The defending champions, Gujarat Titans, continued where they left off in their last season, posting another impressive performance in the league stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.
Gujarat Titans won 10 of their 14 league games this season, advancing to playoffs for the second consecutive season. They were defeated by Chennai Super Kings in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday (May 23rd) and now face Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2.
The team captained by Hardik Pandya is in the last stretch of their title defence this season. Whatever the outcome of this campaign, the squad may be proud of what they’ve accomplished since start. There are several parallels between their two campaigns.
So, consider the following parallels:
1) They finished top of the table in both seasons
In terms of points table position, the Gujarat Titans have had identical campaigns. In both campaigns, they had 10 victories and 4 losses in 14 games played. Their net run rate was +0.316 last year and is now +0.809 this year.
They won Qualifier 1 last year and advanced directly to the finals. Things have been different this time, as they have had to go the extra mile with a must-win game in Qualifier 2 this season.
2) Gujarat Titans is a team of match winners
Gujarat Titans have been a match-winning squad since their beginning. Hardik Pandya leads from the front admirably and boldly, and the backroom personnel, like Ashish Nehra and Gary Kirsten, contribute to the team’s culture of calm.
The squad has significant experience in their match-winners, including David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, and Dasun Shanaka.
Meanwhile, players like Sai Sudharsan and Vijay Shankar have stepped up to compensate for a strong Indian core, which has been a key to their success in the IPL.
3) Mohammed Shami was their leading wicket-taker in both seasons
Mohammed Shami has been the Gujarat Titans’ most potent weapon. The Indian pacer has been the team’s highest wicket-taker in both seasons and a steady provider of new-ball wickets, with Rashid Khan close behind.
Last season, Shami took 20 wickets in 16 matches, allowing runs at an economy rate of 8, while the leg-spinner took 19 wickets at an economy rate of 6.59. This year, the two are atop the tournament wicket-taking rankings.
The pacer has 26 wickets in 15 games and a 7.66 economy rate. This season, he has also collected two four-wicket hauls. Rashid, on the other side, has 25 wickets at an economy rate of 7.91 with one four wicket haul
