Key Highlights:
Bengaluru, April 2
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans: Gujarat Titans (GT) registered a resounding 8-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in their IPL 2025 clash on April 2. The victory was anchored by a stunning unbeaten 73-run knock from Jos Buttler, who stitched a match-winning 63-run partnership with Sherfane Rutherford to chase down a target of 170 with ease.
Kohli’s Early Exit Shocks RCB Fans
The game started with an unsettling moment for the home side as Virat Kohli, the star batter and fan favorite, was forced off the field due to an injury sustained while fielding. The extent of the injury remains unclear, but it significantly impacted RCB’s on-field presence and morale.
Kohli had earlier set a personal milestone by becoming the highest run-scorer against Gujarat Titans in IPL history — a record that added to his legendary stature but came amid team adversity.
RCB’s Patchy Batting Display
Put to bat first, RCB posted 169/8 in their 20 overs. The innings was powered by Liam Livingstone’s 54 and supported by Tim David’s 32, but consistent breakthroughs from the Titans’ bowling attack prevented the home team from building any sustained momentum.
Key Batting Performances – RCB:
- Liam Livingstone – 54 (33)
- Tim David – 32 (22)
- Jitesh Sharma – 21 (12)
Bowling Standouts – GT:
- Mohammed Siraj – 3/27
- Sai Kishore – 2/26
Siraj, playing against his former franchise, delivered a fiery spell that dented RCB’s top and middle order, underlining the depth and variety of GT’s pace arsenal.
GT’s Run Chase: Controlled and Clinical
The Gujarat chase began shakily with skipper Shubman Gill falling early to Bhuvneshwar Kumar for just 14. However, Jos Buttler took command and quickly settled the innings with crisp boundaries and sensible strike rotation.
After a brief but stable partnership with Sai Sudharsan, who fell just short of his fifty at 49, Sherfane Rutherford joined Buttler at the crease. The two orchestrated a controlled yet aggressive 63-run partnership, effectively silencing the crowd and flattening RCB’s hopes.
Buttler’s Masterclass
Jos Buttler, known for his calculated aggression and match-finishing abilities, was in top form. He paced his innings beautifully, accelerating at the right moments and maintaining pressure on the bowlers throughout.
Jos Buttler’s Final Score:
73 off 47 balls*
- 4 Fours, 5 Sixes
- Strike Rate: 155.3
His knock was a reminder of his elite finishing capabilities and further solidified his role as a key figure in GT’s campaign.
Match Summary
Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans
Date: April 2, 2025
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Result: Gujarat Titans won by 8 wickets
RCB: 169/8 (20 overs)
GT: 172/2 (18.3 overs)
Reaction from the Captains
Shubman Gill (GT Captain):
“We knew 170 was chaseable here. Jos showed his class and Sherfane backed him up well. Proud of the bowling unit, especially Siraj, for setting the tone.”
Rajat Patidar (RCB Captain):
“Tough loss. We couldn’t capitalize with the bat and let partnerships develop in the second innings. Kohli’s injury didn’t help, but we’ll bounce back.”
What’s Next?
The win bolsters Gujarat Titans’ position on the IPL 2025 points table, showcasing their formidable balance of experience and young talent. Meanwhile, RCB face urgent questions over their bowling attack, batting depth, and now, Kohli’s fitness.
With the tournament heating up, both teams will be eyeing crucial adjustments as they aim for playoff contention.
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