IPL match preview: Kolkata Knight Riders v Gujarat Titans
The Kolkata Knight Riders remain in pursuit of a third Indian Premier League title, while reigning champions Gujarat Titans want to successfully defend their crown.
Hardik Pandya.The Knight Riders will go into this match on the back of a tough challenge against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. What happens in that fixture could set several precedents for this encounter. KKR have struggled of late and will need more than just one to get back on track.
Whether Kolkata persist with England batsman Jason Roy in their middle order and Namibian all-rounder David Wiese in the crucial all-rounder role remains to be seen. KKR have plenty of local talent that could take up those overseas berths, too.
The Titans can take a lot from Tuesday's win over the Mumbai Indians into this fixture. Gujarat were dominant with bat and ball. They'd like to strike that right balance here again, adapting as or when conditions and circumstances dictate.
It will be interesting to see if the Titans keep going with Wriddhiman Saha at the top of the order. He is not a quintessential T20 big-hitter, but can accumulate runs at a brisk rate regardless. Opening partner Shubman Gill is a good foil.
Kolkata and Gujarat have a brief history. They have beaten each other once. KKR's win is the most recent, in 2023, when Rinku Singh and Venkatesh Iyer starred.
Sunil Narine isn't the so-called mystery spinner he was in the past, but still possesses plenty of crafty ways of getting batsmen out and keeping the runs down. He has been a solid asset for KKR for an extended period.
The Titans can look to captain Hardik Pandya for big contributions with the bat and ball. He's a blooming tactician as well - and one of the best captains on display in the 2023 Indian Premier League.
The Gujarat Titans are looking in the best position to win here. They can capitalise on KKR's lack of form of late.