Indian T20 League 2022: Qualifier 1- Gujarat vs Rajasthan: Preview, Match Details, Pitch Conditions and Updates

The first qualifer of the Indian T20 League 2022 shall see Gujarat take on Rajasthan. Both teams have been absolutely exceptional in this edition so far. As they have managed to make it to the top two, both sides get two chances to make it to the final. Thus, a loss over here isn't the end of the road for either of them.

Having said that, both teams would want to win this game, and reach the final. This gives them the luxury to have a break, and get more match practise ahead of the grand finale. Besides, things then get harder for the loser of Qualifier 1. When it comes to the Gujarat-based franchise, they were the best team during the league stage. They won 10 out of their 14 games and thus, finished at the top of the points table.

The fact that their skipper Hardik Pandya got back to the groove during their game against Bangalore comes as a huge confidence booster for the Gujarat-based franchise. Besides, their bowlers have been in superb form as well. As for the Sanju Samson-led side, they have been fabulous as well.

The Rajasthan-based franchise won nine out of their 14 games despite not winning the toss on numerous occasions. However, it was Gujarat who got the better of Rajasthan during their previous encounter. Nevertheless, several of Rajasthan's players are due for a good game. Thus, this first game of the playoffs promises to be an absolute cracker of a contest.

Pitch Conditions:

The Qualifier 1 is set to take place at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The conditions are batting-friendly, to say the least. However, as the weather conditions haven't really been great, the last few days have seen a lot of rains. Thus, spinners might get some assistance. Taking the weather forecast into account, both teams would want to bat last as the game could be shortened due to rain delays.

Probable Playing XIs:

Gujarat:

Gujarat wouldn't want to make any changes to their XI ahead of such a big game. However, there aren't any updates about Wriddhiman Saha, who had suffered a hamstring injury. If he doesn't recover on time, Vijay Shankar could replace him.

Predicted Playing XI:

Wriddhiman Saha/Vijay Shankar, Shubman Gill, Matthew Wade (wk), Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Shami

Rajasthan:

The Rajasthan-based franchise doesn't really have a reason to change their winning combination. Thus, they are likely to field the same XI that featured during their previous game against Chennai.

Predicted Playing XI:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Prasidh Krishna, Yuzvendra Chahal, Obed McCoy

Match Details:

Match: Gujarat vs Rajasthan– Qualifier 1

Date and Time: Tuesday, May 24, 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar