With 18 points from 12 games, Gujarat have already sealed a playoff berth, but with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings just a point behind, there’s little room for complacency.
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The Titans have been firing on all cylinders. Their top order — led by Orange Cap holder B Sai Sudharsan (617 runs), skipper Shubman Gill (601), and Jos Buttler (500) — has carried the batting on its shoulders, combining for 16 half-centuries and a century this season. Their dominance has left the middle order largely untested, but Gujarat haven’t needed late heroics thanks to their consistent starts.
On the bowling front, their Indian pace contingent has led the charge. Prasidh Krishna sits atop the wicket charts with 21 scalps, while Mohammed Siraj and left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore have picked up 15 apiece. South African quick Kagiso Rabada’s return from suspension has further bolstered the attack.
Lucknow, meanwhile, have seen their playoff hopes vanish after a crushing loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad. On a four-game losing streak, their season has been marred by injuries, inconsistency, and underwhelming performances from key Indian players — notably captain Rishabh Pant, whose poor run with the bat has hurt the team.
Despite some standout performances from overseas players like Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran, the middle order has offered little support. Injuries to frontline bowlers have compounded their misery — Mohsin Khan missed the entire season, while Mayank Yadav was sidelined for most of it. Avesh Khan and Akash Deep also battled fitness concerns.
After their recent loss, Pant admitted the team couldn’t plug the gaps left by injured players. “It could have been one of our best seasons, but there were too many setbacks,” he said.
The latest blow comes in the form of a one-match suspension for Digvesh Rathi — LSG’s leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets at an economy of 8.18 — for his on-field spat with Abhishek Sharma. His absence further weakens an already depleted squad as they prepare to face one of the tournament’s most complete sides.
