New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) The captain of Gujarat Titans (GT), Shubman Gill, will be ready to take part in the upcoming IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals (DC), set to occur at the Arun Jaitley Stadium this Wednesday, as confirmed by his opening partner, B Sai Sudharsan.

Gill was absent during GT’s recent match against the Rajasthan Royals, a game they narrowly lost by six runs in Ahmedabad, due to a muscle spasm. “Shubman is in great shape. He is perfectly fine and will definitely be opening with me,” Sudharsan stated during the pre-match press conference.

His return is a significant boost for IPL 2022 champions GT, who are still struggling to find their rhythm in the current tournament after facing two consecutive losses. Sudharsan expressed confidence in the team's potential to recover, particularly emphasizing the strength of their middle-order batsmen.

“It’s a combination of both — having an opening batter and a solid performance from our top three. If someone can play a longer innings, it benefits the entire team. We trust our middle order to deliver. This is the same team that made it to the playoffs last year,” he explained.

“It’s just the start of the tournament, and we all believe that our middle order will rise to the occasion and help us win matches. The IPL is unique; with games in quick succession, maintaining momentum is crucial,” he added.

Sudharsan, who has scored 86 runs in the two matches played so far and was the top run-scorer in IPL 2025, remarked on his continuous efforts to refine his batting skills to meet the evolving demands of T20 cricket.

“I approach every tournament similarly. Regardless of where I play, my preparation and effort remain constant. I feel fortunate to be able to implement it effectively here,” he noted.

“As T20 cricket progresses, it’s vital to adapt and learn from the changes in the game. I strive to be versatile and equip myself with necessary skills, aiming for continuous improvement,” he affirmed.

Sudharsan also discussed his mental preparation routine, highlighting its importance in his performance. “Mental preparation is key; once the pre-season training wraps up, it’s all about refining my focus and organizing my thoughts. I dedicate a lot of time to this aspect, practicing yoga, meditation, and visualization techniques to maintain mental fitness,” he shared.

On GT’s batting strategy, Sudharsan emphasized the need to assess conditions and establish a solid foundation rather than adopting an aggressive approach from the outset. “Understanding what the pitch demands and ensuring a good start for our middle and lower order to capitalize in the final overs is essential,” he explained.

“We aim to play smart cricket, focusing on the percentages to put ourselves in winning positions. It’s not about going all out; we analyze conditions to determine the optimal score for our bowlers to defend or the best start when chasing,” he concluded.