The IPL 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular, with teams showcasing their prowess and fans being treated to high-octane cricket. One such thrilling encounter was the match between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 9, 2025, at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
This game was a testament to the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where fortunes can change in the blink of an eye. GT, riding on a wave of confidence from their previous wins, took on RR, who were looking to build on their recent successes. The stage was set for a blockbuster clash, and the match did not disappoint, providing cricket enthusiasts with a rollercoaster of emotions and memorable moments.
GT Batting Performance
The highlight of GT’s batting was undoubtedly Sai Sudharsan’s magnificent knock. Demonstrating a blend of patience and aggression, Sudharsan scored a scintillating 82 off 53 balls, adorned with eight boundaries and three towering sixes. His innings was characterized by strategic shot selection and an ability to accelerate when required.
Notably, Sai Sudharsan’s partnerships were instrumental in propelling GT’s total: an 80-run stand with Jos Buttler for the second wicket and a 62-run alliance with Shahrukh Khan for the fourth wicket. His departure in the 19th over, with the score at 187 for 5, did little to halt GT’s momentum. Sudharsan’s performance earned him the Player of the Match accolade, marking his third half-century of the season and reinforcing GT’s robust batting lineup.
Sai Sudharsan’s innings was a blend of calculated aggression and technical finesse, setting the stage for a formidable total. Sudharsan’s approach was particularly evident during the powerplay, where he transitioned from a cautious start to an aggressive onslaught, ending the phase with 39 runs off 22 balls.
This strategic acceleration not only boosted his personal tally but also provided the team with crucial momentum. His knock was instrumental in Gujarat Titans’ imposing total of 217-6, laying a solid foundation for their 58-run victory over the Rajasthan Royals.
RR’s Bowling Performance
RR’s attack, comprising six bowlers, took six wickets but leaked runs at an overall economy rate of 10.85, conceding 18 fours and 15 sixes. Jofra Archer was the standout, claiming 1/29 in 4 overs (economy 7.25), dismissing Shubman Gill (2) early with a 145 kph thunderbolt and bowling 14 dot balls (58.3% of his deliveries).
Maheesh Theekshana grabbed 2/41 in 4 overs (economy 10.25), removing Jos Buttler (36) and Sherfane Rutherford (7), but his 16th over bled 18 runs. Tushar Deshpande also took 2/46 in 4 overs (economy 11.50), dismissing Sai Sudharsan (82) and Shahrukh Khan (36), yet his death overs cost 30 runs. Sandeep Sharma’s 1/34 in 4 overs (economy 8.50) included Rahul Tewatia’s (17) wicket, but his final over went for 14.
Fazalhaq Farooqi was wicketless, conceding 0/38 in 3 overs (economy 12.67), while Yudhvir Singh’s sole over as an Impact Player was a nightmare, leaking 29 runs (economy 29.00) with 3 fours and 3 sixes. RR’s 35 dot balls (29.2%) were below the IPL average (33%), and their death overs (16-20) saw 72 runs plundered at 14.40 runs per over, with Yudhvir’s 17th over alone costing 29.
Tactical errors, like underusing Archer and opting for Yudhvir in a high-pressure over, coupled with a dropped catch of Sudharsan, inflated GT’s total, which RR’s batsmen couldn’t chase.
RR Batting Performance
RR’s innings began with a solid partnership between openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler, but both fell within the powerplay, leaving the team at 43 for two. Captain Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag then stabilized the innings with a remarkable 130-run partnership, propelling RR to a total of 196 for three in their 20 overs.
Parag top-scored with 76 off 48 balls, including three fours and five sixes, while Samson remained unbeaten on 68 off 38 balls, featuring seven boundaries and two sixes. Despite this strong performance, RR’s bowlers couldn’t defend the target, and GT achieved a thrilling victory on the last ball.
Despite RR’s aggressive start, GT’s bowlers applied pressure, leading to pivotal breakthroughs.
Key Bowling Contributions:
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Prasidh Krishna: Delivered a stellar spell, taking 3 wickets for 24 runs in 3.6 overs. He dismissed key RR batsmen—Shimron Hetmyer, Sanju Samson, and Jofra Archer—disrupting RR’s momentum and shifting the game’s balance in GT’s favor.
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Rashid Khan: Bowled a tight and impactful spell, claiming 2 wickets for 38 runs in his 4 overs. He struck crucial blows, including the dismissal of Shubham Dubey, and maintained pressure throughout his spell.
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Sai Kishore: Provided vital support with a disciplined performance, taking 2 wickets for 19 runs in his 2 overs. He removed Tushar Deshpande and Maheesh Theekshana, effectively sealing RR’s fate.
GT’s bowlers, particularly Krishna, Rashid, and Kishore, exploited RR’s middle-order vulnerabilities, leading to a collapse that saw RR lose six wickets for just 44 runs. Their combined efforts in the final stages turned the game decisively in GT’s favor, ensuring a comprehensive victory.
Post-Match Interviews
– Shubman Gill (GT Captain): Noted initial overs challenging, commended Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler, satisfied with 220 runs, praised clinical bowling. “It was a great team performance. We knew that defending around 220 would be challenging on this pitch, but our bowlers were spot-on.”
– Sai Sudharsan (Player of the Match): Emphasized early momentum, strategy to build innings, felt short by 10-15 runs, competitive total due to no dew. “I wanted to build momentum early and take the game deep. I felt we were short by about 10-15 runs, but with no dew, I think we had a competitive total.”
– Sanju Samson (RR Captain): Disappointed with extra runs conceded, wickets fell during acceleration, felt in control with Hetmyer. “We conceded about 15-20 extra runs during their innings, which made a big difference. My partnership with Hetmyer gave us some hope, but we couldn’t capitalize on it.”
– Prasidh Krishna (GT Bowler): Highlighted collective effort, bowlers’ success, pitch offered extra bounce, targeted batters’ ribs. “It was a collective effort from our bowling unit. The pitch offered extra bounce, which we exploited to target the batters’ ribs.”
Looking Ahead
For GT, this win is a morale booster as they continue their march towards the playoffs. Their next challenge is against Chennai Super Kings on April 12, 2025, where they will look to maintain their winning streak. For RR, it’s time to regroup and address their batting inconsistencies. Their next match is against Punjab Kings at Jaipur, where they will hope to bounce back and climb up the points table.
In conclusion, the GT vs RR match was a thrilling contest that showcased the best of T20 cricket. With stellar individual performances and strategic gameplay, it was a match that will be remembered for years to come.
Also Read: GT vs RR: GT’s Terrific Win Over RR Breaks A Lot Of Records