaigns in very contrasting manners but are coming into the game with a win. Who will win this game and continue their momentum?

The Gujarat Titans are the reigning champions of the season and have continued their impressive form with two consecutive wins. Hardik Pandya is likely to be brimming with confidence as the team prepares for their next match, having performed commendably in both previous games despite the absence of their star batsman Kane Williamson due to injury. The team exhibited an efficient and clinical performance in their previous encounter against the Delhi Capitals, winning by six wickets and securing their place at the top of the points table. Pandya aims to maintain their momentum by leading the team to another victory in the upcoming game.

To achieve this, the team will need a solid performance from their top-order batsmen, including Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill, who have shown promising starts in the previous games. Sai Sudarshan, who has scored runs in both matches, is expected to play a crucial role in the middle order, alongside Pandya and David Miller. Additionally, Vijay Shankar and Rahul Tewatia add significant firepower to the batting lineup.

When it comes to bowling, Mohammad Shami and Joshua Little must strike early with the new ball, as KKR possesses big hitters at the top. Pandya is likely to continue his impressive form from the previous games, while Rashid Khan remains the key bowler for the team. However, Yash Dayal and Alzarri Joseph must also perform well in their supporting role to ensure the team's success.

Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, Joshua Little, Yash Dayal, Alzarri Joseph

The Knight Riders' opening fixture loss to the Punjab Kings through the Duckworth Lewis Method must have been disappointing for their fans. However, the team made an impressive return to Eden Gardens by delivering a resounding victory over the RCB on Thursday by 81 runs. This win was crucial for the team, which has struggled with inconsistency in recent seasons. As they approach their next match, it will be intriguing to observe how the players approach the game.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who played a solid inning in the previous game, is expected to offer a good start alongside Venkatesh Iyer. Mandeep Singh, Rana, and Rinku Singh will need to perform well in the middle order, as it has been a weak spot for the team. With Shardul Thakur's match-winning performance in the previous game, along with Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, the team's batting lineup has become even more formidable.

Umesh Yadav and Tim Southee, with their extensive experience, must use the new ball wisely in the upcoming match. Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Thakur must work together to prevent the Gujarat Titans' batsmen from scoring quick runs. Additionally, Suyash Sharma's excellent performance as an impact player in the last game will add strength to the team's bowling lineup.

Narayan Jagadeesan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana (c), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Shardul Thakur, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy

The Narendra Modi Stadium has provided a surface that is favourable for batting, which remains consistent throughout the entire 40 overs of the match. Nevertheless, teams have mostly opted to chase the total. Fast bowlers must utilize their range of variations to reap benefits on this type of surface. Spinners can make the most of the pitch's attributes as the ball tends to turn and pause, making it difficult for batsmen to score runs. In the last three IPL matches held at this venue, the team chasing the target has emerged victorious in all instances. Therefore, the team that wins the toss in the upcoming game should consider bowling first. We expect a huge total at this venue and for Gujarat Titans to continue their winning run.