Xtra Time Web Desk: In a few hours from now Gujarat Titans will take on Rajasthan Royals in the final of the IPL 2022 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The final is expected to be a humdinger with both sides possessing multiple match winners. Let us take a look at the five key battles to watch out for:
Hardik Pandya vs Sanju Samson
It will be a battle between two best captains in the ongoing season. Both Hardik Pandya and Sanju Samson ahs excelled in their roles. Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik has overcome his fitness issues and found his mojo as he has done well both with the bat and ball. On the other hand, Sanju Samson too has been brilliant with his captaincy. He has stayed calm and composed while leading the Rajasthan Royals
Jos Buttler vs Md Shami
It will be a intriguing battle between Rajasthan Royals opener Jos Buttler and Gujarat Titans pace spearhead Mohammed Shami. Orange Cap holder Jos Buttler is in tremendous form, going into the final after scoring a scintillating hundred against RCB. Shami has consistently given early breakthroughs for the Titans. Gujarat will once again bank on him to see the back of in-form Buttler in Powerplay.
David Miller vs Yuzvendra Chahal
David Miller has been a pillar of strength in the Gujarat Titans middle order. The Proteas batter has excelled in the role of finisher as well. But the biggest transformation noticed in Miller is how he played against the spinners. Miller will be up against Purple Cap holder Yuzvendra Chahal. Known for setting up batters, it will be one intriguing battle to watch out for when Chahal bowls at Miller, luring him into big shots by tossing the ball in the air and varying speeds.
Shimron Hetmyer vs Rashid Khan
The big hitting Shimron Hetmyer is due for a big score after two failures. He has been the designated finisher for Rajasthan Royals. He has been superb in the middle overs, scoring runs at a decent strike rate. He will be up against Rashid Khan, who can bowl in the powerplay, middle overs as well as in the death overs. He has a superb economy rate of 6.73 and has picked 18 wickets as well.
Trent Boult vs Shubman Gill
Rajasthan Royals pace spearhead Trent Boult has the knack to strike with the new ball. Rajasthan will be looking to Boult to make early in-roads at the GT batting order. Shubman Gill isn’t your power-hitter who will go after the bowlers from the first ball itself. However, he’s a batter in the classical mode who can accelerate when needed.