The last time Gujarat Titans played Lucknow Super Giants, in end March, it was their first IPL match. Back then, no one was sure how the season would turn out for the IPL debutants. They were certainly not seen as the favourites.

But cut to the present and Lucknow and Titans have been the two best teams of the tournament so far. They also deservedly occupy the top two spots on the points table.

The two sides meet again on Tuesday and the winner will be assured of a play-offs spot. Both are on 16 points, with Lucknow having a better net run rate.

There is not much to choose from between them. Both teams have good squads. But Lucknow have an edge over the Titans as they have been in better form recently. KL Rahul’s team are on a four-match winning streak while Hardik Pandya’s Titans have suffered losses in their last two games. The momentum, therefore, is with Lucknow.

Lucknow also boast of a better top order. In captain Rahul and the ever-dangerous Quinton de Kock, they have perhaps the most potent opening pair of the tournament. On the other hand, the Titans’ opening show has been inconsistent, with Shubman Gill blowing hot and cold and Wriddhiman Saha playing sweet strokes only to be dismissed too soon.

Skipper Hardik displays a cool attitude even after defeats, with a smile or a grin always hanging from his face. But he knows that one more loss can severely damage the Titans’ hard-earned confidence. They may eventually make the play-offs even if they lose on Tuesday, but without some added confidence, it would be difficult for them to tackle the challenges of the knockout round.

Hardik will bank on his impressive bowling attack of Mohammed Shami, Lockie Ferguson and Rashid Khan. But Rahul has his army of all-rounders — Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Jason Holder and Hardik’s sibling, Krunal Pandya.