Gujarat, April 9, 2025 — Sai Sudharsan continued his golden run in IPL 2025 with yet another composed and match-defining knock, powering Gujarat Titans to a commanding win over Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium. With this victory, the Titans have further cemented their position in the top half of the table, while the Royals are left to introspect after yet another misfiring top-order performance.
Sudharsan Leads the Charge with Another Classy Fifty
Sai Sudharsan was the anchor around which the Titans’ innings revolved. Coming in at No.3, the stylish left-hander took control early, absorbing the pressure and rotating the strike efficiently alongside Jos Buttler. The pair added a crucial 80-run partnership off just 47 balls, giving the Titans momentum after Shubman Gill fell early.
Sudharsan brought up his third fifty of the season in 32 balls—showcasing his consistency and temperament in the high-octane league. His calm approach at the crease was once again the difference-maker, especially on a slightly sluggish pitch that offered turn and grip for the spinners.
Buttler’s Brief Spark, Sudharsan’s Steady Hold
Jos Buttler, too, found some fluency, striking a handy 36 off 25 balls. However, his dismissal came just after Sudharsan reached his milestone. A sharp review by RR, following a close lbw appeal off Maheesh Theekshana, sent Buttler back to the dugout, halting what looked like a dangerous charge.
Undeterred, Sai Sudharsan carried on, stitching another important stand with Rahul Tewatia, as GT accelerated toward the death overs.
Titans’ Bowlers Finish the Job
After Gujarat Titans posted a strong total thanks to Sudharsan’s anchor innings and late cameos from Sherfane Rutherford and Shahrukh Khan, the bowlers took over.
Mohammed Siraj struck early in the powerplay, continuing his phenomenal run as IPL 2025’s most effective powerplay bowler. Rashid Khan and R Sai Kishore, despite being tested, held their own in the middle overs, building pressure that eventually led to wickets.
RR’s Chase Falters Early
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s early dismissal once again exposed Rajasthan’s top-order frailties. Sanju Samson failed to capitalize on a decent start, while Hetmyer and Parag struggled against the spin choke in the middle overs.
Shimron Hetmyer did offer a glimmer of hope with a late burst, but the required run rate kept climbing. Jofra Archer, batting at No. 8, couldn’t do much as Gujarat closed the game out clinically.
Player of the Match: Sai Sudharsan
With another steady yet impactful performance, Sai Sudharsan was rightly adjudged Player of the Match. He has now scored over 250 runs in IPL 2025 with an average north of 50 and a strike rate that underlines his evolution into a dependable top-order batter.
“It’s about staying calm and trusting my process. I’ve worked hard on my shot selection, especially in the middle overs,” said Sudharsan in the post-match interview.
What This Win Means for Gujarat Titans
This win propels Gujarat Titans firmly into playoff contention. With Sudharsan’s form, Siraj’s bowling magic, and the return of Rashid Khan’s rhythm, the Titans are shaping up to be a formidable unit as the tournament progresses.
Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, will need to reconfigure their top order and extract more from their experienced players if they are to keep their playoff hopes alive.
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