GT vs RCB Match Prediction: Who will win today's IPL 2024 match?
The last time the Gujarat Titans (GT) faced the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli had a ton-off, with the apprentice outshining the master to secure the two points on the night.
That loss officially knocked RCB out of playoff contention in IPL 2023, with GT finishing in the top two before eventually falling to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the final. One season later, the two teams will meet again, this time in Ahmedabad.
Bengaluru are on the verge of a playoff exit once again, and they haven't been nearly good enough this year. With only two wins in nine matches, they are mightily close to being officially knocked out, and Gujarat can have the honor of doing that for the second campaign running.
But the Titans have concerns of their own this time around. Shubman Gill and Co. have amassed eight points from nine matches and have the worst net run rate among all 10 teams in the competition. With competition for mid-table spots being fiercer than ever, a loss would be catastrophic.
RCB are on the back of an impressive win, though. Can they keep their momentum going? Or will GT seal their fate once again?
IPL 2024, GT vs RCB Win Probability: Too close to call, but hosts might be slightly ahead
RCB do have momentum on their side, but they also have holes that can be exposed by GT.
Rajat Patidar has carried the team's spin hitting in the middle overs. He can't do it in every game, especially against the likes of Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and R Sai Kishore. If Patidar falls early, the rest of the Bengaluru batting unit might be shackled by spin.
Virat Kohli has been excellent in the powerplay and unimpressive in the middle overs. While GT might not have enough new-ball pedigree to get him out early, they will back themselves to restrict him to yet another negative impact knock.
Gujarat have some serious concerns in the batting department as well, but certain key names now have a few runs under their belt. Wriddhiman Saha and David Miller played important innings in the last game, while Shubman Gill is due.
This contest is a tough one to call, with both teams having enough match-winners in their ranks. GT have home advantage, but they haven't been as formidable at Ahmedabad as they were in previous seasons. RCB, meanwhile, seem to have settled on the right combination but still don't have a well-rounded unit.
The Titans' superior bowling attack could prove to be the difference between the two sides.
Prediction: GT to win Match 45 of IPL 2024.