IPL match preview: Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans
Delhi's pursuit of a maiden Indian Premier League title continues, while Gujarat are chasing a second trophy in a row.
Hardik Pandya.Gujarat were relatively convincing in their 2023 tournament opener against the Chennai Super Kings. Shubman Gill and Mohammed Shami starred with the bat and ball, respectively, showing there is a lot more to this Titans unit than just their overseas stars.
Just as well, too, as they've gone and lost Kane Williamson to injury. The New Zealand batsman has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament. David Miller will likely be his direct replacement in the XI, after arriving in India belatedly.
The pitch in Delhi can have a tendency to be low and slow. There might be the temptation to play an extra spinner against a Capitals outfit that like pace coming onto the bat. Regardless, Gujarat's bowlers will be hard pressed against a host team used to the conditions.
Delhi head into this match on the back of defeat to the Lucknow Super Giants. New captain David Warner didn't get the start they wanted, but in the T20 format, momentum can quickly shift with one or two turnaround wins.
The Capitals might deploy an all-Indian bowling attack again, but the same isn't probable among their batting order, with the top six lined with four from overseas. Australian Mitchell Marsh needs to bounce back from a first-ball duck against Lucknow.
Gujarat are new to the tournament and only have 2022 to go on. They met Delhi once last season, winning by 14 runs in Pune. Gill starred then, too.
Miller was all but meteoric for the Titans last year. He's late to the tournament this time, but can slot straight into the XI in the absence of Williamson and deliver on demand. Miller's leadership role alongside Hardik Pandya will play a part as well.
One of the few left-arm wrist-spinners in the IPL, Kuldeep Yadav is entertaining to watch, especially in tandem with left-arm finger-spinner Axar Patel. Yadav can be erratic, though, and will need to find his rhythm quick enough.
The Titans might not boss this one, but they should come out triumphant. Delhi have home advantage and a power-packed batting order lined with overseas stars, but they're arguably light on bowlers.