IPL 2024 Preview: Who Will Lead As Top Wicket-Takers In SRH Vs GT?

In the 66th Match of IPL 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will face Gujarat Titans (GT) at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday, May 16.

These two teams have met four times previously, with Gujarat winning three of those encounters. Hyderabad's sole victory came in 2022. Their last meeting was the reverse fixture of this match in this IPL season, where GT defeated SRH by seven wickets.

Currently, fourth-placed SRH, with 14 points from 12 matches, is just one step away from qualifying for the playoffs. In their last match against LSG, the Lucknow side faced a heavy defeat as SRH secured a 10-wicket victory.

On the other hand, eighth-placed Titans missed the chance to secure a playoff spot due to a washout in their match against KKR. GT currently has 11 points from 13 matches.

The pace-heavy bowling order of SRH has been quite expensive this season. The strong performances by the SRH batters throughout the season have compensated for the shortcomings in bowling. Despite having stars like Pat Cummins and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in their pace attack, T. Natarajan has drawn attention with his brilliant performances. In the spin department, right-arm leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth will likely be the only option.

In comparison to the hosts, the visitors have a more balanced bowling side. However, a slump in form for Rashid Khan and the absence of Mohammed Shami have proven costly for the Titans. Mohit Sharma and Umesh Yadav will be available options in the pace attack. Sandeep Warrier could be an addition as an impact player. Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad will manage the spin department for GT in this match.

Pat Cummins (SRH): The 31-year-old Australian right-arm fast bowler has taken 14 wickets this season. The SRH skipper now has 59 wickets in his IPL career. Cummins will be vital for early success in powerplay overs.

T Natarajan (SRH): The 33-year-old left-arm medium-fast bowler has been exceptional this IPL season with 15 wickets in just 10 matches. Though he failed to get any wickets in the last two matches, Natarajan would be useful against left-handed batters and is expected to shine again at this crucial moment for his team.

Rashid Khan (GT): The 25-year-old Afghan spinner has picked up 10 wickets so far this season. This right-arm leg-spinner did not meet expectations this season, costing his team heavily. As both Heinrich Klaasen and Travis Head have fallen against spin five times each, Khan along with Noor Ahmad will be key matchups to prevent a run-fest.

Mohit Sharma (GT): The 35-year-old veteran pacer has taken 13 wickets this season and has led GT's pace attack from the front. Despite an average start to the campaign, the right-arm medium-fast bowler has been decent in recent matches. Sharma will play a key role in dismantling SRH's top order early in the innings.

As GT is already eliminated from the tournament, they will aim to end their campaign on a positive note. However, SRH faces a more challenging situation. The final two matches are crucial for them to secure a spot in the top four. Victories in these last two matches could even secure them a spot in the top two. Hence, an all-out approach is expected from both teams on Thursday evening.