New Delhi: As the Delhi Capitals prepare to take on table-toppers Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium tonight, all eyes are firmly on K L Rahul, who is on the verge of scripting T20 history.
Rahul, the experienced wicketkeeper-batter, is just 33 runs short of becoming the fastest Indian to score 8,000 runs in T20 cricket. If he reaches the milestone in this match, he will surpass Virat Kohli’s record, who took 243 innings to reach the mark. Rahul has so far played 213 innings and is on course to achieve the feat in his 214th, making him the second-fastest globally—just behind West Indies legend Chris Gayle, who got there in 213 innings.
In a bid to strengthen their top order for the remaining matches, Delhi Capitals are likely to promote Rahul as a full-time opener, according to sources. So far this season, Rahul has opened just once, batted twice at No. 3, and played seven innings at No. 4. His form will be key as the Capitals look to improve their playoff prospects.
DC are currently on the fifth spot with 13 points from 11 matches and face a must-win situation with the competition heating up. However, their campaign has been dealt a major blow with fast bowler Mitchell Starc opting out of the rest of the season. Starc, who leads the team’s bowling charts with 14 wickets, was a pivotal part of their attack.
The last time these two sides met on April 19, Gujarat Titans cruised to victory on the back of a powerful 97-run knock from Jos Buttler, chasing down a 200-plus target with ease.
Tonight’s clash will see Rahul partnering with skipper Axar Patel to set the tone for DC’s innings. Middle-order batters Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, and Ashutosh Sharma will be expected to finish strong if the top order delivers.
On the other hand, Gujarat Titans have been clinical this season, comfortably leading the points table with 16 points from 11 games. With a settled playing XI and momentum on their side, they will be confident of maintaining their dominance.
For Delhi, early wickets and a disciplined bowling performance will be crucial to challenge the Titans and keep their playoff hopes alive.
(With PTI inputs)
