New Delhi: Batting while chasing is considered one of the toughest tasks in cricket and those who perform well under pressure are often ranked among the best players in the world. The first name that comes to mind when discussing chase is none other than ‘Chessmaster’. Virat Kohli. The Indian talisman has single-handedly won many matches while chasing the target and scored a mountain of runs. Indian Premier League No exception, as Kohli leads the league in scoring most runs while chasing with 4027 runs in 125 innings. This is slightly less than 50% of his record 8758 IPL runs. However, in terms of best average while chasing, Kohli does not even feature in the top five among the 231 batsmen who have batted at least 10 times while chasing. In fact, the Royal Challengers Bangalore star is ranked 10th with an average of 41.51.David Miller, who has been in the news since Wednesday night when he refused to take a single off the last ball which led to Delhi Capitals’ one-run loss to Gujarat Titans, tops this exclusive list. Despite that costly moment, Miller’s reputation as a finisher remains intact, and his numbers underline his dominance in chasing.Miller has scored 1,816 runs in 67 innings at an impressive average of 49.08 and strike rate of 142.54, which includes 12 fifties and one century.His DC teammate KL Rahul, whose 92 off 52 against Gujarat Titans went in vain, is second in the list with an average of 47.92 in 66 innings. While chasing the target, Rahul has scored 2,636 runs at a strike rate of 138.22, which includes 25 half-centuries.Kohli’s RCB teammate Phil Salt is third with an average of 46.92 in just 16 innings. He has scored 657 runs at an impressive strike rate of 178.04, which includes eight fifties.Former Mumbai Indians batsman Lendl Simmons is in second place with an average of 46.22, having scored 416 runs in 11 innings, which includes one century and three fifties.Sai Sudarshan completes the top five with 908 runs at a strike rate of 141.43 while chasing an average of 45.40 in 22 innings, which included one hundred and five fifties.
Best batting average while chasing in IPL
Turn
it goes
average
sr
50/100
david miller
67
1816
49.08
142.54
12/1
KL Rahul
66
2636
47.92
138.22
25/0
Phil Salt
16
657
46.92
178.04
8/0
Lendl Simmons
11
416
46.22
132.90
3/1
Sai Sudarshan
22
908
45.40
141.43
5/1
Rinku Singh
22
587
45.15
156.53
4/0
Matthew Hayden
13
490
44.54
137.64
4/0
Kevin Pietersen
22
640
42.66
134.73
2/1
shaun marsh
29
1060
42.40
137.48
11/0
Virat Kohli
125
4027
41.51
134.90
28/2
(Note- Batsmen who have batted at least 10 times while chasing in IPL)
David Miller’s decision not to take a single run against Gujarat Titans led to a one-run defeat for Delhi Capitals in their IPL 2026 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday. A debate has erupted over his call should he have taken a singleMemories of the iconic tied test played between India and Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in 1986 were refreshed.
On Day 5, when India needed two runs to win and one wicket in hand while chasing 348, all three results were still possible. Ravi Shastri tapped off-spinner Greg Mathews down the leg side for a single and handed the strike to Maninder Singh. But Mathews trapped Maninder LBW as India failed to cross the line.
Shastri remained at the non-striker’s end, scoring unbeaten 48 runs in 40 balls. This was only the second tied Test in cricket history, the first being the Australia vs West Indies Test at Brisbane in 1960. Shastri’s one run did not help India win, but it ensured that they did not lose. If India had lost, it would have lagged behind 0-1 in the three-match series.
In the famous tied Test when two runs were needed from four balls, Ravi Shastri decided to take one run, thereby ensuring that his team did not lose.
Conversely, if Miller had taken a single, he could have at least ensured that Delhi Capitals did not lose within the stipulated 40 overs. Instead, Miller backed himself to score two runs on the last ball, a gamble that paid no dividends for him or DC. Even if Kuldeep Yadav fails to score on the last ball, DC will still have a chance to improve in the Super Over.
Miller couldn’t do it, but Iftikhar did
On the same day when David Miller failed to lead Delhi Capitals to victory, a similar situation was seen in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). but with very different results. In the clash between Hyderabad Kingsmen and Peshawar Zalmi at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday, Iftikhar Ahmed found himself in almost a similar position, with Zalmi needing two runs off the last two balls.
Unlike Miller, Iftikhar took the single intelligently, allowing Aamer Jamal to finish the chase with another run and seal a four-wicket win for Zalmi. Iftikhar was later named player of the match for his all-round performance, scoring a crucial 15 runs and taking four wickets.
Miller will look to improve when Delhi Capitals take on Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, April 11.
Gujarat Titans head coach Ashish Nehra He was clearly frustrated after a costly overthrow during Delhi Capitals’ tense chase, which ultimately saw GT thrash GT with a narrow one-run win. Arun Jaitley Stadium. in one step, with KL Rahul At the crease, it seemed that the match was in the control of Delhi Capitals. However, a crucial moment in the 15th over changed the situation and there was a strong reaction from the GT dugout.Tristan Stubbs dismissed a well-pitched yorker to the bowler’s left during the 15th over bowled by Ashok Sharma. Ashok managed to reach the ball but failed to stop it, giving the batsmen the opportunity to take quick singles. Shubman Gill immediately collected the ball and hit it straight at the striker’s end. Although KL Rahul held his own, the ball crossed the boundary line due to a deflection off the stumps, giving Delhi Capitals four extra runs, converting a single into five runs.Ashish Nehra looked very angry with this incident and was seen reacting sharply from the sidelines. His animated reaction quickly went viral on social media, highlighting the importance of small moments in close combat. With the game hanging in the balance, such lapses in field awareness, especially the absence of proper backups, could have significantly changed the result for Gujarat Titans.
Match Summary: DC vs GT
Gujarat Titans finally got their first win of IPL 2026 after a dramatic finish in the last over against Delhi Capitals. Chasing 211, Delhi missed out by just one run despite a strong effort and finished at 209/8. The decisive moment in the match came when david miller A single run was refused in the final over, a decision that proved costly.Last over drama decides the matchDelhi looked in control till the end, especially with Miller hitting big shots and bringing the equation down quickly. However, the game changed in the final over bowled by Prasidh Krishna. Miller refused to concede a run on the second-last ball, retaining the strike but putting pressure on himself.On the last ball, when two runs were needed, he missed a slower ball and attempted to take a run, but was run out by Jos Buttler at the striker’s end, leaving Kuldeep Yadav short. Delhi performed very poorly and gave Gujarat a thrilling win by one run.How was the match?Earlier, thanks to the important contributions of Jos Buttler (52), Shubman Gill (70) and Washington Sundar (55), Gujarat Titans made a strong score of 210/4. Buttler’s aggressive start, including several sixes, set the tone, while Gill and Sundar kept the pace going. In reply, Delhi Capitals got off to a good start with a strong opening partnership with KL Rahul (92) and Pathum Nissanka (41). However, Rashid Khan’s three wickets in the middle overs changed the momentum.Despite late heroics from Miller, which included a big final over, Delhi could not cross the line. The result marked Gujarat’s first win of the season, while Delhi suffered its first defeat after a promising start.
The match between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 8 emerged as one of the most exciting encounters of the season. David Miller’s decision to deny Kuldeep a single run and retain strike on the last ball proved decisive in the outcome.
Miller, returning from injury, played a brilliant inning of 41 runs in 20 balls. After the dismissal of KL Rahul, Delhi had a big target in front of them and they needed 45 runs in the last three overs. Miller responded aggressively, hitting two fours and a six off Mohammed Siraj in the 19th over, before hitting a four off Prasidh Krishna in the final over.
Due to this the equation became two runs on two balls. Miller hit the ball to deep square leg but decided not to take a run to remain on strike. Prasidh’s last ball was well played; Miller missed the run and Kuldeep failed to reach the crease in time, resulting in a Gujarat Titans win by one run.
After the game, Sunil Gavaskar commented on Miller’s choice, suggesting that it would have been better for him to give strike to Kuldeep. However, Gavaskar acknowledged Miller’s confidence in finishing the game considering his form in the previous overs.
Gavaskar said, “Yes, he was backing himself to score the winning runs, but given the way Kuldeep Yadav pushed the ball forward for a run on the first ball, perhaps he should have given strike to Kuldeep.” “He should have given the strike. It all makes sense after the incident, but the fact is, the way he was hitting in the previous over and that over as well, he was confident that he could do it, that’s all. So you can’t blame him for that. He was confident that he could do it, but it didn’t happen because the ball that Prasidh Krishna bowled was an absolutely brilliant delivery.”
‘Didn’t want to take risk with Kuldeep’
Kevin Pietersen offered another perspective, suggesting that Miller may have seen taking a single as a risk that could lead to losing the match outright, instead preferring to avoid it by retaining the strike.
“I think it’s purely based on the fact that he thought that with that last ball, he would be guaranteed to get at least one ball. And if not one, he would hit it out of the ground because he is very good at hitting the ball out of the ground. So that’s where his mind must have been. Does he want to take the risk of getting Kuldeep out or Kuldeep out?” Peterson said. He further added, “Yes, they’ve tied the game, and yes, they’ve got the Super Over, but they thought with that last delivery, I’ll definitely get one. Worst case scenario, one. I’m not going to miss it. Best case scenario, I’ll get 2,3,4,5,6. He was right there.”
after the match, Delhi Capitals captain Akshar Patel consoled MillerWho praised Miller’s efforts in bringing the team closer to victory. Delhi Capitals’ next match will be against Chennai Super Kings on 11 April.
New Delhi: Gujarat Titans finally got their first win of IPL 2026 after a dramatic finish in the last over against Delhi Capitals. Chasing 211, Delhi missed out by just one run despite a strong effort and finished at 209/8. The decisive moment in the match came when david miller A single run was refused in the final over, a decision that proved costly.
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Last over drama decides the match
Delhi looked in control till the end, especially with Miller hitting big shots and bringing the equation down quickly. However, the game changed in the final over bowled by Prasidh Krishna. Miller refused to concede a run on the second-last ball, retaining the strike but putting pressure on himself.On the last ball, when two runs were needed, he missed a slower ball and tried to take a run, but jos buttler He was run out at the striker’s end, leaving Kuldeep Yadav short. Delhi performed very poorly and gave Gujarat a thrilling win by one run.
How was the match?
Earlier, thanks to the important contribution of Jos Buttler (52), Gujarat Titans made a strong score of 210/4. Shubman Gill (70) and washington beautiful (55). Buttler’s aggressive start, including several sixes, set the tone, while Gill and Sundar kept the pace going.In reply, Delhi Capitals got off to a good start with a strong opening partnership with KL Rahul (92) and Pathum Nissanka (41). However, Rashid KhanThree wickets in the middle overs changed the momentum.Despite late heroics from Miller, which included a big final over, Delhi could not cross the line. The result marked Gujarat’s first win of the season, while Delhi suffered its first defeat after a promising start.
Riding on confident performances from Vaishnavi Adkar and Sahaja Yamlapalli, India made a spectacular comeback with a massive 3-0 win over New Zealand in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I match on Wednesday.
After losing 1-2 to Thailand in the rain-affected opening match, India showed sharp improvement in all three matches against the New Zealand team in the absence of their top player Lulu Sun.
She took advantage of Das’s inconsistency early on and recovered from 15-40 to get the first break and lead 2-0. The Indian held firm in the deuce exchanges for long periods and extended her lead with another break in the fifth game.
Although Das managed to get a break back, Vaishnavi responded immediately and finished the opening set 6-2 with an ace.
The second set was a tight one, with Das leveling at 4-4 after trailing 0-40. However, Vaishnavi regained control at the right time and broke again in the ninth game before crashing out of the match.
Vaishnavi said, “It was my first match as a player in the Billie Jean King Cup, so I was definitely very nervous. I didn’t handle my nerves well. But it was a lesson for me.”
“Coming onto the court today, I had to focus on what I do best. And I just had to go out on the court and do my best.”
Sahaja then sealed the tie with an impressive 6-1, 6-3 win over Valentina Ivanova in the second singles.
In a baseline-heavy contest, Sahaja dictated the game with his forehand and movement. She broke early and won the first set 6-1, then maintained the same pace in the second set.
After leading 3-1, Sahaja briefly lost serve in the seventh game, but quickly recovered to lead 5-3. Then he finished the match comfortably.
“I’m happy with the win. It was a tough match (against Thailand). We expected a different result, we did what we could, we fought our hearts out,” Sahaja said.
“I wasn’t happy with the strategies I implemented (in the first match) so I told myself to do it better to finish the matches. We need to fight for every point, support each other and see where it takes us.”
In doubles, Rutuja Bhosale and Ankita Raina won 6-4, 6-2 over Erin Routliff and Monique Barry.
The result marks a strong turnaround for India after a disappointing start against Thailand, where Vaishnavi lost for the first time and Sahaja lost to Patcharine by a narrow margin in a three-set match.
India will look to carry this momentum forward as Group I ties continue.
New Delhi: Despite returning to action during IPL 2026 Match 14 between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday, Shubman Gill issued a worrying update on his neck injury. Delhi Capitals continued their strong start to the season by electing to bowl first against Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2026 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
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While DC came into the game with two wins, Gujarat Titans were still looking for their first win. The match also saw the return of GT captain Shubman Gill, who missed the last game due to muscle cramps.
Gill’s injury concerns and comeback
Gill’s return was encouraging for Gujarat, but the update on his fitness raised some concerns. When asked if it was the same injury that he suffered repeatedly during India’s home series against South Africa, he admitted, “It’s much better, thanks. Yes, it’s a bit like that.”This suggests that the neck problem he suffered from earlier may still persist, even if he is fit enough to play.
dc vs gt news
At the time of the toss, Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel explained the decision to bowl first by pointing to the pitch conditions and recent success while chasing.“We will bowl first. We have chased the target well in the last two matches and this is a fresh wicket. It is raining; there may be some moisture. Bowl first, look at the wicket, restrict them and chase the score,” he said.Delhi are looking strong so far with two consecutive wins, while Gujarat Titans have struggled, losing both their matches. With Gill back in the lineup, GT will hope to turn things around and get their campaign back on track, but concerns over his fitness could remain a topic of discussion going forward.
Amid growing criticism over his batting approach, Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane has defended his intentions, insisting that he has always been a smooth and aggressive player. He emphasized that his development in T20 cricket has been the result of years of deliberate effort and adaptation.
The comments come at a time when KKR’s team combination and Rahane’s strike rate have come under scrutiny at the start of the ongoing Indian Premier League season.
Rahane said, “I have always been an instinctive player, an attacking player. But in the franchises I played for earlier, my role was different. It has always been about the team for me and how I can contribute. Whatever the management asked at that time was about fulfilling that role to the best of my ability.”
Rahane’s comments follow KKR had a mixed start to the season with modest scores in the first three matchesEven though the debate continues regarding his role at the top of the order and the use of power-hitters in the team. Despite leading the team in runs last season, the veteran has faced fresh questions over his strike rate and team balance.
“Three-four years ago, I sat down and thought how can I move forward from here and update my batting. I started working on a few different shots. It took me one to one-and-a-half years to develop some of them. I just kept practicing and at times got hit on my chest and stomach. When you have the passion to improve, you automatically strive to get better. The last few years have been really good for me in this format, and I really Enjoying my cricket.”
Leadership, team balance and expectations
Rahane, who is leading KKR despite finishing eighth last seasonAcknowledged the expectations associated with representing a franchise supported by passionate supporters in Kolkata. He also reflected on the responsibility of leadership and the importance of contributing to the team’s success.
“It has been really amazing to captain KKR. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this franchise. The passion for cricket in Kolkata is incredible. Whenever you play at Eden Gardens, the fans are passionate, and I understand that they love the game and are extremely passionate about the team. Winning the championship is always the goal,” he said.
He credited team co-owner Shah Rukh Khan for his continued support, especially during challenging phases, adding that the team is focused on delivering a strong campaign for its fans. KKR will next face Lucknow Supergiants on April 9 at the Eden Gardens.
New Delhi: Chennai Super Kings Facing increasing uncertainty regarding his talisman and former captain ms dhoniDespite his availability, the experienced wicketkeeper-batsman is still some way away from full fitness as the IPL 2026 season gathers pace.As per Cricbuzz report, Dhoni is currently undergoing rehabilitation due to a calf muscle strain and is unlikely to be match-ready in time for CSK’s upcoming clash against Delhi Capitals on April 11. At this stage, the 44-year-old may need at least another week before returning to action, casting serious doubts over his participation in the next two fixtures.
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CSK is set to host Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders in Chepauk in the coming days, but Dhoni is almost certain to miss the first game and is doubtful for the second. His absence comes at a crucial juncture, as the five-time champions are yet to open their account this season after three consecutive defeats.Rehabilitation in Chennai, timeline for return unclearDhoni has stayed back in Chennai instead of traveling with the team for away fixtures, including matches in Guwahati and Bengaluru. His absence during CSK’s recent home match against Punjab Kings further fueled speculations about his fitness.The report adds that Dhoni is working closely with CSK’s support staff, which also includes a physio and masseur, as part of his recovery programme. He has also resumed light training, including recent batting sessions in the nets, but is yet to regain match fitness.“MS is undergoing rehab and it will take some time. We can’t say how much time it will take,” CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan said. He indicated that there is no definite timeline for his return.CSK is struggling without its talismanDhoni’s unavailability coincides with a poor start for CSK, who are currently facing one of their worst ever starts. IPL Campaign. The franchise’s only poor start came in 2022, when they lost their first four matches.Although there is depth in the squad, the absence of their most experienced man has left a glaring gap, especially in difficult situations.Interestingly, Sunrisers Hyderabad batsman heinrich classen Offering a contrary view, it was suggested that Dhoni’s absence may not drastically change CSK’s on-field strength.“CSK have an incredible IPL record. They are not an inferior team even without Dhoni,” Klaasen said on the JioStar press room. He said that Dhoni’s influence is felt more in leadership than batting.
Akshar Patel warned the other teams. “Let’s make Kotla our fort,” he said on the eve of Delhi Capitals’ first IPL 2026 match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The Capitals followed suit by comfortably defeating Mumbai Indians at home last week. Now, they face a struggling Gujarat Titans team who are hoping to complete a hat-trick of wins in the opening season.
Having won just one out of five at the Kotla last season, Delhi will aim to continue their strong start as they play all seven home matches in the capital this year.
However, the threat of rain is looming their way, as North India continues to feel the impact of western disturbances. Shubman Gill’s return The Titans are hamstrung by neck muscle spasms, but Delhi – who appear to be a well-oiled machine – will start as favorites against a Gujarat team that looks strong on paper but is being hampered by the poor form of several of their key players.
Delhi Capitals will take on Gujarat Titans on Wednesday, April 8 at 7:30 PM IST. JioHotstar will broadcast the match live in India, while Star Sports will telecast it on television.
Ringside View: DC vs GT
On the eve of the game in Delhi, evening rain gave both teams a chance to overcome their shortcomings. In the Gujarat Titans camp, all the attention was on their weak middle-order. Washington Sundar, who was tasked with strengthening the unit, conducted a 40-minute workout. Tested by the likes of Prasidh Krishna, Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore, the young all-rounder gradually found his rhythm. After taking his time to settle down, Sundar began to strike the ball with pace, sending balls into the stands – something the Titans will be hoping he can repeat in Wednesday’s match.
Next came their captain Shubman Gill, who missed the game against Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad – where their middle order collapsed after a strong start in an unsuccessful chase of 211.
IPL 2026: Shubman Gill did not play the last match of GT. (PTI photo)
Gill entered the net session with ease, arriving minutes after his opening partner Sai Sudarshan confirmed that the captain would be fit to play. Once he got his timing right, Gill sent a few balls tumbling into the stands. As is typical of India’s ODI and Test captain, there was nothing extraordinary – just precise timing and brilliant strokeplay, which put the likes of Mohammed Siraj and Gurnoor Brar under pressure.
Rahul Tewatia, who has been looking out of form, also spent time in the nets as Gujarat look desperate to stabilize their middle order.
On the other side of the main strip, KL Rahul was the focal point. Following the routine, wicketkeeper-batsman Pathum went in with Nissanka, but it was Rahul who dominated the session, clearly eager to make a significant contribution after two consecutive failures (0 and 1). While the Sri Lankan openers looked in great form, Rahul looked sharp, although at times he struggled with the pace of Auqib Nabi.
Nitish Rana, brought in as a dependable presence at No. 3, also spent time in the middle, taking throwdowns near the boundary in a specially curated session.
Team News: DC vs GT
Delhi Capitals are unlikely to make any changes to their winning combination. Mitchell Starc is still in Australia And with the early season momentum firmly in their favour, they are expected to build on the work they have done so far.
Bowling coach Munaf Patel echoed this sentiment, while also indicating that Sameer Rizvi will remain an impact player despite consistent match-winning performances with the bat. He did not rule out the possibility of including an additional bowling option in Ashutosh Sharma or Nabi if the situation demanded, highlighting the team’s flexibility.
Will Auqib Nabi play in DC vs GT? (PTI photo)
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans are set to make a straightforward change, with Gill returning in place of youngster Kumar Kushagra. They may also consider bringing in Jason Holder in place of Kagiso Rabada to strengthen the lower middle order, which is lacking confidence at the moment.
They will also be keen to see Rashid Khan regain his rhythm with the ball after a slow start to the season. Express Their pace attack, featuring Ashok Sharma, has the potential to trouble Delhi’s inconsistent top order.
Delhi pitch and weather conditions
The pitch used for the game against Mumbai Indians last Saturday afternoon was helping the bowlers. On the eve of this match, there was a light green color on the surface, which suggests that the bowlers may once again get some help.
That said, Delhi continues to be one of the high-scoring venues, especially in the evening matches.
While it rained overnight in the capital, the forecast is more favorable during match hours. It may rain once or twice in the afternoon, but full play is expected on Wednesday.
Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill (captain), Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ashok Sharma, Mohammed Siraj.
Effect Sub: Prasad Krishna
See the press: what they said
Sai Sudarshan on GT’s poor middle order: “If one of the top three batsmen plays for a long time, it is always a good thing for the team. We believe in our middle order. This is the team that played last year and we qualified. So it is just two games and I and the entire team are confident that our middle order will win the game.”
On Mitchell Starc’s absence, DC bowling coach Munaf Patel said, “We have won two matches, so his absence has not been felt so far. But if the results are not in our favor then questions will be raised. Starc is one of the best bowlers in the world. In the IPL, only a player like Jasprit Bumrah can be compared to him. He brings pace, swing and experience. We are keeping a close eye on his fitness as he is very important for us.” Are.”
