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RCB vs GT: Bhuvneshwar-Hazlewood’s Threat to Titans’ Top Three

The clash between RCB and Gujarat Titans features a key battle between RCB's new-ball pair of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood against GT's top three of Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler. Bhuvneshwar has dismissed Gill eight times and Buttler four times, with Buttler averaging just 13.87 against him. Hazlewood has also troubled Gill and Sudharsan, dismissing both multiple times. RCB aims for their seventh win in nine matches, while GT seeks their fifth win.

Key Points: RCB vs GT: Bhuvneshwar-Hazlewood Challenge for Gill, Buttler

  • RCB aim for 7th win in 9 matches
  • Bhuvneshwar dismissed Gill 8 times
  • Hazlewood has dismissed Gill twice in 6 innings
  • Buttler averages 13.87 against Bhuvneshwar
3 min read

RCB vs GT: A look at Bhuvneshwar-Hazlewood's exciting match-up against Titans' top 3

Preview of RCB vs GT: Bhuvneshwar Kumar & Josh Hazlewood’s strong record against Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler & Sai Sudharsan. Key match-up analysis.

"Gill has managed just 67 runs in 66 balls at a strike rate of over 101 at an average of 16.75 against Bhuvneshwar - ESPNCricinfo"

Ahmedabad, April 30

The clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans will witness an exciting match-up between the defending champions' new-ball pair of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood and the Titans' top-three of skipper Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Englishman Jos Buttler.

The defending champions will be aiming to solidify their already powerful chances for playoffs by getting their seventh win in nine matches, while the Gill-led GT will be aiming to let go off their top-order dependence and register their fifth win of the season. They are placed at fifth spot in the competition.

*Bhuvneshwar-Hazlewood vs GT's top-three: A massive opportunity for RCB to seize control

Bhuvneshwar (14 wickets in eight matches at an average of 16.85) and Hazlewood (eight wickets in five matches at an average of 19.25) have been a sensational new-ball pair for RCB, as per ESPNCricinfo.

Bhuvneshwar has been sensational against Gill and Buttler, having dismissed them eight times and four times respectively. Gill has managed just 67 runs in 66 balls at a strike rate of over 101 at an average of 16.75 against Bhuvneshwar, getting just seven fours and eight sixes against him.

Buttler is not doing any better against the 'Swing King' either, being outclassed eight times in 19 innings at an average of 13.87 and a strike rate of over 109 against Bhuvneshwar, scoring just 111 runs in 101 balls against him, with 13 fours and two sixes.

Sudharsan and Gill have shown vulnerability against Hazlewood as well, with Gill dismissed by the Aussie superstar twice in six innings at an average of 12.50, scoring just 25 runs in 30 balls at a strike rate of 83.83 and three fours. Sudharsan has encountered Hazlewood twice and lost his wicket to him, scoring 28 runs at an average of 14.00 and a strike rate of over 133, with three fours and two sixes.

Squads: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad: Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam Dar, Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, Swapnil Singh, Philip Salt, Nuwan Thushara, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhinandan Singh, Kanishk Chouhan, Satvik Deswal Gujarat Titans Squad: Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Manav Suthar, Rahul Tewatia, Anuj Rawat, Glenn Phillips, Kulwant Khejroliya, Nishant Sindhu, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav, Luke Wood, Prasidh Krishna, Sai Sudharsan, Kumar Kushagra, Gurnoor Brar, Ashok Sharma, Connor Esterhuizen.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Rohit L
GT's batting is too dependent on Gill, Sudharsan and Buttler. If Hazlewood and Bhuvi take early wickets, GT might crumble. But if they survive the first 10 overs, they can post a big total. RCB's middle order needs to step up too, can't always rely on Kohli and Patidar. Hoping for a good match! 🤞
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Aman W
Bhuvi's record against Buttler is surprising - 8 dismissals in 19 innings! Buttler is usually so dominant against pace, but Bhuvi has his number. RCB should definitely use Bhuvi's overs against Buttler early in the innings. Also, Hazlewood against Sudharsan is a mismatch in favour of the bowler. RCB fans must be excited about this contest!
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Nisha Z
Honestly, RCB's new ball pair is the best in the IPL this season. Bhuvi and Hazlewood complement each other perfectly - one swings it both ways, the other hits the deck with bounce. GT's top order needs to be careful. But I feel GT's middle order is stronger this time with Shahrukh and Washington Sundar. Should be a closely fought match! 🔥
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Kavya N
RCB is doing well this season, but I wish they had a stronger death bowling option. Bhuvi and Hazlewood have been amazing at the start, but we need someone like Harshal or Siraj to step up in the slog overs. That said, this match-up against GT's top order is fascinating. If RCB can get Gill early, they have a great chance! 😎

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