IPL match preview: Gujarat Titans v Delhi Capitals

The Titans' pursuit of a second successive IPL title continues. This time, they will be up against a Dehli outfit that took six matches to register their first win of the season, but have since got off the mark and then some.

The Titans have several superstars in their ranks. Importantly, though, some lesser-known names have been stepping up in support as well. Regardless, it's names like Hardik Pandya and David Miller that will probably continue proving the difference.

This match will be played in Ahmedabad, which has served up a good few 200-plus totals this season. It's a high-scoring venue, indeed, but it'll be interesting to see if the toss-winning captain will opt to set or chase.

Despite the batting-friendly conditions, there is still something in the deck for the bowlers. Mohammed Shami, Axar Patel and other spinners and seamers can extract decent turn, bounce and carry.

Gujarat and Delhi have a brief history of two meetings. The Titans won both of those. They did so batting first once and bowling first once.

Delhi captain David Warner has been in fine form. If he can couple a bit more aggression with intent, he could really get going against a Titans bowling attack that has been shown up on occasion this season.

Pandya is a match-winner in every sense of the term for the Titans. Their captain adds plenty of value with bat and ball. His role with the willow will be especially required if his charges around him don't fire.

The Titans' ambition to successfully defend their title is going relatively well. They will likely expose the familiar failings of the Capitals.