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Gujarat Titans Outclass Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a Thrilling Encounter

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  • Match – 14
  • Venue –M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru witnessed an electrifying clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 14 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. With RCB riding high on two consecutive victories and playing their first home game of the season, expectations were sky-high among the passionate Bengaluru faithful. However, Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, delivered a clinical performance to hand RCB their first defeat of the campaign, winning by 8 wickets with 13 balls to spare.
 

The Build-Up

RCB entered the match with momentum on their side, having defeated defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and five-time champions Chennai Super Kings in their opening fixtures. Under the leadership of new captain Rajat Patidar, the team showcased a bold and aggressive brand of cricket, raising hopes of a strong home performance. GT, on the other hand, had a mixed start to their season—a heavy loss to Punjab Kings followed by a convincing win over Mumbai Indians. The stage was set for a high-octane battle at a venue known for its batting-friendly conditions and electric atmosphere.

The Toss and RCB’s Innings

Gujarat Titans won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that paid dividends early on. The RCB top order struggled against a disciplined GT bowling attack, spearheaded by former RCB star Mohammed Siraj. Siraj, returning to his old stomping ground in GT colors, struck early, dismissing Phil Salt and Virat Kohli to leave RCB reeling at 42/4 in the seventh over. His figures of 3/19 earned him the Player of the Match award and showcased his familiarity with the Chinnaswamy conditions.
 
Despite the early setbacks, RCB fought back through a spirited middle-order effort. Liam Livingstone played a counter-attacking knock of 54 off 40 balls, including 4 fours and 2 sixes, while Tim David provided late fireworks with an unbeaten 32 off 18 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes). Their efforts helped RCB recover to a respectable 169/8 in 20 overs. Prasidh Krishna (1/34) and Kagiso Rabada (2/28) kept the pressure on, ensuring RCB couldn’t fully capitalize on the small boundaries and flat pitch. Captain Rajat Patidar later reflected, “We were targeting around 190, but early wickets hurt us. The intent was good, and the way our bowlers fought was amazing.”

GT’s Chase: Buttler and Rutherford Shine

Chasing 170, Gujarat Titans got off to a steady start with Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill at the crease. Bhuvneshwar Kumar provided RCB with a breakthrough by dismissing Gill (caught by Liam Livingstone) in the fifth over, but that was as good as it got for the hosts. Jos Buttler, in scintillating form, anchored the chase with an unbeaten 73 off 39 balls, smashing 5 fours and 4 sixes. His aggressive strokeplay, including a reverse scoop and a towering six off Josh Hazlewood, left the RCB bowlers helpless.
 
Sudharsan contributed a solid 49 off 36 balls before falling to Hazlewood, but Sherfane Rutherford (30* off 18) joined Buttler to seal the deal in style. Rutherford’s swiveling six over long leg off Hazlewood in the 18th over ended the contest, as GT chased down the target in just 17.5 overs. Buttler later said, “The bowlers did a fantastic job to restrict them, and if we’d fielded better, it could’ve been an even smaller chase.”
 

Key Moments and Turning Points

  • Siraj’s Early Strikes: Mohammed Siraj’s opening spell dismantled RCB’s top order, setting the tone for GT’s dominance.
  • Livingstone’s Fightback: Liam Livingstone’s fifty kept RCB in the game, giving their bowlers something to defend.
  • Buttler’s Onslaught: Jos Buttler’s explosive batting, particularly against spin and pace alike, turned the chase into a one-sided affair.
  • Dropped Chances: RCB’s fielding lapses, including a dropped catch by Virat Kohli off Sudharsan, proved costly as GT capitalized on the reprieves.

Pitch and Conditions

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium lived up to its reputation as a batting paradise, though the pitch showed slight signs of wear due to the ongoing heat and dryness following the Women’s Premier League. Early movement assisted the seamers, but once the ball softened, the batters took charge. Dew wasn’t a significant factor, as noted by both captains, making it a fair contest between bat and ball.

What’s Next?

For RCB, this loss serves as a reality check after a dream start to IPL 2025. They’ll look to regroup quickly ahead of their next home game against Delhi Capitals on April 10. Patidar remained optimistic, saying, “We’re confident in our batting unit, and the intent they’re showing is a positive sign.” GT, meanwhile, will take confidence from this comprehensive victory as they face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 6. With two wins in three games, Shubman Gill’s men are finding their rhythm at the right time.
 
The match showcased GT’s ability to adapt and execute under pressure, while RCB’s bowling, despite a valiant effort, couldn’t contain Buttler’s brilliance. As the IPL 2025 caravan moves forward, this result adds another chapter to the storied rivalry between these two teams, with GT now holding a slight edge at the Chinnaswamy. For RCB fans, the wait for a dominant home performance continues, but with the season still young, there’s plenty of time for redemption.
Click here for complete schedule for IPL 2025

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