It is the contest between two finely balanced oppositions as Gujarat Titans face Rajasthan Royals in the final of IPL 2022.
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It’s the grand finale of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 as Gujarat Titans (GT) go up against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. It is the contest of two finely balanced oppositions with quality all across the squads. This is the third match between the franchises this season and GT have a clear upper hand having won the first two. However, numbers won’t matter much in a match like this as determination and mentality will have equal impact. Also, GT should be wary about the fact that RR is an unpredictable side and would want to hit back this time. They have shown this against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the second qualifier as they bounced back sharply after the defeat in Qualifier 1.
RR have two of the best players in IPL in the form of Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal. Jos Buttler is the leading run scorer of the ongoing campaign and has been the key batter for the ‘royals’. He can wreak havoc against any opposition, and GT will have to come with a plan to put an end to the Englishman’s onslaught. Chahal, along with RCB spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is the leading wicket taker of this year’s IPL. He has been off colour in the past couple of matches and will be desperate to be among the wickets. David Miller and skipper Hardik Pandya are the ‘go-to’ guys for GT when it comes to batting. They have come to the team’s rescue at every crucial juncture so far and would be hoping for more of the same in the final. GT bowlers have been up to the task as well, with Mohammed Shami and Rashid Khan leading the pack.
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Jos Buttler have regained form at the right time for RR after having a few below par outings after a thunderous start to the league campaign. The Englishman is a cause of concern for GT and his wicket will have a bearing on this game. They will be looking for an early wicket and Mohammed Shami could be their man to deal with the ‘Buttler-menace’. Shami is the leading wicket taker for GT this season and could make his experience matter.
GT will be relying a lot on their skipper Hardik Pandya, who had a season to remember, both as a captain and player. He has played sensibly for the Gujarat side and will be up against the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal in the final. The wizadry of Chahal can be a difficult ask for any batsman. This is a contest that could have a major impact in the match.
Sanju Samson was outright brilliant for RR this season. He has lead from the front and played according to the situation. Sanju has, somehow, gone under the radar despite being the second highest scorer for RR in IPL 2022. He will be determined to achieve big with RR after Indian team snub. GT’s spinner Rashid Khan is someone who will be tasked with stopping Sanju in the middle overs. His numbers speak for himself as he has taken 18 wickets so far this season. This will be an interesting match-up.
