AHMEDABAD: On paper, the clash between Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday appears to be an inconsequential one, with the hosts already through to the playoffs and the visitors out of the reckoning. But, the match holds significance as GT will aim for a top-two finish while LSG seek a dignified conclusion to their campaign.Table-toppers Titans are sitting pretty with 18 points from 12 matches but with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings close behind on 17 points, the race for a top-two spot is still up for grabs.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The Titans’ batting prowess has been evident through consistent performances from openers Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler at No. 3. Although their middle order of Sherfane Rutherford, M Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia hasn’t faced extensive challenges, they’ve demonstrated reliability under pressure, as noted by assistant coach Mathew Wade.Who’s that IPL player?On the middle-order being untested, Wade said, “The positive thing is the middle order. Sherfane, Shahrukh and Tewatia have had good impact in the games when they’ve got the opportunity. They just haven’t got a lot of game time over the last few weeks.”Jos Buttler is set to leave GT for national duty after the conclusion of the league stage, and Wade said his absence will provide an opportunity for someone to take over his role. “We’re going to lose Jos after a few more games. So, there’s going to be another opportunity for someone to come in at No. 3.”.

LSG’s performances have presented a different picture. Despite strong starts from openers Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh, their middle order — including Rishabh Pant, Ayush Badoni and David Miller — has struggled to deliver.