IPL 2025

IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans Crush Royal Challengers Bengaluru by Eight Wickets

The Gujarat Titans (GT) delivered a commanding performance to secure a dominant eight-wicket victory over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 2, 2025. This defeat marked RCB’s first loss of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, while GT reinforced their status as serious contenders for the trophy.

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RCB’s Innings: A Struggle from the Start

Winning the toss, RCB captain Faf du Plessis opted to bat first, hoping to capitalize on home conditions. However, their innings started on a shaky note with an early setback. The crowd at Chinnaswamy was stunned into silence when Virat Kohli, the backbone of RCB’s batting, was dismissed for just seven runs. Arshad Khan, in a well-executed plan, lured Kohli into playing a lofted shot, resulting in a catch in the deep.

The troubles continued for RCB as GT’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj, kept a tight leash on the scoring. By the seventh over, RCB found themselves in deep trouble at 42 for 4. With key players like Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell back in the pavilion early, the pressure mounted on the middle order.

Liam Livingstone was the lone warrior for RCB, playing a resilient knock of 54 runs. His innings provided some stability, allowing RCB to recover slightly. Jitesh Sharma contributed a crucial 33 off just 21 balls, injecting much-needed momentum into the innings. Together, they managed to push RCB to a fighting total.

However, the true architect of RCB’s struggles was Mohammed Siraj. The right-arm pacer dismantled RCB’s top order with an exceptional spell, finishing with figures of 3 wickets for just 19 runs. Ishant Sharma and Rashid Khan also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, ensuring that RCB was restricted to 169 for 8 at the end of 20 overs.

GT’s Chase: Buttler’s Masterclass

Chasing a target of 170, GT needed a steady start, and they got just that. Jos Buttler, opening the innings, took control from the beginning, setting the tone for GT’s chase. His innings was a masterclass in aggressive yet calculated batting. Buttler remained unbeaten at 73 off just 39 balls, ensuring there were no hiccups in the chase.

Sai Sudharsan played a vital supporting role, scoring 49 runs. The duo stitched together a crucial partnership that nullified RCB’s chances of a comeback. Even after Sudharsan’s dismissal, GT never looked in trouble, thanks to Sherfane Rutherford’s quickfire 30 not out. He provided the finishing touches with aggressive strokes, ensuring GT crossed the finish line with 13 balls to spare.

watch full highlights of the match at IPL T20

IPL 20255

Key Performances That Defined the Match at IPL 2025

Mohammed Siraj (GT) – The Game Changer

Siraj was undoubtedly the star of the show, earning the well-deserved Player of the Match award. His fiery spell of 3 for 19 broke RCB’s back early in the innings. He maintained tight lines, generated movement off the pitch, and dismissed crucial batters, setting the tone for GT’s dominance.

Jos Buttler (GT) – The Chase Master

An unbeaten 73 off 39 balls under pressure showed why Buttler remains one of the most dangerous T20 batters. His calculated aggression ensured GT never fell behind the required rate. His innings included crisp drives, well-timed lofted shots, and smart strike rotation.

Liam Livingstone (RCB) – The Lone Warrior

Despite RCB’s collapse, Livingstone displayed resilience and class, scoring 54 runs under immense pressure. His innings was filled with powerful strokes and well-placed boundaries, but unfortunately, he lacked enough support from his teammates.

Turning Points of the Match

  1. Kohli’s Early Dismissal: RCB’s batting lineup depends heavily on Virat Kohli. His early departure put immense pressure on the team.
  2. Siraj’s Wrecking Spell: His three crucial wickets dismantled RCB’s top order, making recovery difficult.
  3. Buttler-Sudharsan Partnership: Their steady and aggressive approach took the game away from RCB completely.
  4. Rutherford’s Finishing Touch: His 30* ensured GT completed the chase comfortably.

GT’s Commanding Performance

Gujarat Titans’ comprehensive win over RCB highlights their strong form in IPL 2025. Their disciplined bowling and aggressive batting proved too much for RCB, who will need to regroup and fix their batting vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, GT will look to maintain this momentum as they aim for IPL glory.

As the tournament progresses, both teams will have crucial matches ahead, but this encounter will be remembered as a statement win for Gujarat Titans. With players like Mohammed Siraj and Jos Buttler firing on all cylinders, GT has made it clear they are serious title contenders.

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