RCB vs GT highlights: Jos Buttler, Mohammed Siraj shine as Gujarat Titans beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 8 wickets
What an exhilarating match it was at the picturesque M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru where Gujarat Titans faced off against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 14th match of the Indian Premier League 2025. Fans were treated to an enthralling contest under the lights, with the perfect blend of stellar batting, disciplined bowling, and intense moments.
Gujarat Wins the Toss
Gujarat Titans won the toss and elected to field first, taking advantage of the clear weather and the pitch conditions that suited batting.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Innings
Royal Challengers Bengaluru had a tumultuous start with the bat. Opening batsman Phil Salt was the first to fall, bowled by Mohammed Siraj for 14 runs. Shortly after, Devdutt Padikkal succumbed to Siraj's bowling as well, managing only 4 runs. Their troubles didn't end there, as Virat Kohli, caught by Prasidh Krishna off Arshad Khan’s bowling, added only 7 runs to the team's score. At 42/4 in 6.2 overs, things looked grim for Bengaluru.
However, a valiant effort from Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma resurrected the innings. Livingstone stood tall with a gallant 54 runs off 40 balls, featuring five sixes, significantly against Siraj’s bowling. Jitesh Sharma's 33 off 21 balls underscored his aggressive stance. Tim David also joined the party with a quick-fire 32 from just 18 balls, propelling the team's total to 169 for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
Key Bowling Performances
For Gujarat Titans, Mohammed Siraj was the standout bowler, clinching 3 wickets for 19 runs in his 4 overs. Sai Kishore provided crucial breakthroughs as well, taking 2 for 22. The disciplined and adaptive bowling from Gujarat restricted the score just below a possibly match-winning total.
- Phil Salt dropped on 1 by Jos Buttler in the 0.5 overs
- Referral 1: GUJ against Liam Livingstone (LBW) Unsuccessful (4.5 overs)
- Mandatory Power play (1-6): 38/3
- Livingstone’s fifty: 54 runs in 39 balls
Gujarat Titans' Chase
Gujarat had a confident beginning with openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan putting up 32 runs for the first wicket before Gill was caught by Livingstone off Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s bowling. The star of the chase was undeniably Jos Buttler, who hit an explosive 73 not out off 39 balls - showcasing a masterclass in power hitting. His innings included 5 fours and 6 towering sixes.
Sai Sudharsan provided invaluable support with 49, falling just one short of a well-deserved half-century. The duo’s partnership ensured that Gujarat was always in control of the run chase. Sherfane Rutherford, who substituted for Ishant Sharma, scored a handy 30 from 18 balls to close the game for Gujarat. The target was comfortably chased with 14 balls to spare, finishing at 170/2 in 17.5 overs.
Exceptional Performances Under Pressure
- Strategic Time-out: Gujarat 75/1 in 9.0 overs
- Buttler’s fifty: 50 runs in 31 balls
- Second-wicket partnership: 75 off 47 balls
Match Decider
Gujarat Titans’ stellar batting performance was perfectly complemented by their disciplined bowling. Jos Buttler was named as one of the best performers for his unbeaten 73, while Siraj's effectiveness with the ball became a key moment that kept RCB within a competitive score.
The match saw a blend of everything cricket stands for: quick wickets, powerful batting, and tactical decisions that kept viewers at the edge of their seats. Gujarat Titans’ win by 8 wickets in this thrilling encounter serves as a testament to their formidable balance and depth in both batting and bowling departments.