Match 17 of the IPL 2024 edition will see the Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans (GT) host the Shikhar Dhawan-starrer Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday (April 4). While the Gujarat franchise is coming into this game on the back of a comfortable seven-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab have been struggling and have suffered two successive defeats since earning a win in their season-opener.

All eyes will be on Gill’s form in the clash versus Punjab. So far, the right-hander has managed scores of 31, 8 and 36 and while he has looked good, he hasn’t converted his starts as his average is a mere 25; very low as per his standards. Thus, Gill’s return to form will be a huge tick for the home side, who are at the fifth spot with two wins and a loss. They have started off positively and do not have a lot of concerns. Sai Sudarshan and David Miller are in good form and they have depth in their batting lineup. On the other hand, their bowling has always been their strength with Mohit Sharma being in top form. Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai and Umesh Yadav make a formidable bowling unit for them.

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Meanwhile, Punjab have lots to ponder upon. They have once again made a poor start to a new season. Having won their season-opener versus Delhi Capitals (DC) at their new home base in Mullanpur, Punjab have lost two games on the trot while on the road. They will hope to revive their fortunes but Dhawan & Co. have plenty of concerns.

Dhawan is striking at 133.01 and, hence, is expected to come hard at the bowlers. The likes of Jonny Bairstow, Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh need to do a lot more in their primary roles for Punjab to bounce back. They need to sort out their bowling strategy at the earliest and it will be interesting to see how they respond versus Gujarat, on a good batting track in Ahmedabad.

Match preview and result prediction: Expect a lot of runs but toss will be crucial with dew being a big factor. It will be a high-scoring affair with the chasing side to emerge on top. Gujarat should add another win to their kitty. A win for Punjab looks unlikely at the moment and could be termed an upset if they stun Gill & Co.

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