According to Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) officials, the stadium will be shut to increase its capacity from 48000 to 1,00,000, which is GCA president Amit Shah's dream project.
Rajasthan Royals will look to extend their lead at the top of the table when they take on a struggling Royal Challengers Bangalore here on Friday, in what appears to be the last match at the Sardar Patel Stadium before the venue goes for renovation.
According to Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) officials, the stadium will be shut to increase its capacity from 48000 to 1,00,000, which is GCA president Amit Shah's dream project.
The Shane Watson-led outfit is on a memorable run this season, especially after its emphatic win over Chennai Super Kings here last Sunday. The Royals have played three matches and won two at the Motera. Despite their loss to the Kings XI Punjab in the Super Over in their last game on Tuesday, the Royals looked high on confidence as they hit the nets on Thursday.
Rajasthan will once again bank on their in-form batsman and Orange Cap holder Ajinkya Rahane as well as Watson to provide a strong start. Watson, who missed the first four matches due to injury, has gelled well with Rahane at the top of the order. They shared a record 144-run stand against Chennai and followed it up with 95 in a losing cause against the Kings.
The Mumbaikar has been a revelation this season, having smashed three consecutive half-centuries including two here at Motera.
"Watto (Watson) and Jinxy (Ajinkya) are top class players. Jinxy is one of India's best for a reason. And obviously, Watto's records probably speak for itself. Jinxy is a stalwart in our team and so is Watto. I am extremely pleased to see them doing so well at the moment. There are a couple of other boys in the tank who have been
doing well in the nets and are raring to go," Royals pacer Chris Morris said.
In contrast, the Royal Challengers Bangalore have failed to pose a genuine challenge so far this season. When a team comprises hard-hitting batsmen like Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli, the expectations are always high. Unfortunately for them, they haven't lived up to it.
But this is the IPL, where it takes little time to change fortunes. If World Cup hero Mitchell Starc manages to make early in-roads, the Challengers have the fire-power in their batting to turn the tables.
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