IPL 2024: GT vs PBKS Match 17 – Top 3 player battles to watch out for

IPL 2024: GT vs PBKS, Match 17 – Who will win the key player battles? ( Photo source : IPL )

Gujarat Titans (GT) will host Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 17 of the Indian Premier League 2024. The two teams have played just three games in league history so far, with Titans winning two and Kings winning one. Heading into the upcoming match, PBKS are placed eighth on the points table having won just one game out of three. On the other hand, GT have won two of their three matches and are currently fifth in the standings.

Shubman Gill and Co. started their campaign with a six-run win over Mumbai Indians but lost to Chennai Super Kings in their next match. However, they got back on the winning track with an impressive seven-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad. PBKS got off the mark in their very first game against Delhi Capitals but lost two in a row.

The element of inconsistency has not left the Punjab franchise as they are showing similar signs this season. They failed to defend 177 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and could not chase down 200 against Lucknow Super Giants. Given history and current form, the 2022 champions are favourites to win the game, but it is a long tournament and PBKS will aim to prove their critics wrong.

Both teams have quality players in their ranks who are capable of turning the tide of the game. Expect an exciting contest when the two clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, April 4.

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Here are the top 3 player battles to watch out for in IPL 2024: GT vs PBKS, Match 17 – 

3. Harpreet Brar vs David Miller

Harpreet Brar vs David Miller ( Photo source: IPL )

David Miller struggled to find runs in the first two games of the season but returned to form with a 27-ball 44 against SRH. The veteran big-hitter has been a key part of GT’s squad in the past seasons and is expected to continue his form in the upcoming match.

Miller usually bats at no.4 or no.5 in the middle stages and is likely to face Punjab’s star spinner, Harpreet Brar. The left-arm spinner has taken three wickets in as many matches so far and is also very economical. Miller is a big threat in the middle order, but PBKS will look to counter that with Brar’s spin magic.

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2. Rashid Khan vs Jonny Bairstow

Rashid Khan vs Jonny Bairstow ( Photo source: IPL )

Jonny Bairstow is a beast in limited-overs cricket, but he has yet to switch on that mode this season. The Englishman struggled in the first two matches but found his rhythm in the last match against LSG, where he scored 42 off 29 balls.

A strong start in the PowerPlay will do the needful for PBKS and that is what exactly Bairstow will aim for in the upcoming match. However, GT has a strong force to face this challenge – Rashid Khan. The Afghanistan spin wizard is known for providing crucial breakthroughs and is likely to trouble Bairstow on Thursday.

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1. Shubman Gill vs Kagiso Rabada

Shubman Gill vs Kagiso Rabada ( Photo source: IPL )

Shubman Gill has scored the most runs in the GT vs PBKS rivalry while Kagiso Rabada has claimed the most number of wickets. The match-up between the best players in their respective teams will be an interesting battle to watch out for.

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The GT skipper is yet to register a half-century this season but has been providing a solid start for the team. The same goes for Rabada, the Proteas pacer was impressive against RCB but failed to bring out his best in the other two matches. Gill has good records at GT’s home ground and PBKS will aim to lock him early with their premier pacer.