IPL 2025: Delhi Capitals eye survival as they meet in-form Gujarat Titans

An unprecedented escalation between the neighbouring countries saw disruptions across various aspects in India and Pakistan. With national security at risk as India's erratic neighbor launched attacks without restraint, the PBKS vs DC match in Dharamsala was abandoned. The following day, the BCCI announced a week-long suspension of IPL 2025. A ceasefire in the India-Pakistan standoff emerged the next day, paving the path for the season to resume. The revised IPL 2025 schedule extended the season till June 3. Moreover, the resumption meant that Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals would replay the match that was abandoned in the first innings in Dharamsala. Now, as IPL 2025 resumes on Friday, Delhi Capitals would hope to bank on their playoffs qualification hopes.

What transpired in the nation, leading to the abandonment of the PBKS vs DC IPL 2025 match, could not be painted in any positive light. However, the no-result in Dharamsala ensured that the Delhi Capitals stayed alive in the IPL 2025 playoffs race. The team, which started the season with four straight wins, managed just one victory in the following six matches. Moreover, the PBKS openers smashed 110 runs in the first 10 overs against the DC bowling lineup before the security threat curtailed the fixture. A defeat there would have crushed DC's playoff hopes in Dharamsala itself.

One of their fixtures, the SRH vs DC IPL 2025 match in Hyderabad was already a washout, helping the case of Capitals. In Hyderabad, the DC batting order managed just 133/7 before rain curbed the chase and SRH were eliminated from the IPL 2025 playoffs. Now, the team is placed fifth on the IPL 2025 points table with 13 points in 11 matches.

DC deal with the unavailability of Mitchell Starc while GT aim at a Top 2 finish before Jos Buttler departs ahead of IPL 2025 playoffs

Despite the recent turbulence, Delhi Capitals remain in playoff contention with three league games remaining, though all are against teams sitting above them on the table. It’s a steep climb from here on as the Capitals take on the top-ranked Gujarat Titans in their first clash after the IPL 2025 resumption. A big blow for Delhi Capitals heading into the final stretch is the confirmed absence of veteran pacer Mitchell Starc. With 14 wickets in 11 matches, Starc leaves as the highest wicket-taker for DC so far in the season.

Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, have been less affected by player exits. The only concern is Jos Buttler, who is set to leave post the league stage due to international commitments. But with 16 points from 11 matches, GT are firmly in control of their playoff fate and are favourites for a top-two finish, despite the possibility of slipping temporarily from the top spot before their next match. With upcoming fixtures mostly against lower-ranked teams, just one more victory should be enough to book their place in the knockouts.

At present, GT's focus will be on maintaining their current form. Their top three batters have each surpassed the 500-run mark and dominate the Orange Cap standings, but a lack of exposure for the middle order poses a potential threat. That vulnerability nearly cost them in the rain-hit MI vs GT match, where it took a revised target and late heroics from Gerald Coetzee to secure the win. GT will hope their middle order fires soon, especially with Buttler’s departure looming.

The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi has consistently delivered high-scoring contests, with the average first-innings score touching 215 since the 2024 season. Weather is expected to stay clear by match time, although the daytime heat may hit the early 40s. With Starc ruled out and Mustafizur Rahman only expected to arrive by Sunday morning after national duty in the UAE, DC might again field a playing XI light on overseas players, as they did earlier this season. 

Meanwhile, DC would hope for their spinners to extend their domination on Jos Buttler. Both Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav have dismissed Buttler three times in the format. With Mitchell Starc absent from here onwards, the onus falls on the spin department to lead the charge. Moreover, the Axar Patel led side would bank on a transformation in their fate following the break.