Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans go into their IPL 2026 clash with contrasting fortunes but similar underlying concerns. Delhi have won both their matches, yet their top order continues to struggle, falling early in both games. Their victories have largely been saved by Samir Rizvi, whose unbeaten 70 and 90 matches have been reversed. Meanwhile, the main players like KL Rahul And Nitish Rana is yet to make an impact, although the team has avoided changes due to their winning start.Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, have suffered defeat despite a strong start from their top order. Their middle order has failed time and again, losing solid positions in both matches. Contributions made by Nos. 4-7 have been very small, whereas Jose ButlerA decline in form has added to their worries.
With both teams struggling with different issues, here are five players who could light up the contest:
Shabman Gul – GT
Shubman Gill missed the previous match against Rajasthan Royals due to a muscle strain and is expected to return for today’s clash against Delhi Capitals. Gujarat Titans will be banking on the return of their captain. Gill has scored 218 runs in seven innings against DC at an average of 36.33 and a strike rate of 161.48. His highest score against DC is an unbeaten 93 off 53 balls, achieved in a record 10-wicket win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in May 2025.
Sameer Rizvi’ DC
Currently one of the most explosive batsmen in the tournament, Rizvi has scored 160 runs in just two matches without getting out. His recent scores include a 51-ball 70 not out and a match-winning 90 against Mumbai Indians. It will be interesting to see if they can continue their momentum against Gujarat Titans.
KL Rahul – DC
KL Rahul has had a tough start to IPL 2026, getting out for a wicket in the opening match against Lucknow Supergiants and failing to make an impact against Mumbai Indians. However, he has an excellent record against the Gujarat Titans, scoring 249 runs in six matches at an average of around 50. He is expected to anchor DC’s batting line-up.
T Natarajan (DC) / Sai Sudharsan (GT)
T Natarajan has made a strong start to the current campaign, emerging as one of DC’s leading wicket-takers. Although he has taken just four wickets against the Gujarat Titans in the past, his current form could give him a boost, and he could play a key role against GT’s top order, including Shibman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler.Meanwhile, Sai Sudharsan has been a dominant force against Delhi Capitals, scoring the most runs (283) in the history of the DC vs GT rivalry. He boasts a remarkable average of 94.33 in five innings against them, the highest for any batsman with at least 250 runs against an active opponent.
Ashok Sharma – GT
Ashok Sharma, a 23-year-old right-arm fast bowler from Rajasthan, is currently representing Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026. On 4 April, he hit a season’s fastest delivery of 154.2 kmph against Rajasthan Royals, surpassing Enrich Noortje. On the Delhi pitch, his pace and variations will be tested. If he is effective, he can be lethal against Delhi Capitals.
