IPL 2024, DC vs GT: Decoding the key player battles
Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans will battle it out in Match 40 of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). While DC have just three wins in eight games, GT have also blown hold and cold. They have managed four victories in eight outings. However, the Capitals thrashed the Titans by six wickets in the reverse fixture this season. Let's decode the probable player battles.
Shubman Gill vs Anrich Nortje
Shubman Gill, who was dismissed cheaply in his last two outings, would not want to miss out again. Meanwhile, Anrich Nortje has had success against Gill in the past, having dismissed him thrice in six IPL meetings. However, the opener's strike rate in this battle reads 154.54. As per ESPNcricinfo, the out-of-form Nortje has been conceding runs at 11.25 in powerplay this season.
Jake Fraser-McGurk vs Rashid Khan
DC's Jake Fraser-McGurk has made a sparkling start to his IPL career, slamming 140 runs in his first three outings at a strike rate of 222.22. As GT's new-ball pacers haven't fared too well this season, Rashid Khan can be introduced in the powerplay overs. This move would make real sense as Fraser-McGurk has fallen prey to leg-spinners five times in 16 T20 meetings.
Rishabh Pant vs Mohit Sharma
DC skipper Rishabh Pant has played some brilliant knocks this season. GT would not want to see his carnage. The southpaw's battle with Mohit Sharma in the end overs would be enticing. Notably, the GT pacer has taken the joint-most IPL wickets in the last five overs since the 2023 season (21). Pant's strike rate in this phase in IPL 2024 reads 190.90.
David Miller vs Kuldeep Yadav
David Miller recently returned to the GT XI after recovering from an injury. The left-handed dasher might up against Kuldeep Yadav in the middle overs. The left-arm wrist-spinner has enjoyed operating against Miller, dismissing him twice in six previous T20 meetings. Moreover, Miller's strike rate in this battle is just 112.50. Notably, Kuldeep claimed a four-fer in his preceding outing against SRH.
Key details about the match
Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium will host this game on April 24. The only previous game here this season saw DC manage 199/10 while chasing 267 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. As the ground usually offers pitches that contain low bounce, spinners have a key role to play. Star Sports will telecast the match, and fans can also live-stream it on JioCinema for free (7:30pm IST).
