Gujarat Titans Overwhelm Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Eight-Wicket Thrashing

With an emphatic eight-wicket win, Gujarat Titans overpowered Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 2, 2025. Spurred by Jos Buttler’s strong batting and Mohammed Siraj’s bold bowling, Gujarat dominated their rivals in the first half of the tournament.

RCB Unable to Build Competitive Score

Following a toss victory and deciding to bat, RCB were struggling against Gujarat’s bowlers, who were disciplined. The home team’s start was plagued when Virat Kohli walked back for only 7 runs. The middle order succumbed to pressure as RCB lost four wickets for only 42 runs.

Even though RCB faced initial hiccups, Liam Livingstone gave some fight with a well-made 54, aided by Jitesh Sharma’s 33 in a flash and Tim David’s 32. Lack of partnerships prevented RCB from scoring a commanding total, though.

Back at his former squad, Mohammed Siraj was the ball hero as he picked three wickets off 19 runs. Ishant Sharma also performed a useful cameo by picking the all-important one. RCB scored 169/8 from 20 overs, a terrible score considering how batting-friendly were the conditions.

Buttler’s Brilliance Seals Gujarat’s Win

Pursuing 170, Gujarat Titans cruised to the target, courtesy Jos Buttler’s 73* from as few as 39 balls. His aerial hitting right through troubled RCB bowlers. Supported by Sai Sudharsan, who scored 49, Gujarat made sure that there was no snag in the run chase. Sherfane Rutherford’s 30* without losing any wicket added the finishing touches as Gujarat romped home in 17.5 overs.

Buttler celebrated his fifty in characteristic fashion with a monster six, exhibiting his run-chasing masterclass. His intelligent aggression along with his prudently taken shots left no solution for RCB to respond.

Post-Match Reactions

Jos Buttler attributed his side’s all-rounder display by saying, “Our bowlers did an exceptional job in restraining them, and the chase was eased with the strong start.”

Conversely, Mohammed Siraj, speaking about playing against his former franchise, asserted, “It was emotional, but as soon as I got the ball, it was all about intensity and execution.”

Looking Ahead

This win advances Gujarat Titans high in the points table as favorites for the season. RCB, however, will have to go back to the drawing board with their plans, especially middle-order credibility and fielding problems, before they play their next game.