The Gujarat Titans (GT) won the IPL title in their first season in 2022 and were runners-up in 2023. After a forgettable group stage in 2024, they surged back into the playoffs in 2025. With a chance to finish in the top two, GT hopes to continue its 2025 surge toward winning another title when they host the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 22.
GT’s Surge in IPL 2025
GT’s surge in 2025 has been built on a tight-knit team with an explosive top order, and an accurate bowling attack. With Shubman Gill leading the way with both bat and captaincy, GT’s top order has been phenomenal. Orange Cap holder Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler have consistently taken apart their opponents’ bowling attacks, so the middle order has rarely had to step up and do the job.
In terms of bowling, Prasidh Krishna has been a leading wicket-taker at all phases of the innings. His ability to perform in the Powerplay and at the death has made a difference in close contests. So too has spin, and Sai Kishore has led the way for GT in that area, although Rashid Khan has not brought his best form.
GT has been very challenged with Jos Buttler leaving for the playoffs due to international duties. However, GT remains formidable with players like Rahul Tewatia, Sherfane Rutherford, and Shahrukh Khan poised to fill the void.
LSG’s Frustrating Season
For the Lucknow Super Giants, the 2025 season has been frustrating. With injuries, stars underperforming, and unstable leadership, they have all but crashed out of the playoffs. Captain Rishabh Pant has struggled as a player and captain, while forms have failed for players like Nicholas Pooran, who started the season well. While Ravi Bishnoi, LSG’s lead spinner, has also struggled for any consistency.
However, young pacer Digvesh Rathi has shown maturity during the season. However, for LSG, he is suspended for this match for breaching the Code of Conduct.
Important Matchups to Consider
GT have a record of 4-2 head to head against LSG, however, LSG won both their last games against GT in 2023 and 2024 although GT is clearly in better form.
Rashid Khan vs Nicholas Pooran– Pooran has scored 87 in 72 balls against him in previous matches, however he has also been dismissed three times by him.
Rabada vs Pooran: Another scary match up for Pooran in which he has been dismissed four times in only 42 balls.
Markram vs GT Pacers – Aiden Markram who I would have just ignored has been one of LSG’s most consistent players this season as he has scored very quickly against Siraj (34 off 23), Rabada (35 off 24) and Krishna (24 off 12) in the past.
Pitch and Conditions
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is well known for its true batting track and good bounce although the bowlers like Prasidh Krishna have had some luck in the past with the bounce and pace. We expect a high scoring match, especially with GT’s top order.
Likely XIs
Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Arshad Khan, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.
Lucknow Super Giants: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, William ORourke.
What’s at stake?
GT can finish in the top two places with a W and give themselves another chance in the playoffs. LSG are merely trying to finish the season on a good note, test their bench and save some pride.
Conclusion
Although LSG have potential to surprise, GT have all of the building blocks in place with the obvious home advantage, a blazing top order and bowlers at the top of their form. GT are going to be keen to hold their top tier position and continue to chase the IPL Trophy.
Expecting fireworks, nail bighting contests and some high quality cricket as the Titans face the Super Giants in what could be a season defining match for Shubman Gill’s rookie side.
