KL Rahul’s return to form lit up Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2026 clash with Gujarat Titans on Wednesday, as he struck a sharp half-century to power DC in a successful chase. After registering just a single run across his first two games, Rahul looked like his usual self against GT, reaching fifty off 29 balls during the pursuit of 211. Once he got there, the moment turned personal—his wife, Athiya Shetty, watched from the stands as Rahul dedicated the milestone celebration to her.
At a glance
- Match: Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans, IPL 2026 (Match 14)
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
- Date: Wednesday (April 8, 2026)
- Target for DC: 211
- KL Rahul’s knock: 50 off 29 balls
- GT total: 210/4 in 20 overs
- Standout GT batting: Jos Buttler 52 off 27; Shubman Gill 70 off 45; Washington Sundar 55 off 32
- Key GT bowling note: Lungi Ngidi finished with 1/24 in four overs
GT’s big starts, but a late wobble
Gujarat Titans put up 210/4 after 20 overs, with captain Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, and Washington Sundar all adding quick fifties to the total. The target of 211 ultimately gave DC the platform to chase, but GT may have felt they left something behind. They managed only 58 runs in their final six overs, a stretch that tightened the game and reduced their cushion.
Buttler looked ruthless again, returning to the sort of innings that can swing matches in a hurry. He struck a 27-ball 52, smashing three fours and clearing the ropes five times with sixes. Gill, who returned to action after a muscle spasm in his neck had kept him out of the previous fixture, also produced an assured display, collecting most of his runs through the leg side.
Gill finished with 70 off 45 deliveries, featuring four boundaries and five sixes. He was not working in isolation either—he and Washington Sundar built a dominant 104-run stand that kept GT on track. Sundar, meanwhile, brought up his first IPL fifty in the innings, scoring 55 from 32 balls, with six fours and two maximums.
Ngidi’s late impact as DC closes the chase
For Delhi Capitals, Lungi Ngidi delivered the most telling spell in the back end. His slower-ball approach disrupted the flow and helped him end with figures of 1/24 in his four overs, even though several other GT-related bowling efforts elsewhere in the innings had gone for runs at a higher pace. The pressure was building as GT’s finish didn’t quite match its earlier momentum.
In the chase, the story quickly became Rahul’s turnaround — from 1 run in his opening two appearances to a crisp fifty in 29 balls as DC chased down the 211. After reaching his half-century, Rahul marked the achievement with a heartfelt celebration, with Athiya Shetty visibly moved as she applauded from the stands.
Washington Sundar, earlier with the bat for GT, had also stepped forward to reach his fifty off 33 balls, reinforcing how dangerous Gujarat Titans were even in a match where their late overs couldn’t fully protect the total. The result left DC celebrating a polished chase led by Rahul, while GT would have plenty to think about from the final stretch of their innings.
