Cricholic
Gujarat Titans handed Royal Challengers Bengaluru their first defeat of IPL 2025 with a commanding performance at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 2. Former RCB pacer Mohammed Siraj led the charge with a fiery spell, while Jos Buttler anchored the chase with a blistering knock. Gujarat Titans secured a comprehensive 8-wicket win with 13 balls to spare.
Key Turning Point of the Match
Despite a minimal difference of just four runs in the powerplay, RCB lost three wickets, whereas Gujarat Titans managed to stay composed, losing only one. Bengaluru’s struggles in the first six overs set the tone for their downfall, while Gujarat Titans’ controlled approach paved the way for a comfortable chase.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Innings
Powerplay – Mohammed Siraj’s Early Strikes Hurt RCB
Phase Score: 38/3 (RR: 6.33, 4s/6s: 4/1)
RCB got off to a shaky start despite Virat Kohli hitting an elegant boundary off Siraj’s second delivery. Siraj, however, remained relentless, dismissing Devdutt Padikkal with a sharp inswinger. Arshad Khan also made an impact, removing Kohli with a well-directed short ball. Phil Salt tried to break the shackles with a massive six but fell soon after, as Siraj bowled him with a pinpoint full delivery. Prasidh Krishna further troubled RCB with his movement off the pitch, ensuring a dominant powerplay for Gujarat Titans.
Middle Overs – Sai Kishore Applies the Brakes
Phase Score: 67/3 (RR: 7.44, 4s/6s: 8/2)
Rajat Patidar attempted to revive RCB’s innings but fell to Ishant Sharma, who adjusted his length smartly. Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma then stitched a steady partnership, with Jitesh launching an attack on Ishant. However, Gujarat Titans’ spin duo, Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore, kept things under control. Sai Kishore dismissed Krunal Pandya with a well-disguised carrom ball, ensuring Gujarat Titans maintained their grip on the match.
Death Overs – Late Fireworks from Livingstone and David
Phase Score: 64/2 (RR: 12.8, 4s/6s: 3/6)
RCB’s innings, which seemed to be losing momentum, got a late boost courtesy of Liam Livingstone. He went after Rashid Khan, launching multiple sixes, including a lucky break when Sai Kishore misjudged a boundary catch. Livingstone completed a gritty half-century before falling to Siraj. Tim David provided the final push with some powerful hitting, but Prasidh Krishna’s brilliant yorker dismissed him on the last ball. RCB finished at 169/8, a respectable total given their early struggles.
Run Chase – A Statement Win
Powerplay – Gujarat Titans Set the Foundation
Phase Score: 42/1 (RR: 7, 4s/6s: 3/2)
Facing the challenge of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, Gujarat Titans started cautiously. Sai Sudharsan played a confident ramp shot off Hazlewood for a six and followed it with a picture-perfect straight drive. Captain Shubman Gill hit a massive six but perished while attempting another. Gujarat Titans closed the powerplay at 42/1, maintaining control without taking unnecessary risks.
Middle Overs – Take Control
Phase Score: 92/1 (RR: 10.22, 4s/6s: 10/5)
Following the powerplay, Gujarat Titans dominated with an aggressive approach. Buttler and Sudharsan took on Rasikh Salam, with the England batter hitting him for 18 runs in an over. Sudharsan punished Krunal Pandya with consecutive boundaries before falling to Hazlewood. Buttler, however, continued his onslaught, bringing up a fifty in style, while Sherfane Rutherford played a handy supporting role.
Death Overs – Gujarat Titans Finish in Style
Phase Score: 36/0 (RR: 12.72, 4s/6s: 1/4)
With just 29 needed from 24 balls, Buttler and Rutherford finished the chase in emphatic fashion. Rutherford smashed Bhuvneshwar for a six, and Buttler followed with two massive sixes off Hazlewood. Rutherford sealed the game with another pull shot for six, handing Gujarat Titans a dominant victory.
Match Summary
RCB 169/8 in 20 overs (Liam Livingstone 54; Mohammed Siraj 3/19, Sai Kishore 2/22)
Gujarat Titans 170/2 in 17.5 overs (Jos Buttler 73, Sai Sudharsan 49)*
Gujarat Titans won by 8 wickets
What’s Next?
With back-to-back wins, Gujarat Titans will head to Hyderabad with confidence for their upcoming clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Meanwhile, RCB has a four-day break before traveling to Mumbai for their next challenge.
