As IPL 2026 begins to take shape, both Gujarat Titans (GT) and Delhi Capitals (DC) have learned an important lesson: the middle order can decide matches.
Delhi Capitals have made a strong start to their campaign, winning games largely because of their middle-order performances. In their first match against Lucknow Super Giants, DC were struggling at 26 for 4 while chasing 142. However, Sameer Rizvi played a match-winning knock of 70 not out, supported by Tristan Stubbs, who scored 39 not out, to guide DC to victory. In the next match against Mumbai Indians, DC were again under pressure early, but Rizvi stepped up once more with a brilliant 90 off 51 balls to chase down 163.
On the other hand, Gujarat Titans have had the opposite experience. Their top order has provided strong starts in both matches, but the middle order has failed to capitalise. Against Punjab Kings, GT were well placed at 83 for 1, but their middle-order batters could not build on the platform, resulting in a below-par score that was easily chased. A similar pattern followed against Rajasthan Royals, where GT slipped from a strong position of 107 for 1 while chasing a big total, as none of their middle-order players made a significant contribution.
Since IPL 2025, GT’s middle order has been the weakest among all teams, averaging just over 20. This has put extra pressure on their top-order players like Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler.
If GT want to register their first win and stop DC’s unbeaten run, their middle order must step up and deliver.
Leave a Reply