IPL 2017, Rising Pune Supergiant vs Gujarat Lions: 5 winning factors

The 39^th match of this IPL 2017 will see Rising Pune Supergiant take on Gujarat Lions at Pune. These are interesting times, and crucial too, as both the teams have gained some momentum after initial hiccups. Neither of teams have stamped their authority in the tournament so far, but they will be heading into a crucial encounter as they look to strengthen their chances of making it to the playoffs.

Gujarat Lions would be mighty proud of their efforts in the last game as they took the game to a super over despite losing their star bowler Andrew Tye. They have managed to win just three games out of nine and are in a spot of bother, but have an opportunity here against RPS, a team against whom they have a hundred percent win record.

RPS, on the other hand, are brimming with confidence after drubbing RCB this past Saturday. After their slow start, it seemed like the Pune-based franchise would be spending a lot of time at the bottom of the points table, but the Steve Smith led team have turned things around quite well. Their batting has come good and bowlers have stepped up when needed. And a win today will further boost their chance of a top four finish.

So, what should both the teams do to win this game? And, what should they not do? Who are the key players and what are the strategies? Let’s have a look.

#1 With the bat

Gujarat Lions, much like RCB, are a batting-heavy side. However, unlike RCB, they have a much reliable middle-order. GL will take heart from young Ishan Kishan’s gritty innings against a quality Mumbai Indians bowling attack when all other star batsmen fell early.

However, the likes of Brendon McCullum, Aaron Finch and Suresh Raina should score more than they did in the last game and score big as RPS are a good batting side themselves.

For RPS though, things are going pretty well with the bat. Young Rahul Tripathi has been very impressive, with his consistency and his strike rate. Once again they will look for a good opening stand from the Rahane-Tripathi combo and will back their reliable middle-order to carry the momentum.

#2 With the ball

Tahir is in the reckoning for the purple cap

Andrew Tye added some much-needed impetus to Gujarat’s bowling attack. However, with Tye picking up a recent injury while fielding, GL once again have a problem regarding their seam attack. That is where Basil Thampi could get his opportunity to lead the attack.

The Kerala pacer has bowled with aggression and should give GL a lot of confidence. And, with the experienced Irfan Pathan in the mix, GL should breathe slightly easier.

RPS, though, are coming from an outstanding outing with the ball. After dismissing RCB for a paltry 96, they will be much more confident of their bowling. The tear-away pacer from New Zealand, Lockie Forguson was at his best in the last game and with Imran Tahir too finding his form, RPS’ bowling will be a potent one.

#3 Strategy

Will Steve Smith rise to the occasion again?

Both the teams know each other pretty well. After playing three games against each other in the last two seasons, both the teams would have chalked their respective plans.

For GL it will be about getting few early wickets. Ajinkya Rahane has blown hot and cold in this season so far, but he is a class act and GL should dismiss him early. RPS have relied on Tripathi to an extent and getting his wicket, along with Smith, will put more pressure on their middle-order.

The strategy for RPS would be much simpler - get GL’s top three with as little on the board as possible. Because, with Tye out due to injury, GL will depend on their top order batsmen to score a few extra runs and losing their top three would put them under tremendous pressure.

#4 Team Combinations

Gujarat will have to replace Tye effectively

There’s no doubt GL will be a worried side after Tye’s injury. After all, it was only after Tye’s arrival that they won their first game. And, in his absence, they will look to strengthen their batting a bit more and hope their bowlers come good. Jason Roy should replace Tye.

Don’t expect RPS to tinker with their winning combination. They would look to go in with the same side and try to tick all the boxes through 40 overs. At this juncture, a bit of consistency in the team selection will help. And considering how well RPS are doing, it would be a bit surprising to see them make changes.

#5 The X-factor

Tripathi has been this IPL’s surprise package

Much of GL’s fortunes will depend on how their top three perform today. Aaron Finch is proven match-winner and GL will hope he gets going again. And, with Suresh Raina and Brendon McCullum in good form, it will be crucial for GL that all the batsmen fire on all cylinders in unison.

As he has in the last five innings, Rahul Tripathi, the RPS opener will be crucial for RPS. The talented right-hander has been very impressive and will hold the key for RPS’s success. If GL fail to get him early, Tripathi could cause a lot of problems as he scores his runs at a brisk pace and can put the dented GL’s bowling under pressure straight away.