Delhi Capitals’ chase specialists David Miller and KL Rahul have been setting the pace with standout batting averages in IPL pursuits, and their early momentum in IPL 2026 was tested in a tense opener against Gujarat Titans. Despite Rahul’s 92 and a determined late push led by Miller, DC fell short by a single run at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday.
Key takeaways
- In IPL chases, David Miller tops the batting charts with 1,816 runs from 67 innings at an average of 49.08 and a strike rate of 142.54.
- KL Rahul follows with 2,636 runs in 66 innings at 47.92, striking at 138.22, including 25 fifties.
- Gujarat Titans posted 210/4 after Delhi opted to field first.
- Rahul’s 92 off 52 balls (11 fours, four sixes) and Miller’s 41* off 20 balls kept DC in contention.
- DC lost by one run after Miller missed the final delivery and a sharp direct hit from Jos Buttler led to Kuldeep Yadav being run out.
Rahul and Miller shine in chase stats
Among the 231 batters who have faced at least 10 chase innings in IPL history, the two DC cornerstones are leading the conversation with their numbers. Miller has accumulated 1,816 runs across 67 innings while chasing, maintaining a batting average of 49.08 and an aggressive strike rate of 142.54. His haul includes 12 half-centuries and one hundred.
Rahul, another DC focal point when the target is in front of him, has compiled 2,636 runs in 66 chase innings. His average stands at 47.92 with a strike rate of 138.22, backed by 25 fifties in the process.
These chase returns are central to DC’s batting identity heading into IPL 2026, where the franchise has relied heavily on its experienced top order to provide momentum when the game tilts in the second innings.
GT edge DC by one run in a dramatic opener
That importance was on full display in Wednesday’s match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, where DC suffered their first defeat of IPL 2026. Even with Rahul producing a sensational 92 and Miller contributing a brave cameo, the Capitals were edged out by Gujarat Titans by the narrow margin of one run.
DC chose to bowl first, and Gujarat’s innings was anchored by skipper Shubman Gill, who struck 70 off 45 balls, including four boundaries and five maximums. Washington Sundar added crucial momentum with 55 off 32 balls (six fours and two sixes), while Jos Buttler also made an impact, scoring 52 off 27 balls with three fours and five sixes. Together, their efforts carried GT to 210/4.
In reply, Delhi stayed close thanks to Rahul’s 92 off 52 balls, decorated with 11 fours and four sixes. Pathum Nissanka supported with 41 off 24 deliveries, striking six fours and a six, while Miller finished unbeaten on 41 off just 20 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes as DC pressed right to the end.
The finish swung on the final moments. With DC needing two runs from the last delivery, Miller was unable to connect and Prasidh Krishna’s ball proved decisive. On the ensuing scramble, Buttler’s direct hit from the field found the target as Kuldeep Yadav tried to complete a desperate run, and the run-out sealed a dramatic one-run win for Gujarat Titans.
After the result, Delhi Capitals sit fourth in the standings with two wins and one loss, while Gujarat Titans have climbed to sixth place with one win and two defeats.
