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RCB’s Unbeaten Streak Ends as Gujarat Titans Dominate IPL 2025 Clash
Mohammed Siraj’s Spell and Jos Buttler’s Brilliance Seal a Comfortable Win
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced their first defeat of IPL 2025 as Gujarat Titans (GT) delivered a commanding performance at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday (April 2). Former RCB pacer Mohammed Siraj set the tone for the Titans with a stellar spell, dismantling RCB’s top order. Meanwhile, Jos Buttler’s aggressive knock ensured an effortless chase, leading GT to an eight-wicket victory with 13 balls to spare.
🔥 Where Did the Match Slip Away for RCB?
RCB’s struggle began early, as they managed just 38 runs in the powerplay while losing three crucial wickets. In contrast, Gujarat Titans, despite losing skipper Shubman Gill, remained steady and capitalized on the momentum. The difference in approach proved decisive, as GT chased down RCB’s 169-run target with ease.
🏏 RCB’s Innings: Early Setbacks and Late Surge
PowerPlay: Mohammed Siraj Wreaks Havoc
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Phase Score: 38/3 (RR: 6.33, 4s/6s: 4/1)
RCB’s start was far from ideal as Mohammed Siraj struck early against his former team. Despite Virat Kohli’s elegant boundary off Siraj’s second ball, the Titans pacer maintained pressure.
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Phil Salt survived an early drop by Jos Buttler but couldn’t capitalize.
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Devdutt Padikkal’s stumps were rattled by Siraj in his second over.
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Kohli fell cheaply after mistiming a pull shot off Arshad Khan.
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Salt’s brief counterattack (including a monstrous 105-meter six) was cut short as Siraj returned to knock over his stumps.
By the end of the powerplay, RCB was in deep trouble at 38/3.
Middle Overs: Sai Kishore Keeps Titans on Top
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Phase Score: 67/3 (RR: 7.44, 4s/6s: 8/2)
RCB attempted to rebuild through Rajat Patidar and Liam Livingstone, but Titans’ bowlers kept the pressure on.
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Sai Kishore emerged as GT’s key weapon, dismissing Jitesh Sharma and Krunal Pandya.
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Livingstone benefited from Jos Buttler’s dropped catch, but RCB still struggled for momentum.
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Jitesh’s aggressive strokes briefly lifted RCB, but Titans’ spinners controlled the game.
Death Overs: Livingstone and David Provide Late Spark
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Phase Score: 64/2 (RR: 12.8, 4s/6s: 3/6)
RCB’s innings found life in the last five overs as Liam Livingstone and Tim David launched a counterattack.
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Livingstone smashed Rashid Khan for three sixes in the final over.
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Tim David took Prasidh Krishna apart (4,6,4) before falling to a perfect yorker.
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RCB finished at 169/8, a total that seemed beyond reach at one point.
🚀 Gujarat Titans’ Chase: Buttler’s Domination
PowerPlay: GT Off to a Cautious Yet Steady Start
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Phase Score: 42/1 (RR: 7, 4s/6s: 3/2)
Despite early movement for RCB’s pacers, Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill played cautiously.
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Sudharsan stunned Hazlewood with a ramp shot for six, showcasing early aggression.
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Gill smashed Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a massive six but fell attempting a repeat shot.
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Titans ended the powerplay at 42/1, maintaining stability despite losing their skipper.
Middle Overs: Titans in Complete Control
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Phase Score: 92/1 (RR: 10.22, 4s/6s: 10/5)
Post powerplay, Jos Buttler unleashed his brutal striking ability.
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Buttler smashed Rasikh Salam for 18 runs in one over, swinging the game firmly in GT’s favor.
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Sudharsan added crucial runs before falling to Hazlewood, but the damage was done.
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Buttler raced to his fifty with an array of boundaries and sixes, leaving RCB bowlers clueless.
Death Overs: A Comfortable Finish for GT
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Phase Score: 36/0 (RR: 12.72, 4s/6s: 1/4)
With just 29 needed off 24 balls, the result was inevitable.
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Sherfane Rutherford pulled Bhuvneshwar for a six to ease the nerves.
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Buttler finished in style, smashing Hazlewood for two outrageous sixes.
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Rutherford sealed the win with another maximum, securing an emphatic eight-wicket victory.
📊 Match Summary
🏏 RCB 169/8 in 20 overs
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Liam Livingstone – 54 (3×4, 5×6)
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Mohammed Siraj – 3/19
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Sai Kishore – 2/22
🏏 GT 170/2 in 17.5 overs
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Jos Buttler – 73* (9×4, 3×6)
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Sai Sudharsan – 49
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GT won by 8 wickets
📌 What’s Next?
Gujarat Titans will look to continue their winning momentum against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next fixture. Meanwhile, RCB will aim to bounce back as they travel to Mumbai for an away game against Mumbai Indians.
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