Delhi Capitals Face Gujarat Titans in Crucial IPL 2025 Clash

As the IPL 2025 season heats up, Delhi Capitals face a crucial match against Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Following a dramatic mid-game evacuation in their last match, DC aims to regain form without star pacer Mitchell Starc. Meanwhile, GT is riding high with strong performances from their top-order batsmen. This match could be pivotal for both teams as they vie for playoff positions. Discover key player insights, strategies, and match details in this comprehensive preview.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 18, 2025, 19:37 IST

Match Preview

Following a tense mid-game evacuation during their recent match against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala, which highlighted the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Delhi Capitals are set to return to their home ground at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. This Sunday, they will compete against the Gujarat Titans in a match that could significantly impact their season as the IPL 2025 league stage approaches its climax.

Recent Performance

Despite the emotional aftermath of the previous match, Delhi Capitals can consider themselves fortunate. Punjab was on the verge of victory, having scored 122 runs for just one wicket in 10 overs while chasing a target of 134 when the match was abruptly halted. This incident granted DC a crucial point during a challenging stretch, where they have only secured one win in their last six matches, alongside three losses and one washout.

Playoff Aspirations

The playoffs remain a possibility for DC, who have three matches left against formidable opponents. They must regain the aggressive form that characterized their early season. However, they will have to navigate this challenge without veteran pacer Mitchell Starc, who has chosen not to return after the recent disruption, a significant loss given his experience in high-pressure situations.

Gujarat Titans' Stability

In contrast, the Gujarat Titans have experienced minimal turbulence. Their primary concern is the availability of Jos Buttler, who has rejoined the team but will not be available beyond the league stage as the IPL extends into early June. With 16 points from 11 matches, GT is well-positioned for a top-two finish, especially with two relatively easier matches ahead. A victory on Sunday would secure their playoff spot.

Key Players and Strategies

GT's top-order batsmen have been in exceptional form, with three players surpassing 500 runs this season and ranking among the top five in the Orange Cap race. However, a recent rain-affected match revealed vulnerabilities in their middle order, which they will need to address before the knockout rounds. With Buttler's impending departure, maximizing middle-order contributions will be crucial.

Match Details

When: Sunday, May 18, 7:30 PM IST
Where: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Pitch & Weather: Anticipate a high-scoring game, as first innings scores at this venue have averaged 215 since last year. The daytime temperatures will be scorching, reaching the early 40s, but conditions will be clear by match time.

Head-to-Head Record

The teams are currently tied at 3-3 overall, with each winning once in Delhi.

Team Updates

Delhi Capitals: Starc is unavailable, and Mustafizur Rahman will arrive on match day after participating in a T20I for Bangladesh in the UAE. DC may opt for fewer overseas players, similar to their early-season strategy.
Key Tactics: Spin is expected to play a significant role, with Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel having strong records against Jos Buttler, each dismissing him three times in T20s.

Probable XI:
Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, KL Rahul (wk), Sameer Rizvi/Karun Nair, Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Mukesh Kumar/Mohit Sharma, Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan

Gujarat Titans Team Watch

Availability: Both Jos Buttler and Kagiso Rabada are available for selection, although Buttler will depart after the league stage.
Key Tactics: Rabada has historically performed well against both Faf du Plessis and KL Rahul, while Rashid Khan has also dismissed both multiple times. Prasidh Krishna has posed challenges for Rahul as well.

Probable XI:
Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Arshad Khan, Gerald Coetzee/Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

Interesting Facts

DC’s opening pair has the lowest average this season at just 20.18, while GT leads with 634 runs at an impressive 57.63.

Shubman Gill has been in outstanding form, scoring 360 runs in his last six matches at an average of 60 and a strike rate exceeding 155.

KL Rahul has cooled off significantly, managing only one fifty in his last seven games after a strong start.

Kuldeep Yadav has also struggled recently, taking just two wickets in his last five matches.

Quotes

“We’re treating this like a fresh start. Yes, it’s tough to lose someone like Starc, but we’ve regrouped. We’re focused on doing the best we can with the squad we have.”
— Vipraj Nigam, Delhi Capitals allrounder

Squads

Delhi Capitals: Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel, Karun Nair, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel (c), Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, Dushmantha Chameera, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan, Mustafizur Rahman, Sameer Rizvi, Donovan Ferreira, and others.

Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sai Sudharsan, Sherfane Rutherford, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, R Sai Kishore, and others.