Delhi Capitals cruised to a commanding six-wicket victory thanks to skipper Rishabh Pant's sharp glovework and some stellar bowling, as Gujarat Titans crumbled to their lowest IPL total of 89 on Wednesday.
Mukesh Kumar, the medium-pace bowler, was the standout performer with figures of 3-14, orchestrating Gujarat's downfall in just 17.3 overs. Delhi wasted no time chasing down the target, reaching it in a mere 8.5 overs in Ahmedabad.
Despite missing the services of the injured David Warner, the Delhi Capitals notched up their third win of the season, propelling themselves three places up to sixth in the league standings.
Pant, who returned to the IPL after surviving a horrific car crash, remained unbeaten on 16, complementing Australian batsman Jake Fraser-McGurk's brisk 20.
The 26-year-old left-handed batsman has been in fine form, amassing 210 runs, including two half-centuries, bolstering his chances of making a comeback for the T20 World Cup in June.
"It's a lot to be happy about," remarked Pant, named the man of the match. "We've been emphasising a champion mindset, and the team really showed it today."
Reflecting on his performance post-recovery, Pant added, "My sole focus coming back was to return stronger, that's been my mantra throughout my rehab. Every game, I'm relishing the process and being out on the field."
Pant's journey back to the field hasn't been easy, marked by multiple injuries sustained in a car accident in December 2022, which left him hospitalised and undergoing surgery after his Mercedes crashed into a barrier and caught fire.
India fast bowler Ishant Sharma struck early, dismissing Gujarat captain Shubman Gill for just eight runs in the second over, setting the tone for a disciplined bowling display.
Delhi's fielding was sharp throughout, with Sumit Kumar's direct throw catching Sai Sudarshan short of his crease.
Pant exhibited his agility behind the stumps, taking a diving catch to dismiss David Miller off Ishant Sharma's bowling and effecting two stumpings in quick succession off South African spinner Tristan Stubbs.
Despite Rashid Khan's gritty 31 off 24 balls, Gujarat could only manage a paltry total of 89 runs before being bowled out.
"Our batting was below par today, but it's crucial to regroup and bounce back stronger," acknowledged Gill. "The pitch was decent; some dismissals were just poor shots rather than pitch-induced."
Gujarat's total marked the lowest of the season, a stark contrast to the high-scoring encounters witnessed, including Sunrisers Hyderabad's record-breaking totals of 277 and 287.
