Dubai: Gujarat Titans are on a mission — four straight wins, top of the table, and a familiar sense of control. But on Saturday, they’ll need all that composure to counter the Nicholas Pooran threat as they take on Lucknow Super Giants in the first match of the weekend double-header..IPL 2025: Sai Sudharsan’s methodical brilliance powers Gujarat to the top.The 2022 champions have bounced back in style after losing their Indian Premier League Season 18 opener at home. With Shubman Gill at the helm, they’ve found rhythm quickly — combining smart bowling changes with measured batting performances..Pooran in form, but Lucknow remain erratic.Lucknow, on the other hand, remain a puzzle. They’ve won three out of five games, but their form has been erratic — and their over-reliance on a few players is showing. Nicholas Pooran has been electric, topping the run charts and setting the tone with his fearless strokeplay. Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh have chipped in too, giving the top order some muscle — but skipper Rishabh Pant’s quiet run continues to be a concern..It’s in the bowling department, though, where Lucknow have the most to worry about. Lacking consistency and control, their attack is likely to be tested by Gujarat’s calculated approach — a batting line-up that might not be flashy, but slices through opposition attacks with surgeon-like precision..Calm, calculated Titans stay grounded.Since their IPL debut in 2022, Gujarat Titans have built a reputation for clarity and consistency — winning the title in their first season under Hardik Pandya and maintaining a high level since. This year, with Gill leading a cool-headed squad, they once again look like title contenders..“I think we are a very simple team with simple methods,” said Shahrukh Khan on Friday. “Every team in the tournament is strong, but we focus on how we play our cricket. What we do matters less than how we do it.”.Still searching for his breakout performance this season, Shahrukh credited Gujarat’s success to their level-headed mentality..“GT has always been a balanced side. We don’t try to be extravagant. We stick to playing smart, effective cricket. Our plans evolve during the match based on the situation, and everyone in the team is on board with that adaptability. We don’t get too high after wins or too low after losses,” he explained..Inside the Nehra-Gill partnership.A key part of that calm, he added, comes from the team’s leadership — especially the synergy between head coach Ashish Nehra and captain Gill..“Very intelligent coach, to be honest,” said Shahrukh. “He’s deeply invested in his players and genuinely cares for the people around him. His energy and understanding of the game are vital for us.”.For Gill, still early in his captaincy journey, Saturday offers another chance to show he can lead under pressure — especially against a team powered by one of the most explosive batters in the tournament.