Kamal Ghorui
Delhi Capitals won the toss and chose to bowl first, sticking to a strategy that has brought them success early in the season. Captain Axar Patel pointed to recent chasing performances and the possibility of moisture in the pitch after rain as key reasons behind the decision. Delhi have gone in unchanged once again, backing the same combination that delivered two wins.For Gujarat Titans, the big headline is the return of skipper Shubman Gill. The opener, who missed the previous game against Rajasthan Royals due to neck spasms and was seen wearing straps around his shoulder and neck area, is now fit and back at the top of the order. Gill replaces Kumar Kushagra in the only change for Gujarat.
Speaking at the toss, Axar emphasised the plan to assess conditions early and then chase. He noted that the surface is fresh and could assist bowlers upfront, making the decision to field first a logical one.Gill, meanwhile, confirmed that his neck is “much better” and revealed that Gujarat would have preferred to bat first regardless of the toss outcome. He expressed confidence in the opening partnership with Sai Sudharsan and highlighted the need for one batter from the middle order to bat deep.Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): KL Rahul(w), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Vipraj Nigam, Axar Patel(c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, Mukesh KumarGujarat Titans (Playing XI): Shubman Gill(c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Ashok SharmaWith Delhi chasing again and Gill back to lead Gujarat, the stage is set for an intriguing contest shaped by conditions and batting depth.
