New Delhi: Having started the season in commanding fashion with five wins from their first six games, Delhi Capitals now find themselves teetering on the edge of elimination after a string of poor performances.
With just one win in their last five outings, Delhi must overcome runaway leaders Gujarat Titans in Sunday’s high-stakes IPL 2025 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Delhi, placed fifth with 13 points from 11 matches, are still mathematically in contention for the playoffs. But with other contenders close behind and only three matches left, another slip-up could cost them dearly.
Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, have been the most consistent side this season with 16 points from 11 games and are closing in on a top-two finish.
The hosts were dealt a major blow with star pacer Mitchell Starc ruled out for the remainder of the tournament. His absence has left the pace attack looking thin, putting additional pressure on Dushmantha Chameera, Mukesh Kumar, and the returning T Natarajan. Kuldeep Yadav, with 12 wickets and an economy of 6.74, remains their most reliable option through the middle overs.
KL Rahul has been Delhi’s standout performer with the bat, scoring 381 runs from nine innings at a strike rate of 142.16. Abishek Porel has offered strong support at the top, while Axar Patel and impact player Ashutosh Sharma have chipped in with crucial contributions down the order. The late arrival of South African veteran Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs provides some hope of a late revival.
Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman has been drafted in as a replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk but his availability for Sunday’s fixture remains uncertain, as he is expected to play an international T20 in Sharjah the previous evening.
Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, appear well-settled and are peaking at the right time. Their top order—Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, and Jos Buttler—have all surpassed the 500-run mark this season, giving them a formidable edge in batting. Sherfane Rutherford and Rahul Tewatia have added firepower in the middle, while their bowling unit has remained consistent throughout.
Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna have collectively taken 35 wickets, and with Kagiso Rabada expected to return, their pace stocks are in strong shape. Sai Kishore and Rashid Khan continue to provide control and breakthroughs in the spin department.
The pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium has been high-scoring this season, with teams regularly breaching the 200-run mark. The toss could be crucial, with three of four matches at this venue in IPL 2025 won by the side batting first.
With Delhi desperate for a turnaround and Gujarat looking to cement their dominance, Sunday’s encounter promises to be a pivotal moment in the league’s final stretch.
Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada/Gerald Coetzee, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna Impact Player: Washington Sundar
