Gujarat Titans (GT) are the only former IPL champions not anchored to the bottom this season. They have lost two of their four games but haven’t endured nearly as many hiccups as the other former bests. Much of that owes to the fact that they’ve caught up with the pace at which the league is moving. Their top order was not exactly known for blistering innings in past seasons, but GT have nipped that right in the bud by roping in best-fitting players to boost the strike rate and helping the lacking players correct their approach. They’re now just one win away from reaching the top position almost halfway through the tournament, but they face the high-flying Delhi Capitals (DC) next.
GT don’t have a particularly impressive record against DC, regardless of venues or seasons. They’ve won only two games against them, and three of their defeats include two at their home ground. In fact, DC has made GT struggle at their home ground more than any other side. So while this game might shoot them to the top, it will require plenty from Gujarat to get there.
DC nearly suffered another defeat, had it not been for a brain fade by Rajasthan Royals (RR), Mitchell Starc’s knack for stepping up in clutch moments, and Tristan Stubbs deciding it was time to repay his team’s trust when it mattered most. In all fairness, regardless of how close the win was, DC deserved every ounce of it.
Team Overview:
Jos Buttler’s presence at the top, in place of Wriddhiman Saha, has given GT a much-needed spark. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill have done equally well to ensure their middle order hasn’t been troubled in most games. But that also means their middle order hasn’t had enough time in the middle for situations like the one that unfolded against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the last game. GT’s middle order has faced the fewest deliveries of any team this season, just 185. To put that in perspective, the next on the list is Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), whose middle order has faced 295 balls.
And even when GT’s middle order has come in, their main job has been to cap off with a final flourish what the top order already started. Prasidh Krishna, Sai Kishore, and Mohammad Siraj have commendably carried the bowling attack, especially in the absence of Rashid Khan’s lethal form and Kagiso Rabada’s physical self. All three are in a tense competition to take the Purple Cap off Noor Ahmad. Dasun Shanaka has replaced Glenn Phillips but may not be ready to use just yet.
Jake Fraser-McGurk is surviving on the quota of Faf du Plessis’s prolonged injury absence. If du Plessis is fit to join DC in this game, they might consider dropping Fraser-McGurk due to his dismal showings with the bat. Although, du Plessis isn’t necessarily a better option either, given his limited match time. Regardless, DC’s middle order has built enough muscle memory to stay composed if a top-order collapse occurs. If DC decide to be extra cautious, Kuldeep Yadav might be rested after hurting his shoulder against RR.
Head-to-Head Matches:
GT and DC have faced each other five times in the IPL. GT have managed to win only two of those encounters. Their last victory over DC came almost two years ago, since then, they’ve often found themselves on the wrong end of this matchup.
Weather and Pitch Report:
This is the first day game in Ahmedabad this season. GT usually curate the kind of pitch they believe suits them best, but they’re mostly limited to two options: a bouncy black-soil track or dry red-soil surfaces that can assist spinners, especially in a day game. The temperature will remain in the high 30s throughout, which should further help the spinners hold sway.
Prediction:
There’s a reason why DC have only suffered one defeat this season, and that edge might prove decisive in Ahmedabad, giving Delhi just enough to maintain their grip on the top spot.
Where to Watch:
India: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar
UK: Sky Sports, SkyGo
USA: Willow TV
Australia: Kayo TV, FoxTel Go
Bangladesh: T Sports, Toffee app
New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ
Afghanistan: ATN
South Africa: SuperSport
Sri Lanka: Dialog
MENA: Cricbuzz
