RCB vs GT, The electrifying atmosphere at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru sets the perfect stage for a high-octane clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT). As both teams fine-tune their strategies in range-hitting sessions, the pitch tells its own story. With the heat and dryness leaving it browner than usual, RCB will feel right at home as they step onto their fortress after two emphatic wins to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign.
RCB’s Quest to Prove Home Advantage
Historically, the notion of “home advantage” has been a tricky one for RCB. Their performances at Kolkata and Chennai have raised questions, but this season, they seem determined to change the narrative. Last year, their incredible late-season surge to the playoffs was fueled by a dominant run at Chinnaswamy. This time, they’ve assembled a squad capable of handling any surface—boasting a world-class pace attack, a solid defensive spinner, and a deep batting lineup.
Read ribs previous match results at crick.press
GT’s Dilemma: Finding the Right Combination
On the other hand, Gujarat Titans face a few key selection conundrums. Will they push Jos Buttler to open with Shubman Gill for an explosive powerplay start? With David Miller gone and Rahul Tewatia struggling for form, their middle order lacks stability. The reliance on Shahrukh Khan and Sherfane Rutherford at No. 4 and 5 may prove to be a gamble. However, their bowling unit looks sharp, with Karnataka’s own Prasidh Krishna returning to his home ground and former RCB stalwart Mohammed Siraj eager to make an impact.
The Siraj Factor: Old Loyalties, New Rivalries
Siraj, affectionately called ‘Miyaan’ by RCB fans, was the franchise’s joint-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024. Now wearing the GT jersey, he will be up against his former teammates in a contest that promises fireworks. Anuj Rawat, Sherfane Rutherford, and Mahipal Lomror also return to face their old team, adding a layer of intrigue to this fixture.
Probable Playing XIs
RCB (Expected XI):
- Virat Kohli
- Phil Salt
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar (C)
- Liam Livingstone
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Tim David
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Yash Dayal
- Suyash Sharma/Rasikh Dar (Impact Sub)
GT (Expected XI):
- Sai Sudharsan/Anuj Rawat
- Shubman Gill (C)
- Jos Buttler
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Shahrukh Khan
- Rahul Tewatia
- Rashid Khan
- Kagiso Rabada
- R Sai Kishore
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Ishant Sharma (Impact Sub)
Key Battle: Shubman Gill vs RCB’s Bowlers
Shubman Gill has started IPL 2025 on a high note, striking at 173.17 in the first two games. However, his struggles in powerplays and away games last season were a concern. Facing RCB at Chinnaswamy, where he smashed a 52-ball 104 last year, he will be keen to replicate that performance.
Tactical Considerations: Should RCB Play Suyash Sharma?
Legspinners have had a tough time at Chinnaswamy, which has the fifth-worst average and third-worst economy rate for them since IPL 2023. Given this, RCB might opt for Liam Livingstone and Krunal Pandya to handle spin duties, while using either Swapnil Singh or Rasikh Dar as the Impact Sub.
Pitch Report & Conditions
Recent games at the venue have seen spinners extract some grip, though high scores remain the norm. Despite its reputation as a batting paradise, 200+ totals were rare in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s and WPL matches here. Dew has not been a major factor, so teams might not hesitate to bowl first.
Stats to Watch
- RCB’s home win percentage since IPL 2023 stands at 50%, the sixth-best in the league. CSK (64.7%) and MI (60%) lead the charts.
- Among batters with 175+ powerplay runs in IPL 2024, Shubman Gill had the lowest strike rate (131.08). This year, he’s firing at 203.12 in that phase.
- Rahul Tewatia’s ball-per-innings average has fluctuated: 12.3 (2022), 5.7 (2023), and 14.3 (2024). With Miller gone, should he bat higher?
Final Verdict: Who Holds the Edge?
RCB have a settled unit with form on their side, while GT’s batting remains a work in progress. However, Gujarat’s potent bowling attack and the Siraj factor could make this a closely contested battle. As the Chinnaswamy faithful gear up for another thrilling encounter, one thing is certain—this game will be a spectacle from start to finish!
watch fixtures of IPL 2025 at IPL T20