GT vs DC Preview: Top-of-the-Table Showdown in Ahmedabad

GT vs DC Preview: The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is set to host a high-stakes encounter between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 35 of IPL 2025. With both teams occupying the top spots on the points table, this afternoon clash promises fireworks. DC, the current table-toppers with five wins in six games, will aim to extend their dominance, while GT, placed second with four victories, seek redemption after a recent loss to Lucknow Super Giants.

Date & Time: April 19, 2025, 3:30 PM IST
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Live Streaming: JioHotstar & Star Sports Network

Team Form and Context

Delhi Capitals: Momentum with the Leaders

DC’s campaign has been defined by resilience. Their thrilling Super Over victory against Rajasthan Royals in their previous match underscored their ability to thrive under pressure. Mitchell Starc emerged as the hero, defending nine runs in the final over and then delivering a match-winning Super Over . The team’s batting revolves around KL Rahul, who has scored two half-centuries this season and averages 47.60, and the explosive Tristan Stubbs, a key finisher. However, concerns linger about their top-order consistency, with opener Jake Fraser-McGurk yet to fire consistently.

Injury Updates:

  • Faf du Plessis, who missed the last few games due to injury, is likely to return, bolstering DC’s middle order.
  • Pacer Kagiso Rabada remains unavailable for GT due to personal reasons, a significant blow to their bowling attack.

IPL 2025 Schedule

Gujarat Titans: Seeking Redemption

GT’s four-win streak was halted by a six-wicket loss to Lucknow Super Giants, exposing vulnerabilities in their middle order. Captain Shubman Gill (208 runs in six matches) and Sai Sudharsan (329 runs in six games) have been pillars of their batting, but contributions from players like Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia are critical. Their spin duo of Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore will play a pivotal role on Ahmedabad’s batting-friendly track.

Injury Updates:

  • Glenn Phillips is ruled out for the season, replaced by Dasun Shanaka.

Head-to-Head and Venue Dynamics

  • Overall H2H: DC leads 3-2 in five IPL encounters.
  • Ahmedabad’s Pitch Report: A batting paradise with an average first-innings score of 181 (recent matches have seen 190+ totals). The surface offers early swing for pacers but flattens out, favoring chasing teams due to dew.
  • Weather: Clear skies with temperatures around 34°C, minimal humidity.

Key Players to Watch

Gujarat Titans

  1. Shubman Gill (C): The GT skipper has amassed 1,152 runs at Ahmedabad (avg. 64) and is due for a big score.
  2. Sai Sudharsan: The left-hander’s consistency (329 runs this season) makes him a top captaincy pick for fantasy leagues.
  3. Rashid Khan: His economical spin (career economy of 6.34) could stifle DC’s middle order.

Delhi Capitals

  1. KL Rahul (WK): With 238 runs in five matches, Rahul’s form at No. 4 is crucial.
  2. Mitchell Starc: The pace spearhead’s ability to nail yorkers in death overs makes him a game-changer.
  3. Axar Patel (C): The all-rounder’s dual skills (101 runs + 6 wickets) add balance.

Tactical Battles

  1. Gill vs Starc: Gill’s flair against Starc’s pace and swing could set the tone.
  2. Rashid vs Rahul: Rashid’s googlies versus Rahul’s footwork will be a duel of wits.
  3. Middle-Order Stability: GT’s Sherfane Rutherford and DC’s Tristan Stubbs must accelerate in the slog overs.

Predicted XIs

Gujarat Titans:
Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (WK), Washington Sundar, Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Prasidh Krishna.

Delhi Capitals:
Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abishek Porel, KL Rahul (WK), Axar Patel (C), Tristan Stubbs, Karun Nair, Vipraj Nigam, Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar.

Match Outlook

DC’s superior depth and recent momentum give them a slight edge, but GT’s home advantage and explosive top order could level the contest. The team winning the toss is likely to chase, leveraging the dew factor. With playoff spots at stake, expect a nail-biter filled with strategic twists.

Key Stat: GT’s Shubman Gill averages 64 at Ahmedabad — the highest by any batter at this venue.

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