Virat Kohli Hugs Kane Williamson, Chats with Rashid Khan Ahead of GT vs RCB Clash in Ahmedabad: WATCH

After heading back to winning ways after a month, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in their next fixture in Sunday. RCB, currently placed 10^th, cannot afford to lose this game as they look to jump up on the points table and remain valid in the playoffs race. On the other hand, GT will be wary of newfound firepower. The Shubman Gill-led side are now seventh on the table with eight points from nine matches, and they require a victory to float above the growing pile.

Ahead of the all-important face-off, the marquee players from both teams met at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday during their training sessions. Virat Kohli caught up with Kane Williamson as both batting stalwarts shook hands and hugged each other. The former RCB skipper also met and greeted Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan during the practice session.

Stay updated with the latest from IPL 2024, including top contenders for the IPL 2024 Orange Cap and IPL 2024 Purple Cap. Explore the complete IPL 2024 Schedule, IPL 2024 Points Table and players with the Most Sixes, Most Fours and Most Fifties in IPL 2024

RCB back on track

RCB have found a flicker of hope in their middle-order consisting of Rajat Patidar and Cameron Green. After a modest beginning to the season, Patidar has shown smidgens of his batting skills, especially against the spinners.

Green too was impressive during his 20-ball 37 against the Sunrisers that took RCB past the 200-run mark. It has also helped RCB reduce their dependency on Dinesh Karthik and Mahipal Lomror down the order for a late thrust, besides freeing opener Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis of the burden of scoring in almost every match.

Gujarat Needs to step-up

The Gujarat side needs their pacers to step up. Their pace bowling unit has been underwhelming throughout this IPL.

Mohit Sharma (10 wickets, economy: 10.35), Umesh Yadav (7 wickets, 10.55), Sandeep Warrier (5 wickets, 10.85) have leaked runs in plenty while backup quicks such as Spencer Johnson and Azmatullah Omarzai too have not inspired much confidence.

Their spinners – Rashid Khan (8 wickets), R Sai Kishore and Noor Ahmad (6 wickets each) – have been steady without being spectacular.