Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans head 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, collapsing early in both games. Their victories have largely been rescued by Sameer Rizvi, whose unbeaten 70 and blistering 90 turned games around. Meanwhile, key players like KL Rahul and Nitish Rana are yet to make an impact, though the team has avoided changes due to their winning start.Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, have suffered defeats despite strong starts from their top order. Their middle order has repeatedly failed, squandering solid positions in both matches. Contributions from Nos. 4-7 have been underwhelming, while Jos Buttler’s dip in form has added to their concerns.With both teams battling different issues, here are five players who can light up the contest:
Shubman Gill – GT
Shubman Gill missed the previous match against Rajasthan Royals due to a muscle spasm 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 during a record-breaking 10-wicket win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in May 2025.
Sameer Rizvi – DC
Currently one of the most explosive batters in the tournament, Rizvi has scored 160 runs in just two matches without being dismissed. His recent scores include 70 not out and a match-winning 90 off 51 balls against Mumbai Indians. It will be interesting to see if he can continue his momentum against Gujarat Titans.
KL Rahul – DC
KL Rahul has had a rough start to IPL 2026, getting out for a duck in the opening match against Lucknow Super Giants and failing to make an impact against Mumbai Indians. However, he has an excellent record against Gujarat Titans, scoring 249 runs in six matches at an average of nearly 50. He is expected to play the anchor role in DC’s batting lineup.
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 only four wickets against Gujarat Titans in the past, his current form could give him a boost, and he may play a key role against GT’s top order, including Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler.Meanwhile, Sai Sudharsan has been a dominant force against Delhi Capitals, holding the record for the most runs (283) in the history of the DC vs GT rivalry. He boasts a remarkable average of 94.33 across five innings against them, the highest for any batter with at least 250 runs against a single 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 April 4, he clocked 154.2 kmph against Rajasthan Royals, recording the fastest delivery of the season so far and surpassing Anrich Nortje. On the Delhi pitch, his raw pace and variations will be tested; if effective, he could prove lethal against Delhi Capitals.
