IPL 2026: Imperative for Titans to get going as they take on Capitals

Slight discomfort could swiftly turn into severe distress for Gujarat Titans in the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League.

To avert that from happening, it is imperative for Titans to get off the mark against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday (April 8, 2026). Having lost its first two games, GT cannot afford to be pegged back by a third successive defeat.

Return of Gill

It will comfort GT that regular skipper and star opener Shubman Gill trained on Tuesday (April 7, 2026). The 26-year-old had missed the previous encounter against Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad due to a muscle spasm. Despite his absence, the 2022 champion came ever so close to overhauling RR’s total of 210 for six, amassing 204 for eight to lose by just six runs.

“Gill is superb. He is completely fine. He will be playing,” Titans opener B. Sai Sudharsan said during the pre-match press conference.

GT’s bowlers will need to lift their game in the national capital. Amidst the established names in the attack, it was 23-year-old Ashok Sharma who left an impression in the first two games. He has pure speed in his locker, as evident from a 154kmph thunderbolt against Royals.

Keep the momentum

DC, meanwhile, must be brimming with confidence after two wins out of two. The uncapped Sameer Rizvi has made his opportunities count at No. 4, retaining his sangfroid in two potentially tricky chases to get the job done for the franchise. The caveat in Capitals’ case is that they began last season with similar ebullience, only to fizzle out in the second half of the competition.

There is light rain forecast on Wednesday (April 8, 2026). But DC won’t want the weather to play spoilsport given its red-hot form. Neither will GT, for it needs the two points to get going.