With 18 points from 12 matches, Gujarat have already secured a playoff place, but with Bengaluru and Punjab close behind on 17 points, the race remains tight.
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Gujarat’s form has been impressive, especially their top trio of B Sai Sudharsan (617 runs), Shubman Gill (601), and Jos Buttler (500), who have combined for 16 half-centuries and a century, anchoring most of the team’s wins.
This dominance, however, has left their middle order less tested. Their bowling attack, led by Prasidh Krishna (21 wickets), Mohammed Siraj, and R Sai Kishore, has been equally effective. The return of Kagiso Rabada adds further firepower.
Meanwhile, Lucknow’s playoff hopes were dashed after a heavy loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad. The team, led by Rishabh Pant, has been plagued by inconsistency, injuries, and poor performances, especially from their overseas players Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran.
Key injuries to pacers Mohsin Khan and Mayank Yadav, along with fitness issues for Avesh Khan and Akash Deep, have weakened their bowling.
Pant admitted that injuries and absences impacted their season, and with spinner Digvesh Rathi suspended for an on-field altercation, Lucknow faces an uphill battle to turn their fortunes around.