As we approach the critical phase of the group stage in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), the competition for playoff berths intensifies. On May 13 (Monday), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans (GT) are set to clash in a particularly intriguing encounter. Despite being on the brink of elimination, GT still hold a slim hope, albeit fading, while KKR looks to solidify their position in the top two.

The outcome of this match could potentially accelerate GT’s exit from the tournament while further securing KKR’s playoff berth. For KKR, who are on the verge of securing a top-two spot, a victory over GT could be the final push towards playoff certainty. Conversely, GT’s hopes of staying alive in the competition hinge on a victory, making this encounter a pivotal moment for both teams.

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Will GT make the tough decision to drop Noor Ahmad?

In IPL 2023, Noor Ahmad emerged as a potent force in Gujarat Titans’ bowling arsenal, adding a vital dimension to their attack, especially during the middle overs. However, in the current season, the young spinner seems to be grappling with the challenges of the infamous second-season syndrome. With just eight wickets in 10 matches at an average of 36.25 and an economy rate of 8.33, his impact has noticeably dwindled.

Recent performances reflect a struggle, as he has conceded nearly 10 runs per over across his last four games, with an average of 42.3 during this period. A glaring example was against CSK, where he managed only two overs and was pummeled by Moeen Ali, leaking 25 runs, with 20 coming in a single over.

It comes as little surprise that Moeen capitalized on Noor’s struggles, particularly against left-handed batters, evident from his high economy rate of 13.2 in GT’s recent encounters. Considering KKR’s formidable lineup boasting four potent left-handers in Narine, Venky Iyer, Rana, and Rinku, GT might contemplate dropping Noor. Instead, they could consider bringing in a more effective option like Spencer Johnson or Josh Little, the latter having showcased his prowess with a four-wicket haul in a previous clash against RCB.

While KKR’s batting unit has been performing exceptionally well this season, their skipper, Shreyas Iyer, has struggled to find his rhythm. With an average of 31.89 and a strike rate of 135.4, he has found it challenging to consistently influence matches like some of his teammates. In the recent encounter against MI on May 11 (Saturday), he endured a difficult innings, scoring just 7 runs off 10 balls before being dismissed in a rather amusing manner, bowled behind his legs.

Iyer has indeed displayed glimpses of his potential this season, albeit inconsistently. While his fluctuating form hasn’t significantly impacted the team due to the stellar performances of his teammates, as the playoffs draw closer, KKR will rely on their skipper to step up. With Monday’s crucial clash on the horizon, it remains to be seen if Iyer can rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that could potentially reignite his form and lead KKR to victory.