0:
The game between the Gujurat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants will go down in history as a classic. Both teams were playing their first match in IPL history and didn’t disappoint. The game had everything, high-octane hitting, pinpoint bowling and incredible catches as Hardik Pandya’s Titans won the game by five wickets.
Changes in the table
After the fourth match of the tournament, the Gujarat Titans are fourth on the table with two points and a net run rate of +0.286. Whereas the Lucknow Super Giants are seventh, after their loss with zero points and a net run rate of -0.286. Hardik Pandya’s men will next take on the Delhi Capitals, led by Rishabh Pant at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on 2 April. While the Lucknow-based franchise faces Chennai Super Kings on 31 March at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
Today’s matchup
In today’s game, the Sunrisers Hyderabad will go head to head against Rajasthan Royals at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. This will be the first match played at the MCA ground this season. Both these teams were at the bottom of the table last year and would want to make some serious improvements this season.
What do the captains say?
LSG captain KL Rahul pointed out the positives from their defeat in the first match. He said, “It was a phenomenal game. What a way to start the campaign. Starting off like that with the bat was not ideal but the way we recovered was phenomenal. It gives us so much confidence when the batters in the middle and lower order can do the job. We know with the Wankhede the ball can do a bit at the start and if we can get through that it will be ideal. We couldn't have started the campaign in any better way. There is so much to take away and learn for us. Sometimes you gotta give it to the quality of the bowler. We all know how good Shami is and if anyone could exploit the pitch that is Shami.”
“I knew he would be dangerous. It is good to see him bowl that well. With the way we finished and batted in the second half, we gave ourselves a chance. It gets really difficult with the dew to grip the ball but I don't want to give that as an excuse. We have to go back and practice bowling with the wet ball. We executed most of our plans but with a wet ball it skids on nicely. Good win for them and good learning for us. He's (Badoni) baby AB. He has been phenomenal from the first day. For a little boy, he packs a punch and plays 360 degrees, so happy for him as he grabbed the opportunity. It was not ideal for him to walk out with us four down but he did well under pressure and hopefully, he can continue doing that.”
Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya was ecstatic with his first victory as a captain as he said, “This was the right game for us to be on either side and learn, but have learnt a lot by winning. Shami is known for his seam positions and he got us to a great start. We would have any day taken 160 on this wicket. Mostly I'll bat at number four because I want to take pressure with my experience so that the others can play freely.”
“We want to win as a team and nobody can take the contribution away from anyway. It was quite humid as well, so I wouldn't have finished Shami's spell over there. Manohar is some talent to look at with the talent he has. He is someone who you are going to hear about in the future. Tewatia was sensational as well. Getting out to Krunal would have pinched me more had we lost, but now the family is neutral and happy. He got me out and we won the match.