Xtra Time Web Desk: Will Gujarat Titans drop an out of form Mathew Wade for the IPL 2022 Qualifier 1 against Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens on Tuesday night? The Australian looked awfully out of form, having scored only 114 runs from 8 games at an average of just 14.25. Keeping in mind the nature of Eden Gardens strip in last few seasons, Titans may opt for Caribbean pacer Alzarri Joseph. The fast bowler from Barbados was seen spending a long time at nets and was also seen discussing with GT coach Ashish Nehra. Lockie Ferguson, who was rested in the inconsequential match against RCB, will make his way back into the playing XI. If Wade is dropped, Sai Sudharsan will go in at No 3. In that case Alzarri Joseph will come in place of Yash Dayal.
Gujarat Titans were written off by many even before a ball was bowled. But the IPL newbie, led by Hardik Pandya has proved everyone wrong. The Gujarat Titans captain, fighting his own battles with form and injury, inspire the team.
Titans won the only outing between the two sides in the league phase. Hardik struck a brillant 87 to set up the game, before their pace battery of Yash Dayal and Lockie Ferguson snuffed out the Royals. It’s payback time now for Royals.
Gujarat Titans key players to watch out for is their trusted overseas trio of Rashid Khan, David Miller and Lockie Ferguson. Rashid was seen having a close look at the Eden Gardens wicket during practice. Lockie on the other hand looked quite relaxed. In fact, Rashid, Lockie and Mohammed Shami have all taken 10 plus wickets in the season. The Bengal speedster was seen steaming in at the nets at his home-ground against another local boy Wriddhiman Saha.
Wriddhiman Saha has been a revelation ever since he got an opportunity to open the batting for Titans. The wicket keeper batter missed the first five matches but since he started playing, has scored the most runs (312) and at a healthy strike rate, taking pressure off Shubman Gill.
Hardik has used his resources well. He has got the best out of a fiery duo of David Miller and Rahul Tewatia. Every little thing has fallen in place for Gujarat Titans so far in the season and will be looking to make it to the final at their own backward at Narendra Modi stadium on May 29.