In a thrilling top-of-the-table clash in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Gujarat Titans (GT) won the toss and chose to bowl first against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. With both teams showing formidable form this season, the match was expected to be a nail-biter, drawing a full house at the iconic stadium.
Battle of the Best: Context of the Clash
As of today’s game, Delhi Capitals sit pretty at the top of the IPL 2025 table with 10 points from six matches. Axar Patel’s side has been the most consistent unit this season, boasting a well-balanced squad that has delivered across departments. On the other hand, Gujarat Titans, led by the young and charismatic Shubman Gill, were placed third with eight points, having won four of their six encounters.
A win today would mean Gujarat draw level with Delhi and Punjab Kings—both sitting on 10 points—and intensify the competition at the summit. For Delhi, this was a golden opportunity to extend their lead and solidify their playoff hopes.
Toss and Strategy
Shubman Gill called it right at the toss and had no hesitation in opting to bowl first, a decision often favored by teams at the Narendra Modi Stadium due to the pitch’s tendency to assist pacers early on and become batting-friendly later.
Gill explained, “We’ve seen the pitch under lights and it tends to get better for chasing. We back our bowlers to restrict them, and our batters are in good nick to chase anything competitive.”
Axar Patel, Delhi’s stand-in captain and seasoned campaigner, wasn’t too fazed. “We wanted to bat first anyway. Put runs on the board and let the pressure do the rest. This is a high-pressure game, and we’re ready for it.”
Playing XIs: Star Power on Display
Both teams made minor adjustments to balance form and fitness:
Delhi Capitals (DC):
- Abishek Porel
- Karun Nair
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Tristan Stubbs
- Axar Patel (c)
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Vipraj Nigam
- Mitchell Starc
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohit Sharma
- Mukesh Kumar
Gujarat Titans (GT):
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Jos Buttler (wk)
- Shahrukh Khan
- Rahul Tewatia
- Rashid Khan
- Arshad Khan
- R. Sai Kishore
- Prasidh Krishna
- Mohammed Siraj
- Ishant Sharma
First Innings: DC’s Batting Under the Scanner
As the game kicked off under the scorching Ahmedabad sun, Delhi’s openers, Abishek Porel and Karun Nair, strode to the crease. GT’s new-ball duo of Siraj and Prasidh Krishna started with intent, hitting good lengths and keeping the pressure on. Porel looked tentative early and fell cheaply to a peach from Siraj that nipped back to crash into the stumps.
KL Rahul, batting at No. 3, had the opportunity to anchor the innings, but a brilliant diving catch by Rahul Tewatia off Krishna’s bowling sent him back to the dugout for just 12.
Delhi were in early trouble at 36/2, and it was up to Tristan Stubbs and Karun Nair to consolidate. Stubbs showed glimpses of his T20 prowess with a few eye-catching boundaries, including a lofted six over extra cover off Sai Kishore.
However, Rashid Khan spun a web around the middle order. He removed Nair with a classic googly and then followed up with the wicket of Axar Patel, who tried to slog-sweep but missed. Stubbs held one end up and registered a gritty 41 off 32 before falling to a clever slower ball from Arshad Khan.
Ashutosh Sharma added a vital 28 in the death overs, while Mitchell Starc struck a six off the last ball to push DC’s total to a modest but fighting 151/8 in 20 overs.
GT’s Bowling Highlights
- Mohammed Siraj: 4-0-21-2
- Rashid Khan: 4-0-22-2
- Arshad Khan: 3-0-19-1
- R. Sai Kishore: 4-0-29-1
The Gujarat bowling attack was clinical. Rashid’s variations, Siraj’s swing, and Arshad’s discipline meant Delhi couldn’t get any real momentum, especially through the middle overs.
Second Innings: Gujarat’s Chase Begins
GT’s opening pair of Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill came out with a clear plan—to absorb the new ball pressure and capitalize later. Mitchell Starc and Mukesh Kumar started well for DC, with Starc bowling a fiery first over that included a jaffa to beat Gill’s bat.
However, once the initial few overs were negotiated, Gill and Sudharsan switched gears. The duo stitched together a 65-run stand before Sudharsan fell to a flipper from Kuldeep Yadav.
Jos Buttler, in fine form this season, joined Gill and the two took charge of the chase. Buttler smashed Kuldeep for two sixes in the 12th over, while Gill showcased his timing with elegant cover drives.
Just when the game seemed to be slipping from DC’s grasp, Starc returned and removed Gill with a lethal yorker. At 103/2 in 14.3 overs, the match was still in the balance.
Rahul Tewatia, known for his calmness under pressure, played the finisher’s role to perfection. Alongside Buttler, he guided GT home in the 19th over with some smart placement and running between the wickets, including a match-winning four through fine leg.
GT Innings Summary
- Shubman Gill: 47 (38)
- Jos Buttler: 45* (29)
- Rahul Tewatia: 28* (17)
- Mitchell Starc: 4-0-27-2
Result: Gujarat Titans won by 7 wickets (with 9 balls to spare)
Post-Match Reactions
Shubman Gill (GT Captain):
“Very proud of the way we played today. The bowlers set the tone perfectly, and then our batters ensured there were no hiccups. Tewatia and Buttler were outstanding in the end.”
Axar Patel (DC Captain):
“We were 15-20 runs short. The pitch was on the slower side, but credit to GT for how they bowled and then chased. We need to regroup quickly and come back stronger.”
Player of the Match: Rashid Khan
“For me, it’s all about keeping it simple and backing my strengths. The wicket was a bit helpful for spinners, so I tried to vary my pace. Happy to contribute.”
What This Means for the Points Table
With this win, GT now leapfrog Punjab Kings into second place, sitting on 10 points, tied with DC and PBKS. The net run rate becomes increasingly crucial now as the playoff race heats up.
| Position | Team | Matches | Wins | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delhi Capitals | 7 | 5 | 10 | +0.725 |
| 2 | Gujarat Titans | 7 | 5 | 10 | +0.641 |
| 3 | Punjab Kings | 7 | 5 | 10 | +0.590 |
| 4 | Chennai Super Kings | 6 | 4 | 8 | +0.522 |
Looking Ahead
Gujarat Titans will next face Rajasthan Royals, while Delhi Capitals look to bounce back against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Both teams are well in contention for the playoffs, but with the middle of the table so tightly packed, each match now carries massive weight.
This win will give GT massive momentum, especially after neutralizing a strong Delhi unit that had looked unbeatable so far. For DC, this is a wake-up call but not a disaster—they remain in the top spot and have plenty of depth to regroup and fight back.
