DC vs GT Preview: Gujarat look to continue their winning momentum
After losing their campaign opener against the Lucknow Super Giants, the Delhi Capitals will be on the hunt to grab their first victory in the Indian Premier League 2023 when they host the Gujarat Titans at their home ground, the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 4, Tuesday. The Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat had a memorable outing in their opening contest as they defeated Chennai Super Kings to kick-start their campaign on a high note.
Since the Gujarat-based franchise was introduced in the tournament just last year, they have faced Delhi Capitals only once and emerged victorious in the contest last year. The two sides squared off at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, and Hardik Pandya’s side defeated Rishabh Pant’s side by 14 runs. After posting a target of 171 runs, Delhi could score only 157 runs during the chase while losing nine wickets.
Hence, the upcoming contest will be a mouth-watering one. Interestingly, Gujarat Titans’ skipper Hardik Pandya has a massive strike rate of 195.71 in eight T20s at the venue in Delhi, and he will surely be the one to look out for. Both sides will be aiming to form the best possible playing combination and emerge as a force.
Pitch and conditions
The pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla, has proved to be batter-friendly, and so has been proven in the recent games at the venue. The last T20I on this turf witnessed 423 runs being scored in the two innings, and thus the contest can be a high-scoring one.
Venue details: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Last T20 match at the venue: IND- 211/4 (20 overs) | SA- 212/3 (19.1 overs)
Here is the probable playing XI for Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans clash:
Delhi Capitals
The Capitals might have felt the absence of Rishabh Pant in their first encounter, as they failed to chase the target set by the Lucknow Super Giants. The overseas players too failed to create an impact, and hence the entire unit will aim to improve across all departments and use the impact player advantage wisely.
Gujarat Titans
The Hardik Panya-led side looked in good form in their previous game against the Chennai Super Kings. They defeated the five-time champions while hosting them in Ahmedabad and clinched a five-wicket victory. They put up an all-round performance and will be aiming to replicate the same going forward.
