IPL 2023 KKR vs GT Preview: Kolkata stand in way of Gujarat’s climb to top of points table

The last time Kolkata Knight Riders & Gujarat Titans faced off, it proved to be a spectacle.

Arguably one of the best games in IPL history, Rinku Singh smashed 5 consecutive sixes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in Ahmedabad earlier this month.

But the Knight Riders have stuttered since then and even though they beat RCB the second time this season in their last match, they are still languishing in the bottom half with just 6 points in 8 matches.

Hardik Pandya’s Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, will come to Kolkata with the knowledge that a victory will see them go top of the points table.

The defending champions will look to seal their third win on the bounce on Saturday but will be wary of the threat KKR pose after their win against Virat Kohli’s side.

Kolkata team news

Shardul Thakur’s non-selection has baffled many, with many wondering if the all-rounder is injured. If not, he could take Umesh Yadav’s place since the fast bowler has looked off-colour this season and gave away 19 runs in his solitary over last match.

KKR vs GT head to head

In head-to-head comparison, Kolkata and Gujarat have won a game each.

Gujarat team news

With still no clarity on why Sai Sudharsan’s not playing, expect Gujarat to go with the same lineup.

Weather report

According to the Met Department, rain could have a say in the contest since there’s a 50% chance of thunderstorms on Saturday

Kolkata Probable XI

N Jagadeesan(w), Jason Roy, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana(c), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, David Wiese, Shardul Shakur, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy

Gujarat Probable XI

Wriddhiman Saha(w), Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya(c), Vijay Shankar, David Miller, Abhinav Manohar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, Noor Ahmad, Mohit Sharma