The stage is set for the big-ticket finale of the 2022 season of the Indian Premier League where Hardik Pandya’s Gujarat Titans will lock horns against Rajasthan Royals Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. Both the teams have played major cricket this entire season and overcame major hurdles in their way to the finale. They entered the playoff stage after finishing the league stage as top 2 sides, where Gujarat stood at No.
Ahead of the summit, many former cricketers picked their favorite players to become the new champions of the Indian Premier League. Shoaib Akhtar and Harbhajan Singh chose Gujarat Titans as they think IPL The budding players will lift the trophy on their very first attempt.
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While former CSK batsman and four-time IPL winner Suresh Raina also feels that Gujarat Titans have a slight edge over their opponents in the mega clash.
“I think Gujarat Titans will have a slight edge over Rajasthan Royals in the final as they have got good rest for four-five days and also because of their pace this season,” he added. Cricket Live on Star Sports.
The southpaw further feels that the Royals cannot be taken lightly given the form of Jos Buttler who has scored over 800 runs this season which includes four centuries.
“I believe RR cannot be taken lightly as they are looking in great form and if Jos Buttler fires for the last time this season, it will be a huge bonus for the team. So, it will be an epic struggle. Also, the wicket here in Ahmedabad has been great and we have seen a lot of strokes from the batsmen.
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While former South Africa captain Graeme Smith suggested that Rajasthan would enter the game with the added advantage of playing on the surface in the previous clash.
“I think the advantage of Rajasthan Royals over Gujarat Titans is that they have played a game on this surface. He has got used to the atmosphere, the outfield, the pitch and the extra bounce. “But I think it is a one-time game and (in matches like this) if one of the big players rises to the occasion and performs in a big way, it gives a big boost to the team. Both these teams are full of potential match-winners which makes the Tata IPL final the most exciting,” said the 41-year-old.
Veteran Australian opener Matthew Hayden picked Gujarat Titans as the favorite as he feels the bouncy track at Motera will help him more.
“Their 4,5,6 are out of this world right now. But with this bouncy wicket which is similar to the Australian wicket, that could be a really ominous sign for Gujarat Titans,” Hayden told Star Sports .
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