Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals, IPL 2025

Gujarat Titans Vs Rajasthan Royals battle to maintain winning streak Ahmedabad, April 9, 2025 – The high-stakes IPL 2025 match between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday night enthralled the audience. Both teams were on winning streaks—GT had won three consecutive matches and RR two—and all eyes were on one man: Jos Buttler. The England player, now in the blue jersey of the Titans, was set to face his old team, RR, in pink. The night was filled with unforgettable moments that will live on in IPL history.

Pre-match atmosphere: Buttler’s encounter with his past(Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals)

The story was interesting even before the match started. Buttler, who had scored seven centuries in seven seasons for Rajasthan Royals, was in the news after moving to Gujarat before the season. For RR, his departure was a big risk, and fans were hoping he would not disappoint his old team. For GT, Buttler’s recent form—54, 39, 73 not out in the last few games and a duck in one—had raised high hopes. When the floodlights came on and the crowd roared, the stage was set for the match.

Toss and early setbacks  

 GT captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that surprised everyone given the pace and bounce of the batting-friendly red clay pitch in Ahmedabad. RR’s Sanju Samson, returning to full captaincy after an injury, took the field alongside opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. The Titans brought in Mohammed Siraj, who had taken a brilliant 3/19 against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the previous match. His first over was excellent—pace, swing, and the moment when Jaiswal edged the ball out of Buttler’s hands left the crowd breathless.

RR comeback: Samson and Parag shine

RR suffered an early setback when Siraj dismissed Jaiswal (12 runs, 10 balls) lbw in the second over. The score was 18/1, and Titans spinners Rashid Khan and R Sai Kishore increased the pressure. But what came next won the hearts of RR fans: the counterattack by Samson and Riyan Parag. Samson silenced the Ahmedabad crowd by hitting Khan over cover for a six, while Parag, this season’s rising star (185 runs already), hit Sai Kishore for two consecutive fours. Their 78-run partnership off 52 balls was a mix of style and aggression, taking RR to 96/1 in 12 overs. The gesture to the dugout after Samson’s half-century (38 balls) was a symbol of the captain’s determination.

Buttler’s first impression: Game-changing wicket

As RR were taking control, Buttler created the first memorable moment of the night. Standing behind the stumps, he stumped Parag (44 runs, 32 balls) off Rashid Khan. Parag lost his balance on the googly ball, and Buttler’s arm speed broke the stumps—before Parag could even see. The Titans were excited, and Buttler’s restrained fist shake reflected personal importance. RR were reduced to 104/2, and the game changed.

Archer vs Buttler: The showdown everyone wanted

RR made 184/5 with the help of Shimron Hetmyer (28*, 14 balls) and Samson’s unbeaten 68. Jofra Archer, RR’s pace bowler, has been bowling at 150 kmph this season, and his clash with Buttler was the highlight of the night. As GT’s chase began, Archer bowled the first ball at 148 kmph, which Buttler edged over slips for four. The decisive moment came in the second over: Archer’s fast yorker was blocked by Buttler with a slow bat, and the ball went towards fine leg. Buttler survived, but the sharp look in Archer’s eyes indicated that it was a personal battle.

Gill and Buttler’s brilliant performance

 GT’s chase was handled by Gill and Buttler, who shared a 92-run partnership. Gill (56, 40 balls) played well-timed shots, hitting Mahesh Theekshana for four through cover, while Buttler (67, 48 balls) showed off his trademark scoop and loft shots. The highlight? An 89-metre six off Wanindu Hasaranga in the 10th over, which created tension in the RR dugout. GT looked comfortable as they reached 110/1 in 13 overs, and Buttler’s slight smile reflected his joy at home.

Fall and Rashid’s rescue

RR made a strong comeback. Hasranga bowled Buttler with a slider, and Archer bowled Gill with a yorker. GT fell from 110/1 to 145/5, needing 40 runs in the last three overs. Then Rashid Khan came on. The Afghan player, who has struggled with the ball this season, did a great job with the bat. He hit two sixes and a four in Hetmyer’s over to turn the game around for GT. With four runs needed off the last ball, Rashid took a single to take the game to the Super Over.

Super Over Thrill

Buttler and Gill came out to bat in the Super Over, and Archer bowled. Buttler started with a six on the first ball, but Archer bowled him on the second ball. Gill scored 10 runs off the remaining four balls, as GT set a target of 16. In reply, Samson and Jaiswal came out, and Rashid bowled. Samson hit a six on the first ball, but Rashid played a solid performance on the remaining balls, and RR was restricted to 14 runs. GT won in a thrilling manner.

Conclusion: Butler’s night

The match was a combination of Buttler’s personal story and team fight. His stumping, batting, and Super Over six made him the Man of the Match. GT maintained the winning streak, but Buttler’s performance won everyone’s hearts—defeating his old team and making his mark in his new home.