Let’s be real—IPL 2025 hasn’t just lived up to the hype, it’s been steamrolling expectations. And the recent clash between Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals? Absolute box-office cricket. Drama, firepower, smart cricket, and edge-of-the-seat moments… the match had it all. But beyond the final scoreline, there were standout performances that defined the game—some loud, some subtle, but all unforgettable.
So here it is: the top 10 player performances that lit up this Titans vs Capitals battle, plus a few honourable mentions you shouldn’t scroll past.
1 Player of the Match – Shubman Gill: Calm, Calculated Carnage
Let’s not overthink this. Shubman Gill was the heartbeat of the Titans’ innings—and probably the guy Capitals fans were having nightmares about. The GT skipper smashed 87 off 48 balls, threading boundaries like he had a cheat code.
- Big moment? That six over extra cover off Kuldeep Yadav—it wasn’t just clean, it was poetic.
- Strike rotation? On point. He never let the bowlers settle.
- Impact? He laid the platform for a strong total, kept the Capitals bowlers chasing shadows, and basically said, “Relax, boys—I’ve got this.”
He wasn’t just scoring runs—he was dictating the game’s tempo. And when your captain does that, the whole team plays freer.
2 Underrated Hero Who Changed the Game – Tewatia Time Again
You know who deserves more hype? Rahul Tewatia. The man’s made a habit of pulling off small miracles without breaking a sweat. His 26 off 10 balls in the final overs didn’t scream fireworks—but it was the push GT needed to cross 190.
- 2 sixes off Mukesh Kumar in the 19th? Game. Changed.
- His calmness under pressure? Chef’s kiss.
You won’t see Tewatia trending on Twitter every match. But ask any analyst—this cameo mattered more than it looked.
3 Power-Hitter of the Night – Tristan Stubbs, You Animal
Stubbs walked out like, “You want sixes? I’ll give you sixes.” And boy, did he deliver.
- Quickfire 41 off 18, including 3 sixes in a row off Rashid Khan.
- He didn’t slog. He picked his spots and hammered them.
In a game that was slipping away from DC, Stubbs pulled it back within touching distance. It wasn’t just brute force—it was controlled aggression, the kind that gets coaches smiling and bowlers sweating.
4 Game-Changing Spell from a Titans Bowler – Rashid Khan’s Middle-Overs Masterclass
He didn’t take a fifer. He didn’t even bowl a magical last over. But Rashid Khan’s 4-0-24-2 was the dam that stopped the flow.
- Got rid of Rishabh Pant? That’s like removing the engine from a race car.
- His variations weren’t flashy—but they tricked the batters, made them second-guess, and slowed things down just when DC was building momentum.
Honestly, Rashid bowled like a veteran who knew the pitch, the plan, and the pressure—and executed all three perfectly.
5 Smartest Captaincy Move from Capitals – Pant’s Surprise Spin Call
You know what? Rishabh Pant isn’t always known for textbook decisions. But sometimes, his instincts just click.
In the 10th over, with Gill set and the match slipping, he brought on Axar Patel from the end the batters were targeting. First ball—dot. Third ball—Gill mistimed a pull and was caught on the boundary.
That call turned the game on its head for a while. And even though Capitals couldn’t capitalize completely, that decision reminded everyone why Pant’s captaincy is more than just vibes.
6 Best Fielder: Saves, Run Outs & Reflexes – Abhinav Manohar’s Electric Hands
People talk a lot about big hits and wickets—but fielding? It can shift the mood. And Abhinav Manohar was electric.
- Two full-length dives saved 6-8 runs in the deep.
- A bullet throw to run out Warner just when he looked dangerous.
- And that reflex catch at point off Khaleel? Gold.
He may not have scored big, but his energy in the field lifted Titans and deflated DC’s batting confidence.
7 Clutch Performer Under Pressure – David Warner Still Got That Dog in Him
Let’s be honest—people were questioning if Warner still had the juice. But in a chase that was getting trickier by the minute, he delivered a steady 54 off 35 balls, mixing caution with carnage.
- Danced down the track to spinners.
- Hammered length balls over midwicket.
- Most importantly—held it together when wickets were falling.
He didn’t win DC the game, but he gave them belief. And in a high-stakes IPL clash, that counts.
8 Strategic Impact: The Player Who Executed the Plan – Mohit Sharma, The Thinker
If cricket were chess, Mohit Sharma is the guy who quietly checkmates you while you’re distracted by a queen’s gambit.
- Bowling in the middle and death overs, Mohit stuck to hard lengths and slower balls.
- Ended with 3/33, including Stubbs and Axar in a tight spell that tilted the balance back.
He doesn’t have express pace, but he’s clever. He reads the pitch, understands batters’ egos, and plays percentages better than your fantasy team manager.
9 Momentum Shifter: A Cameo That Counted – Axar’s Silent Assault
Let me paint the picture—DC needed 45 off 20. Axar Patel walks in. First ball: boundary. Next over? A six flicked like he was swatting a fly.
- His 22 off 9 balls wasn’t long—but it forced GT to bring back their main bowlers early.
- And that small shift? It gave Stubbs breathing room to go berserk.
Sometimes, it’s not about the number of runs—it’s about when you score them. Axar understood that.
10 Young Talent to Watch – Sai Sudharsan’s Silent Flourish
He’s not flashy. He’s not loud. But Sai Sudharsan is slowly becoming the glue in GT’s top order.
- His 38 off 29 helped settle things after an early wicket.
- He rotated strike, built partnerships, and showed he can anchor when needed.
He may not be on every highlights reel, but if you’re scouting for future India stars—you keep an eye on Sai.
Honourable Mentions & Fantasy Picks
Not everyone makes the Top 10, but these guys deserve a shoutout:
- Kuldeep Yadav: Though expensive, his variations still caused doubts.
- Noor Ahmad: Conceded just 6 in the 18th over—clutch under pressure.
- Khaleel Ahmed: Nipped out an early wicket, gave DC a spark.
Fantasy Winners? Gill (c), Rashid (vc), Tewatia (budget king), Warner (underrated pick), and Stubbs (boom or bust—but boomed).
Final Word?
This match wasn’t just a scoreboard battle. It was layered, unpredictable, and packed with those “did you see that?” moments. Titans got the win, but Capitals made sure it was a fight. And as fans, that’s all we really want—matches that stay with us.
Because in the IPL, it’s not always about who wins. It’s about who showed up when it mattered most.