The Punjab Kings (PBKS) will be eager to get one back on Gujarat Titans (GT) when they meet in the return match of the IPL 2022 in the 48th encounter of the tournament on May 3 at the DY Patil Stadium.
Rahul Tewatia had hit 2 back-to-back sixes with 12 runs needed off the last two balls against PBKS and since then GT have been on the rise. They are currently on the top of the IPL 2022 points table with 8 wins from 9 matches, while PBKS is not having a good tournament with 4 wins from 9 matches.
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This is a must-win match for PBKS, while a win here for GT will almost ensure their qualification in the IPL 2022 playoffs.
Keeping this in mind, here is the COC Predicted Playing XIs for the GT v PBKS match.
GUJARAT TITANS
Gujarat Titans have everything going for them in the IPL 2022. They have made a habit of winning matches from precarious situations thanks to a solid lower order and even their openers are doing deent with Saha scoring runs, while Gill has found life a bit difficult as he has managed only 80 runs in Titans' last six games, at a strike rate of 98.76.
One of the biggest surprises is that Hardik Pandya has proven to be an excellent captain with his tactics in the field is appreciated. He has also batted well, while his bowling has been halted due to injury concerns.
The middle-order has been the talk of the town as If Tewatia won't, David Miller will. If Miller won't, Rashid Khan will. If Rashid won't, someone else surely will win the match for GT in any situation possible.
Bowling has been wonderful with Lockie Ferguson and Alzarri Joseph turning up the heat with bowling at speeds of 145 kph plus regularly. Mohammad Shami has been the glue that has kept everything together.
Pradeep Sangwan was excellent in his first IPL match in four years, but if Yash Dayal recovers from his niggle, he might be preferred over Sangwan.
PUNJAB KINGS
Punjab Kings are languishing at the eighth spots in the IPL 2022 points table. With only four wins from nine games, their high-risk approach hasn't fetched them high rewards. Perhaps that's the reason they seem to be moving towards a more balanced mode of operation.
Their batting has not clicked at the start or in the middle or at the end. Mayank Agarwal has not fired at all this season, while Shikhar Dhawan has been the one constantly scoring runs.
Jonny Bairstow, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Liam Livingstone have lived life in the fast lane, often failing more than succeeding in their endeavors for quick runs. Jitesh Sharma has impressed with his keeping and hitting lower down the order.
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Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh have been their best pacers so far and have received good support from Rahul Chahar. It has been the fourth and fifth bowlers that have leaked runs and PBKS are still trying to find their best playing XI, but might not have many chances to find out the answers.
GT COC Predicted Playing XI:
Wriddhiman Saha (WK), Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Hardik Pandya (C), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Pradeep Sangwan, Alzarri Joseph, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammad Shami
PBKS COC Predicted Playing XI:
Mayank Agarwal (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Rishi Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Sandeep Sharma
