After 4,188 overs of non-stop T20 cricket across 45 days, the ninth edition of the Indian Premier League has arrived at its playoff stage. And there’s no better way than to start the play-offs than with the top two sides going up against one another.
Ever since the playoffs were introduced in 2011, only once has the side that won the first qualifier not gone on to win the competition – that’s how important this game has become.
For Bangalore it is an opportunity to continue their immense form and reach a first final since 2011, and possibly go on to win their first ever title. There’s very little they can do wrong right now with Virat Kohli leading from the front like a run-hungry monster, and a resurgent bowling attack backing him up.
Gujarat Lions on the other hand have surprised many in their very first season, executing their plans superbly under the leadership of the wily Suresh Raina. While the Lions experienced a minor blip in the middle stages of the competition, they have the players who know a thing or two about performing on the big stage.
While many will be expecting this to be a close contest, Bangalore may disagree. The last time these two sides met, Gujarat received a hammering courtesy of record-breaking centuries from Kohli and AB de Villiers and the team from Saurashtra will do well not to think too much of the 144-run defeat. It’s an opportunity nonetheless for Gujarat to upstage the “home” team, especially on a ground where chasing targets has so far been relatively straightforward.
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