Last Updated on 3 weeks by Charbel Coorey

GT vs RR Dream11 Prediction & Fan2Play Possble 11 Pitch Report: IPL 2022 Qualifier 1 | GT vs RR Dream11 Prediction Today | Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals Key Players | Kolkata Pitch Report

After 70 matches, two months of league action and endless speculation on who would qualify for the playoffs, it’s time for the home stretch. We will witness either a brand new champion or a first since 2008 in IPL 2022, following years of dominance at the hands of the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. That in itself is exciting.

Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals have the luxury of a top-two finish, courtesy of consistent cricket throughout the campaign. The Titans, who have surprised many, will be out to defy the odds once again. On numerous occasions did Hardik Pandya’s team look in trouble, but they found ways to seal incredible victories; a trait that can hold them in good stead here. Also, there is the small measure of their bowling attack – particularly their powerplay bowling – that has the potential to make inroads into the Royals’ batting lineup.

However, that is easier said than done. One of the concerns around the Royals earlier this season was the dependence on Jos Buttler. But, even as his form as cooled off, Sanju Samson’s team has found ways to win, courtesy of some outstanding efforts from the likes of R Ashwin in particular. They did seal a couple of pressure run-chases in recent weeks against Punjab and Chennai, so that kind of preparation, as well as the experience they possess, can hold them in good stead.

Possible Playing 11

Wriddhiman Saha is available despite tweaking his hamstring against RCB.

Gujarat Titans: 1. Shubman Gill, 2. Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 3. Matthew Wade, 4. Hardik Pandya (c), 5. David Miller, 6. Rahul Tewatia, 7. Rashid Khan, 8. R Sai Kishore, 9. Mohammed Shami, 10. Lockie Ferguson, 11. Yash Dayal

The Royals look settled. They should stick with the same XI that prevailed over CSK.

Rajasthan Royals: 1. Jos Buttler, 2. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3. Sanju Samson (c & wk), 4. Devdutt Padikkal, 5. Shimron Hetmyer, 6. Riyan Parag, 7. R Ashwin, 8. Trent Boult, 9. Obed McCoy, 10. Yuzvendra Chahal, 11. Prasidh Krishna

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Gujarat Titans:

• The Titans and Royals met once in the league stage. Hardik Pandya was the star, as he smashed 87* (52) and took 1/18. Also, the GT captain returned to form with an unbeaten 62* vs RCB.
• Hardik has some solid numbers against RR’s key bowlers: 35 off 26 vs Ashwin (no dismissal), 33 off 33 vs Chahal (one dismissal), 45 off 23 vs Krishna (one dismissal) and 41 off 22 vs Boult (two dismissals).
• Wriddhiman Saha has struck 212 runs in the powerplay this season at a strike rate of 138.56 and has been dismissed just twice. Only Buttler (357) and Gaikwad (333) have scored more runs than Saha’s 312 since the GT opener played his first game.
• David Miller is averaging 83.5 against spin this season. Overall, he has struck 381 runs at an average of 54.42 and strike rate of 136.07. When chasing, Miller has smashed 220 runs at a strike rate of 143.79 with just two dismissals.
• Can Rashid Khan get the better of Jos Buttler? The leg-spinner has dismissed Buttler four times in 30 deliveries, whilst conceding just 18.
• While Gujarat may be tempted to use Rashid earlier, Buttler has fallen to pace in six of his last seven matches. So, Mohammed Shami, who has dismissed Buttler twice in 30 balls, could be key.
• Lockie Ferguson took 3/23 against the Royals earlier this season. He dismissed Buttler, R Ashwin and Riyan Parag.

Rajasthan Royals:

• Jos Buttler, who is still the Orange Cap holder (629 runs) was in supreme form against Gujarat earlier in IPL 2022. He smashed 54 off 24 balls. Can he rediscover some of that form here?
• Yashasvi Jaiswal has top-scored for the Royals in three of the past four matches. The impressive left-hander has struck scores of 68, 19, 41 and 59 in recent games.
• Sanju Samson has good numbers against GT’s key bowlers: 46 off 26 vs Shami (one dismissal), 68 off 71 vs Rashid (one dismissal). The RR skipper has smashed 21 sixes this season – only Buttler, KL Rahul, de Kock, Livingstone, Rana, Russell and Powell have more.
• R Ashwin has been magnificent for the Royals. He was player of the match vs CSK with 40* (23) in a pressure chase and 1/28 with the ball. He has taken 10 wickets in his last nine outings and has struck 100 runs in his past three games.
• Purple Cap holder Yuzvendra Chahal has equalled the record for most wickets by a spinner in a season (26). It will be interesting to see how he fares on a Kolkata track that is likely to suit pacers.
• Trent Boult has shown signs of returning to his best form. He was player of the match two games ago vs LSG (2/18). He has dismissed Shubman Gill once in 23 deliveries in the IPL, whilst conceding just 22.

Other Stats and Facts

• Gujarat (192/4) beat Rajasthan (155/9) with ease earlier this season.
• Hardik Pandya strikes at 196.72 in six matches at Eden Gardens. He struck 91 off 34 balls for Mumbai Indians on this ground a few years ago.
• Shubman Gill has a good record at Eden Gardens: 12 inns, 335 runs, avg. 37.22, SR 143.16.
• Rahul Tewatia has smashed 134 off 71 balls against left-arm pace in the IPL. The Royals have two in Trent Boult and Obed McCoy.
• Gujarat Titans score 11.6 per over between overs 16-20 in chases. This is the best of any team. The Royals, on the other hand, are the worst team in this regard with a run rate of 8.3.

Eden Gardens Kolkata Pitch Report

This will be the first match at Eden Gardens in IPL 2022. So, expect a fresh surface with the kind of pace and bounce we’ve seen at Kolkata in recent years. Chasing teams have won three of the past five IPL matches on this ground.

However, there is a chance of scattered thunderstorms in Kolkata tonight. We could see a shortened match.

GT vs RR Dream11 Prediction IPL 2022 Qualifier 1 24 May 2022

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article as well as your own instincts to create your teams.

Option 1:

Option 2:

Fan2Play Prediction

Base team:

• Wicket-keepers: Jos Buttler, Wriddhiman Saha
• Batsmen: Yashasvi Jaiswal
• All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin
• Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan

Match Prediction

This has the makings of a cracking clash. It will be a battle of the Royals’ ability to defend vs Gujarat’s ability to chase.

If there is inclement weather around, the chasing team will benefit. However, the Royals, with their experience and talent, look good for a win.