RCB vs GT: Gujarat Titans Should Play Lockie Ferguson- Parthiv Patel

Former Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel opined Gujarat Titans to play Lockie Ferguson in their final fixture of the league stage against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Thursday (May 19).

The IPL 2022 table leaders are relaxed after securing a place in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2022 playoffs, courtesy of their domination with 10 wins in 13 games.

Gujarat Titans can play a spoilsport in RCB’s playoffs hope

The Hardik-Pandya led side will finish at the top of the points table irrespective of the result of their game against RCB. But Gujarat can provide Delhi Capitals a breather if they beat RCB at the Wankhede Stadium.

DC are currently slotted at fourth place in the table with 14 points and +0.255 NRR, which is better than RCB’s -0.323 even though both teams have the same points.

Gujarat Titans pace bowler Lockie Ferguson has snapped 12 wickets in 11 games at an economy rate of 8.93. He has been a lethal combination alongside Mohammed Shami boasting a formidable bowling unit.

Ferguson was benched in the last two games against LSG and CSK with wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade replacing the New Zealand bowler in the Titans team.

RCB vs GT: Lockie Ferguson is important in the grand scheme of things: Parthiv Patel

Parthiv said Ferguson can aid from the dew factor at the Wankhede stadium and believes the speedster will make a difference for the Titans.

“If the surface at the Wankhede is not showing any turn, then they should try to bring back Lockie Ferguson. If Ferguson indeed comes in, two changes might be required to accommodate him. Wade and Sai Kishore can make way for Ferguson and an Indian batter like Sai Sudharsan,” Parthiv said on Cricbuzz.

“When you have a bowler who can bowl fast and make a difference in the game straight away, especially in dew, then he should be brought in. They have luxury, so you can afford to make little tweaks. Lockie Ferguson is important in the grand scheme of things,” he added.

LSG will take on the Faf du Plessis-led team on Thursday (May 18) at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

Also Read: RCB vs GT: Match Preview – IPL 2022 Match 67, Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans