Suryakumar Yadav vs Rashid Khan A Battle Between "World's Best"

The Qualifier 2 between defending champions Gujarat Titans and 5-time winners Mumbai Indians is set to get underway at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. Though there remain a number of top-player battles to look forward to in the match, arguably the one that most people have their sights set on is the Suryakumar Yadav vs Rashid Khan duel. The two cricketers, firmly categorised as the best in their respective categories, are two of the most exciting T20 talents in the world. But only one of them can prevail this time.

After a poor start to the IPL 2023 season, Surya has given his form a huge lift, scoring over 500 runs in the campaign so far, including a century. Rashid, on the other hand, is the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 25 scalps in 15 matches to his name.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, in a chat on ESPNCricinfo, expressed his excitement at the Suryakumar vs Rashid battle which is expected to take place in the Qualifier 2.

"There is one of the world's best T20 bowlers on one side - Rashid Khan. On the other hand, there is Suryakumar Yadav, the world's best T20 batter. I am not saying the contest will decide the match, but it will be the contest to look forward to. On very few occasions do you get to witness the world's best T20 batter taking on the best T20 bowler," Manjrekar said.

Manjrekar also gave his insights on the MI vs GT battle in Ahmedabad, suggesting the pitch will be of equal benefit to both despite being the home ground for Hardik Pandya's men.

"This pitch will suit Mumbai Indians as well as Gujarat Titans. Titans will be happy that they are not playing in Chepauk and have returned to Ahmedabad. Their hard-hitters will be a lot more effective here. Their