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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Gujarat Titans (GT) : A Preview and Fantasy

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  • Match – 14
  • Venue –M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is in full swing, and on April 2, 2025, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru will host an exciting clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 14 of the tournament. With the current date being April 1, 2025, this preview sets the stage for what promises to be a high-octane encounter between two competitive sides.

Team Form and Context

RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, have started the season strongly, securing victories in their opening two games. They successfully defended a total against Chennai Super Kings at home and chased down a target against Kolkata Knight Riders on the road, showcasing their adaptability and depth. With a bolstered bowling attack featuring Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Yash Dayal, alongside a formidable batting lineup led by Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Liam Livingstone, RCB are brimming with confidence as they return to their fortress.
 
Gujarat Titans, under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, have had a mixed bag so far. They suffered a heavy defeat in their opener against Punjab Kings, leaking 243 runs and falling short despite a valiant chase. However, they bounced back with a convincing 36-run win over Mumbai Indians, thanks to Sai Sudharsan’s 63, Gill’s 38, and a disciplined bowling effort led by Prasidh Krishna (2/18). GT will look to build on this momentum, but they face a stern test against an in-form RCB side on a batting-friendly Chinnaswamy pitch.

Pitch and Conditions

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is renowned for its short boundaries and flat pitches, often producing high-scoring thrillers. While recent games across formats have shown some assistance for seamers, the forecast of possible rain on April 2 could add an extra layer of intrigue. If the surface stays true to its reputation, expect fireworks from both batting units. The toss could be crucial, with teams likely preferring to chase given the dew factor in evening games.

Head-to-Head and Key Battles

Historically, RCB hold a slight edge over GT, leading 3-2 in their five IPL encounters. Their most recent clash in 2024 saw RCB chase down 201 in just 16 overs, powered by Will Jacks’ unbeaten 100 and Kohli’s 70*. However, GT have had their moments, notably in 2023 when Gill’s century knocked RCB out of playoff contention at this very venue. This rivalry has been fiercely competitive, and tomorrow’s game could hinge on individual brilliance.

Key Battles to Watch

  • Virat Kohli vs Kagiso Rabada: Kohli has an impeccable record against GT, with three fifties and a hundred in five innings, and he’s historically dominated Rabada. Expect a fierce contest.
  • Josh Hazlewood vs Shubman Gill/Sai Sudharsan: Hazlewood’s hard lengths could trouble GT’s top order, who’ve struggled against RCB’s new-ball pacers in the past.
  • Rashid Khan vs RCB’s Middle Order: Rashid’s spin could test the likes of Patidar and Livingstone on a ground where boundaries are short but wickets are precious.
  • Phil Salt vs Mohammed Siraj: Salt’s aggressive starts could set the tone for RCB, while Siraj will aim to strike early for GT.
RCB enter as favorites given their current form, home advantage, and historical edge over GT. Their bowling unit looks more balanced this season, and the Chinnaswamy crowd will be a 12th man. GT, however, have the firepower to upset the apple cart if their top order fires and Rashid Khan controls the middle overs. A close contest is on the cards, but RCB might just have the edge in a potential run-fest.

Fantasy XI for LSG vs PBKS, IPL 2025 Match 13

Here’s a balanced fantasy team for the RCB vs GT clash on April 2, 2025, based on current form, past performances, and venue conditions:
Fantasy Team
  1. Phil Salt (RCB) – Wicketkeeper: Explosive at the top, Salt has been in fine form and could capitalize on Chinnaswamy’s short boundaries.
  2. Virat Kohli (RCB) – Batsman (Captain): With 3456 runs at this venue and a stellar record against GT, Kohli is a must-pick and a prime captaincy choice.
  3. Shubman Gill (GT) – Batsman: GT’s captain has been consistent and will look to anchor the innings against RCB’s pace attack.
  4. Sai Sudharsan (GT) – Batsman: Coming off a match-winning 63, Sudharsan’s ability to rotate strike and accelerate makes him valuable.
  5. Rajat Patidar (RCB) – Batsman: RCB’s skipper is among the best spin-hitters, a key asset against GT’s spinners.
  6. Liam Livingstone (RCB) – All-Rounder: A big-hitting middle-order batter who could also bowl a few overs, Livingstone thrives in high-scoring games.
  7. Rashid Khan (GT) – All-Rounder (Vice-Captain): The Afghan maestro’s bowling prowess and handy lower-order hitting make him a top vice-captain pick.
  8. Josh Hazlewood (RCB) – Bowler: His accuracy and IPL experience could fetch wickets against GT’s top order.
  9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RCB) – Bowler: Known for swinging the new ball, Bhuvi could trouble GT’s openers, including Jos Buttler.
  10. Kagiso Rabada (GT) – Bowler: A strike bowler who could exploit any early seam movement and pick up key RCB wickets.
  11. Yash Dayal (RCB) – Bowler: A left-arm pacer who’s been effective for RCB, Dayal could be a differential pick on his home ground.
Captain and Vice-Captain Choices
  • Captain: Virat Kohli – His consistency at Chinnaswamy and against GT makes him a safe yet high-scoring option.
  • Vice-Captain: Rashid Khan – Likely to bowl his full quota and contribute with the bat, Rashid is a strong multiplier pick.
Click here for complete schedule for IPL 2025

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