Gujarat Titans (GT) delivered a solid batting performance as they set a formidable target of 209 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2025. Shubman Gill’s stellar 84 runs off 50 balls and Jos Buttler’s unbeaten half-century were pivotal in building this impressive score on what is typically a challenging Jaipur pitch.
GT’s top order has been particularly consistent, with all three batters now situated in the league’s top six run-scorers. Despite the pitch’s low bounce, Buttler remarked, “The pitch was true and the outfield quick,” indicating that the conditions favoured the batters more than anticipated.
Gill and B Sai Sudharsan forged a steady opening partnership yet again, amassing 93 runs together. This was their fifth partnership of 50 or more in the tournament so far. Early on, RR had a chance to break this pairing when Sudharsan was dropped by Shimron Hetmyer while on nine. Nevertheless, GT reached 53 in the powerplay, aided by Gill’s assertive 25 off 16 deliveries.
As the innings progressed, Gill maintained his attacking approach, even daring to slog-sweep on the low-bounce track. He notably sent Riyan Parag’s delivery flying into the stands. However, Wanindu Hasaranga offered RR some respite with three consecutive boundary-less overs, leading to Sudharsan’s dismissal for 39 off 30 and a slow start for Buttler.
The match saw a shift when Gill liberated GT from a subdued phase by hitting two sixes off Yudhvir Singh in the 14th over. This was followed by Buttler navigating a slow start to deliver a punishing performance against Hasaranga, scoring three sixes and a four in one over alone. His aggression continued with a six over long-on and a clever reverse-ramped four off an over from fellow Englishman Jofra Archer.
In the latter stages, even though Buttler was unable to face deliveries in the final two overs, Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan stepped up, contributing an additional 22 runs, ensuring GT’s total reached an imposing 209 for 4.
As each game progresses, questions are raised about RR’s response. Cricketing sage Anil Kumble noted, “RR batters have allowed opposition bowlers opportunities to seize games.” This insight reflects how RR must adapt to apply pressure and disrupt the batting momentum of formidable teams like GT.
With GT firmly positioned as a dominant force, it’s up to the Royals to reconsider strategies and upend their rivals’ consistency as the tournament moves forward.
