IPL 2026: Butler scores 47 runs in 22 balls to give GT strong start against DC

Jos Buttler tore into the Delhi Capitals bowling attack, finding his rhythm early and putting the opposition under pressure. The Englishman scored a blistering 47 runs off just 22 balls to give the Gujarat Titans a flying start against DC at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

After losing Sai Sudharsan early, Buttler and Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill stitched together a solid partnership to take the visitors to 68/1 at the end of the powerplay. Gujarat Titans are still searching for their first win of the season, having lost their opening two matches.

Buttler was the standout performer for GT, hammering 47 off 22 deliveries. He looked in sublime touch, taking on DC’s lead bowler Mukesh Kumar right from the outset.

Gill, on the other hand, played the anchor role, scoring 7 runs off 7 balls while supporting Buttler’s aggressive approach. With a deep batting line-up, GT will look to build on this start and push towards a big total as they aim for their first win of the season.

After losing the toss, GT were put in to bat first, though skipper Shubman Gill revealed that he would have chosen to bat anyway. Returning from a back injury, Gill expressed confidence in guiding his team to their first victory.

“We were going to bat first anyway. Hopefully, if the weather stays like this, there’ll be no dew in the second innings. It’s all about assessing the conditions in the first couple of overs. I think we’ve been having some good opening partnerships with Sai and me,” Gill said after the toss.

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel will be hoping his side can pull things back and restrict GT to a manageable total. DC have won both their matches so far and will be aiming to continue their strong start to the season.

Confirmed Playing XI for both teams:

Gujarat Titans (Playing XI): Shubman Gill(c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Ashok Sharma

Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): KL Rahul(w), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Vipraj Nigam, Axar Patel(c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar