The Gujarat Titans (GT) outclassed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 8 wickets in Match 14 of IPL 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Opting to bowl first, GT’s bowlers struck early as Mohammed Siraj, facing his former team, delivered a match-winning spell of 3/19. RCB were restricted to 169/8, with Liam Livingstone top-scoring with 54 (34) and Jitesh Sharma contributing 33 (19).
Chasing 170, GT made light work of the target. Jos Buttler was the standout performer, smashing an unbeaten 73 off 39 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award. Buttler, along with Sai Sudharsan (49) and Sherfane Rutherford (30*), ensured GT crossed the finish line in just 17.5 overs.
With this win, Gujarat Titans notched up their second consecutive victory in IPL 2025, climbing the points table. RCB, on the other hand, continue to struggle with inconsistency despite glimpses of brilliance.
Match Summary:
- RCB: 169/8 (20 overs) – Livingstone 54, Siraj 3/19
- GT: 173/2 (17.5 overs) – Buttler 73*, Sudharsan 49
- Key Performers: Jos Buttler, Mohammed Siraj, Liam Livingstone
- Player of the Match: Jos Buttler [ 73* Runs, 39 Balls, 5 Fours, 6 Sixes, 187.18 SR]
In a commanding display at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Gujarat Titans (GT) secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 14th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. This win marks GT’s second consecutive triumph, showcasing their growing dominance in the tournament.
RCB’s Innings: Struggles Amidst Bright Spots
After being put into bat, RCB faced early setbacks, losing key wickets, including that of Virat Kohli, who was caught in the deep for seven. Mohammed Siraj, formerly with RCB and now representing GT, was instrumental in dismantling the top order, delivering impressive figures of 3 for 19. Despite these challenges, Liam Livingstone exhibited resilience, scoring a valiant 54, and found support from Jitesh Sharma, who contributed a brisk 33. Their efforts propelled RCB to a total of 169 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.
GT’s Chase: Buttler’s Brilliance Seals the Deal
Chasing 170, GT’s innings was anchored by a stellar performance from Jos Buttler. The English batsman, recently relieved from his national captaincy duties, played with newfound freedom, amassing an unbeaten 73 off just 39 balls. His aggressive approach, highlighted by reaching his fifty with a six, ensured that GT achieved the target comfortably with 13 balls to spare. Contributions from Sai Sudharsan, who scored 49, and Sherfane Rutherford, with an unbeaten 30, further solidified the chase.
Key Takeaways:
- Mohammed Siraj’s Impact: Facing his former team, Siraj’s early breakthroughs set the tone for GT’s dominance, reflecting his strategic prowess and emotional resilience.
- Jos Buttler’s Resurgence: Freed from the pressures of captaincy, Buttler’s explosive innings underscore his return to form and the positive impact of his new environment with GT.
- RCB’s Inconsistencies: While individual performances like Livingstone’s half-century provided glimpses of potential, the team’s inability to build substantial partnerships and capitalize on starts remains a concern.
This victory propels the Gujarat Titans up the IPL 2025 standings, while the Royal Challengers Bengaluru will need to address their inconsistencies as the tournament progresses.
