Kolkata are set to take on Gujarat in the 35^th match of the Indian T20 League 2022 on Saturday at DY Patil Sports Academy. Shreyas Iyer and Co. would be heartbroken after their defeat in a high-scoring thriller in the last game. They would be looking to get back to winning ways. Currently, Kolkata are sitting at number seven on the table with 3 wins in 7 matches.

On the other hand, Gujarat pulled off an unbelievable victory in their last game against Chennai, thanks to a spectacular knock by David Miller. That win helped them take the top spot. They have, so far, managed to register five wins in 7 matches.

Team News:

Kolkata:

Despite conceding a mammoth 217-run total against Rajasthan, Kolkata were in the chase for the most part of the second innings. However, one good over from Yuzvendra Chahal, in the end, turned things around dramatically. Nevertheless, Kolkata would be looking to take out positives and come back stronger in the next match.

Players to watch out for:

1. Shreyas Iyer:

After playing a spectacular knock of 85 runs in 51 balls in the last game, Shreyas Iyer would be brimming with confidence. He is the man in form and is expected to play a similar knock on Saturday.

2. Aaron Finch

After enduring a forgettable outing in his first game, Finch played a blistering knock of 58 runs in 28 balls, including 9 fours and 2 sixes. He would be looking to continue his good form.

3. Andre Russell

Andre Russell, unfortunately, got out on the very first ball he faced in the last game. However, the West Indies all-rounder is in a pretty good form with the bat. In 7 matches, he has managed to score 179 runs at a strike rate of 177.23.

Probable Playing XI:

Venkatesh Iyer, Aaron Finch, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Sheldon Jackson (wk), Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Shivam Mavi, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy

Gujarat:

Hardik Pandya didn’t play the last game but Gujarat still managed to win the game. They didn’t play to their potential, however, David Miller singlehandedly, took the game away from Chennai. They would be looking to continue the winning momentum.

Players to watch out for:

1. Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya’s return will, once again, add a lot of balance to the side. The skipper has done a great job in department. He has made great decisions and his individual performances too inspire a lot of confidence.

2. Shubman Gill

Gill started his campaign in an outstanding fashion. He hit two consecutive half-centuries but hasn’t performed too well in the last couple of games. For Gujarat to pile up a big score, Gill needs to set the tone with a solid knock at the top of the order.

3. Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan will continue to be the biggest bet in the bowling department for Gujarat. The Afghanistan spinner’s four overs will be key to the team’s fortune. He also showed his power-hitting display in the last game, playing a valuable knock of 40 runs in just 21 balls.

Probable Playing XI:

Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya David Miller, Abhinav Manohar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan (c), Alzarri Joseph, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Shami

Match Details:

Venue: Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy

Date: April 23^nd, 2022

Time: 3:30 PM

Broadcasting Details: Star Sports Network for Television, Disney+ Hotstar for online streaming

Pitch Report:

Fast bowler are getting a lot of bounce from the surface. Amongst all the pitches which are being used in this edition, fast bowlers have received maximum assistance at DY Patil Sports. If they bowl at great lengths, batsmen tend to find it difficult to get right at the top of the bounce. Anything between 160-180 should be a good score here. Given that it will be a day game, teams could think of batting first upon winning the toss.