Rohit - Thursday, Apr 10, 2025In a thrilling IPL 2025 clash on April 9, 2025, Gujarat Titans (GT) delivered a commanding performance to thrash Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 58 runs at Ahmedabad, storming to the top of the standings. Fueled by a stellar batting display led by Sai Sudharsan and a clinical bowling effort, GT extended their winning streak to four matches, while ending RR’s two-match victory run.
Opting to bowl first after RR skipper Sanju Samson won the toss, Rajasthan Royals were jolted early when Jofra Archer dismissed GT captain Shubman Gill. However, Sai Sudharsan took charge, crafting a brilliant 82 off 53 balls—his third fifty of the season. Contributions from Jos Buttler (36), Shahrukh Khan (36), and Rahul Tewatia’s late flourish powered GT to a formidable 217/6 in 20 overs.
While Archer impressed with 1/30 in his four overs, RR’s other bowlers, including Maheesh Theekshana and Tushar Deshpande (two wickets each), struggled, leaking over 50 runs apiece as GT dominated the death overs.
Chasing 218, Rajasthan Royals stumbled early, slipping to 15/2 within three overs, courtesy of Mohammed Siraj and Arshad Khan’s fiery opening spells. Sanju Samson (41 off 28) and Shimron Hetmyer (52 off 32) offered glimmers of hope with their aggressive strokeplay, but GT’s bowlers struck back relentlessly.
Rashid Khan (2/37) and Prasidh Krishna (3/24) ripped through the middle order, with Krishna’s double-wicket 15th over sealing RR’s fate. The Royals were eventually bowled out for 159, handing GT a resounding 58-run triumph.
Sai Sudharsan’s match-defining 82 earned him the Player of the Match award. His consistent form has been the backbone of GT’s campaign, and this knock was no exception, laying the foundation for their imposing total.
Sai Sudharsan | Player of the Match: IPL is the kind of tournament where you need the momentum from the start. Always a joy to contribute to team wins. The wicket was seaming a bit, so I took some time but knew we couldn't take a lot of time. Then I wanted to take the game deep. We wanted to have wickets for the death. We have the awareness if we lose early wickets that the set batter has to play long. I always try to see what I can do better, trying to improve my awareness and skill. I have worked a lot of basics which is helping me be a versatile batter.
With this victory, Gujarat Titans solidified their dominance in IPL 2025, climbing to the summit of the points table. The Ahmedabad crowd erupted as Gill & Co. showcased their prowess with both bat and ball. GT will now look to maintain their momentum when they face Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 12. For RR, this loss serves as a wake-up call as they aim to regroup after a promising start to the season.
A night of electrifying cricket in Ahmedabad concluded with GT fans celebrating their team’s rise to the top, while RR rued missed opportunities in a one-sided affair.
