GT vs RR First Innings: In a high-octane IPL 2025 encounter, the Gujarat Titans (GT) delivered a masterclass in power-hitting, posting a formidable 217/6 against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The Titans’ innings was anchored by a scintillating 82-run knock from B Sai Sudharsan, supported by crucial cameos from Jos Buttler, Shahrukh Khan, and Rahul Tewatia. The Royals, who elected to field first, struggled to contain GT’s relentless assault despite flashes of brilliance from Jofra Archer and Maheesh Theekshana.
Toss and Early Setbacks
Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson won the toss and opted to chase, banking on Ahmedabad’s reputation for high-scoring games. The decision initially paid dividends as Jofra Archer, RR’s pace spearhead, struck early to dismiss GT captain Shubman Gill (2 off 3 balls) in the third over. Archer’s fiery opening spell, clocking speeds upwards of 145 km/h, tested GT’s top order, but Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler weathered the storm with a counterattacking partnership.
Sudharsan-Buttler Duo Steadies the Ship
Sudharsan, fresh from a half-century in the previous game, continued his rich vein of form. The left-hander combined classical strokeplay with calculated aggression, targeting RR’s spinners and pacers alike. His 53-ball 82 included 5 fours and 2 sixes, with highlights such as a sliced six over sweeper cover and a lofted drive over long-off.
Buttler, playing against his former franchise, provided steady support. The English wicketkeeper-batter scored 36 off 25 deliveries, including five boundaries, before falling to a contentious LBW decision. Maheesh Theekshana’s skiddy delivery trapped Buttler in front, but the on-field umpire initially ruled it not out. A timely DRS review by Samson revealed three reds on ball-tracking, ending Buttler’s stay.
Middle Order Accelerates
With GT at 94/2 after 10 overs, Shahrukh Khan joined Sudharsan to inject momentum. Khan’s 20-ball 36 was a blend of brute force and innovation, featuring a towering six over mid-wicket and a cheeky edge past short third man. His 50-run partnership with Sudharsan ensured GT crossed 150 in the 15th over, setting the stage for a late onslaught.
However, RR clawed back briefly with quick wickets. Tushar Deshpande removed Sudharsan (82 off 53) and Rashid Khan (12 off 4) in the 19th over, while Sandeep Sharma dismissed Sherfane Rutherford (6 off 2). Yet, Rahul Tewatia’s blistering 24* off 12 balls, including two sixes and a boundary in the final over, propelled GT past 200.
RR’s Bowling: Archer Shines, Theekshana Delivers
Jofra Archer emerged as RR’s standout bowler, finishing with 1/30 in four overs. His early dismissal of Gill and tight lines in the death overs showcased his resurgence after injury setbacks. Maheesh Theekshana (1/41) provided the critical breakthrough by dismissing Buttler, while Tushar Deshpande (2/53) capitalized in the slog overs.
Sandeep Sharma’s experience at the death was mixed. Though he conceded 16 runs in the final over, his earlier spell (1/41) included a miserly over that yielded just 5 runs. RR’s fielding, however, drew criticism after Shubham Dubey dropped Sudharsan off Archer in the 17th over, a lapse that proved costly.
Pitch and Conditions
The Ahmedabad surface lived up to its batting-friendly reputation, offering minimal assistance to bowlers after the powerplay. With temperatures soaring to 44°C, fitness played a pivotal role, but GT’s batters adapted seamlessly. Sudharsan noted post-innings, “The wicket was good to bat on after the initial seam movement. We aimed to conserve wickets for the final push, and the lack of dew made 217 competitive”.
Looking Ahead
GT’s total of 217/6 marked the highest score at the venue this season, surpassing the previous record of 207. For RR, the chase hinges on their explosive top order, including Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson, who must navigate GT’s pace trio of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Rashid Khan. Siraj, in particular, has been lethal in the powerplay, claiming 6 wickets at an economy of 7.2 this season.
Conclusion
Gujarat Titans’ clinical batting display underscored their status as title contenders, while Rajasthan Royals face an uphill battle to keep their playoff hopes alive. With the pitch favouring strokeplay and no dew expected, the stage is set for a thrilling second innings. As Sudharsan aptly summarized, “This total might be enough,” but RR’s firepower ensures the contest remains wide open.
Key Stats:
- Sai Sudharsan: 82 (53) – 5×4, 2×6
- GT’s Powerplay Score: 56/1
- RR’s Bowling Economy: Archer (7.5), Theekshana (10.25)
- Highest Successful Chase at Venue: 207
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