Gujarat Titans Rise Again, Set for High-Stakes Clash Against Table-Toppers Delhi Capitals

Gujarat Titans (GT) are proving yet again that early judgments can often be deceptive. Much like their inaugural IPL season in 2022, when they defied all odds to lift the title, GT are rewriting expectations in IPL 2025. After a disappointing 2024 campaign and a shaky start to this season, they have surged back into contention, positioning themselves as one of the stronger sides in the tournament.

Heading into Saturday's high-stakes encounter against Delhi Capitals (DC), both teams are eyeing the top spot on the points table. DC currently sit at the summit with five wins from six matches. A victory will help them retain their lead, but if GT can continue their winning momentum, they too could climb to the top.

Batting Concerns Dismissed

At the start of the season, GT’s top three — Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler — were criticized for being too similar in approach. Concerns around a fragile middle order loomed large. However, the trio has silenced critics, consistently providing solid starts and increasing their strike rates from last season. This has meant the middle order has rarely been exposed, giving GT the stability they were feared to lack.

Sherfane Rutherford has added vital muscle to the middle order. Despite a blip against Lucknow Super Giants, he has impressed with 158 runs at a strike rate of 166.31 and an average close to 40 — significantly better than his career T20 numbers.

Bowling: GT’s Trusted Arsenal

Once again, GT’s bowling unit is their biggest strength. Mohammed Siraj has been exceptional in the powerplay with seven wickets — joint-most in the tournament — while Prasidh Krishna has been effective in the middle overs. R Sai Kishore, with disciplined performances, has stepped up admirably in light of Rashid Khan’s dip in form.

Spin to Win?

Saturday’s clash could be determined by the spinners. Both teams boast formidable spin attacks: GT with Rashid, Sai Kishore, and Washington Sundar, and DC with Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Vipraj Nigam. The pitch type — red soil favoring pace or black soil aiding spin — could tilt the balance. GT, known to have a say in pitch preparation, might look to exploit this advantage at home.

Delhi Capitals: Balanced and Bold

DC, too, have shown strong form this season, with a well-rounded team. KL Rahul and Axar Patel have led the charge, while Tristan Stubbs has emerged as a key player in the lower order. Stubbs has a death-overs strike rate of 211.53 and the lowest dot-ball percentage in the league (17.20%).

The availability of Faf du Plessis, who is nursing an injury, remains uncertain. If fit, he could replace Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has had a lean tournament. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav’s shoulder issue appears minor, with signs pointing to his return.

Player Watch: Mohit Sharma and the Homecoming

A fascinating subplot will be Mohit Sharma's face-off against his former franchise. Revitalized at GT in 2023, where he emerged as a top death bowler, Mohit now returns as a key DC player.

Head-to-Head in Ahmedabad

DC have a perfect 2-0 record against GT at the Narendra Modi Stadium — one win each on red and black soil. Saturday’s day match, expected to be played in scorching 38°C heat, adds another layer of challenge for both teams.

Probable XIs

Gujarat Titans:
Shubman Gill (capt), B Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, R Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

Delhi Capitals:
Faf du Plessis/Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (capt), Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar