Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri feels defending champions Gujarat Titans have a high chance of retaining the title in this edition of the Indian Premier League and lauded Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson for effectively using his spin bowlers in the league stage.
Rajasthan Royals are all set to host the table toppers Gujarat Titans in the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium on Friday. In their previous encounter, Rajasthan Royals came back stronger to chase down the total in the final over in the famous Narendra Modi Stadium.
With the loss in their previous games, both teams will look to stage a comeback at the business end of the tournament. Speaking about the game, Ravi Shastri believes that based on the current form and consistency Gujarat Titans have a high chance of defending the title in IPL 2023.
“Looking at the current form and team standings, I believe that Gujarat will win the trophy. There is consistency and flexibility in this team and there are seven-eight players who are performing consistently. The players in this Gujarat side complement each other,” Ravi Shastri said.
So far, only two teams– Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians – have managed to defend their titles and win back-to-back IPL trophies. It will be interesting to see whether Gujarat Titans can replicate the historic feat achieved by this legendary team.
In the inaugural season, Gujarat Titans performed consistently throughout the league and finished the league stage at the top of the points table with 10 wins from 14 games. They then went on to beat Rajasthan Royals in the Qualifier and the final to lift the title under Pandya’s captaincy.
Sanju Samson Has Matured As A Captain – Ravi Shastri
Former Indian World Cup winner Ravi Shastri was full praise of Indian wicketkeeper Sanju Samson for wisely using his spinners Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal and Adam Zampa in the league and reckons that only good captains can play three spinners and use them in an effective way.
“Sanju Samson has matured as a captain. He uses his spinners very well. Only a good captain can play with three spinners and use them smartly,” Ravi Shastri added.
Rajasthan Royals made a few changes to their setup during the IPL 2022 auction, which in turn paid off to them by making finals for the very first time since their title-winning 2008 under Shane Warne and have performed consistently well in the 2023 and will look to make it into the playoffs for the second consecutive time.