The State of Play
The Rajasthan Royals will look to maintain their record as the only side in IPL 2024 with a 100 per cent record when they take on the Gujarat Titans tomorrow.
Sanju Samson’s men have been impressive so far with the captain leading from the front with 178 runs from his four innings, including two fifties.
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And Jos Buttler also made a welcome return to form in the Royals’ last outing with a brilliant 100 not out from just 58 balls in the six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The only batter yet to fire is India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal who has contributed just 39 runs in this year’s competition.
Royals coach Kumar Sangakkara is not overly concerned, though. He said: “We know the quality that Jaiswal brings to the side, we just want him to relax and bat, and bat long. He just needs to calm down a little bit, rest up.”
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Things haven’t gone as smoothly for the Titans, who have two wins and three defeats from their five games.
They were particularly disappointing last time out. Chasing 164 to beat the Lucknow Super Giants, they were bundled out for just 130 – Sai Sudharsan top-scoring with 31.
The form of captain Shubman Gill aside, it has been a disappointing campaign for Gujarat but a win tomorrow would get their season firmly back on track.
Expected line-ups
Rajasthan Royals: Jaiswal, Buttler, Samson (c, wk), Parag, Jurel, Hetmyer, Ashwin, Boult, Khan, Burger, Dubey
Gujarat Titans: Sudharsan, Gill (c), Williamson, Sharath (wk), Shankar, Nalkande, Tewatia, Khan, Yadav, Johnson, Ahmad
Eagle gang or Bichhoo gang? 🔥😂 pic.twitter.com/VeQGLdXrc8
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 8, 2024
How to watch
Sky have the rights to show the IPL to UK viewers in 2024 and will broadcast every game live. Wednesday’s match will be shown on Sky Sports Cricket from 2.50pm BST.
In India, the games can be streamed on the Jio Cinema app and website. They are also available across the Star Sports Network.
Prediction
The Royals appear to hold all the aces. Buttler’s return to form could be key, especially with Samson and Parag also making decent contributions in IPL 2024 so far. It’s also inconceivable to think Jaiswal won’t come good sooner rather than later.
They also have a more balanced bowling line-up. The pace and cunning of Nandre Burger and Trent Boult has worked well alongside the leg-spin of Yuzvendra Chahal.
Gill and Kane Williamson have the tools to make it a difficult evening for the Royals but we’re tipping the table-toppers to make it five wins from five.
