GT vs RR Preview: Clash of Momentum and Redemption

Setting the Stage

Table of Contents

GT vs RR Preview: The 23rd match of IPL 2025 pits the high-flying Gujarat Titans (GT) against the resurgent Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With GT sitting second on the points table (3 wins in 4 matches) and RR seventh (2 wins in 4), this encounter promises a blend of momentum and redemption. Historically, GT dominate the rivalry, winning five of their six IPL clashes, including a tense three-wicket victory in 2024 . However, RR’s recent resurgence and GT’s middle-order vulnerabilities add intrigue to this contest.

Team Overviews

Gujarat Titans: Top-Order Powerhouse

GT’s success hinges on their explosive top three: Shubman Gill (146 runs), Sai Sudharsan (191 runs), and Jos Buttler (166 runs), who collectively account for 70% of the team’s runs (503/715) . Buttler’s transition to No. 3 has been seamless, with a strike rate of 167.67, though his move reduces his exposure to RR’s fiery new-ball threat, Jofra Archer.

Middle-Order Concerns:
While GT’s top order thrives, their middle order—Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, and Rahul Tewatia—has seen limited action. Rutherford’s promotion has paid dividends (129 runs at 176.71 SR), but Shahrukh (52 runs) and Tewatia (41 runs) remain untested under pressure.

Bowling Strengths:
Mohammed Siraj (9 wickets) has rediscovered his rhythm, dominating the powerplay with 140+ kph deliveries. Rashid Khan, despite a lean patch (1 wicket in 4 matches), holds a psychological edge over RR’s Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer.

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Rajasthan Royals: Seeking Consistency

RR’s campaign has been erratic, but back-to-back wins signal a turnaround. Sanju Samson (137 runs), reinstated as captain after injury, anchors the batting, while Yashasvi Jaiswal’s return to form (75* vs PBKS) stabilizes the top order.

Middle-Order Resilience:
Nitish Rana and Riyan Parag (109 runs) have bolstered RR’s batting depth, with Parag emerging as a dependable finisher. Shimron Hetmyer, who smashed 56* off 26 balls against GT in 2023, remains a wildcard.

Bowling Revival:
Jofra Archer’s resurgence (4 wickets, 150 kph pace) and Wanindu Hasaranga’s middle-over mastery (7 wickets) are key. Maheesh Theekshana’s economy (6.0 RPO at death) adds balance.

Pitch and Conditions

Ahmedabad’s surface offers dual characteristics: red soil (pace and bounce) and black soil (slow, low turn). Recent matches have seen batters thrive (9.76 runs per over), though spinners gain traction as the game progresses. With clear skies, temperatures around 33–40°C, and negligible dew, captains may prefer batting first.

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Key Players to Watch

Shubman Gill (GT):
The GT skipper averages 60.2 at this venue (1,024 runs in 20 innings) and relishes facing pace. His duel with Archer (2 dismissals in 13 balls) could define the powerplay.
Jos Buttler (GT):
Buttler’s 89-run dominance against Archer in T20s and his Ahmedabad average of 59.5 make him a linchpin.
Sanju Samson (RR):
Samson’s 230 runs against GT (avg. 46, SR 166.67) and his ability to neutralize Siraj (3 dismissals in 31 balls) will be critical.
Jofra Archer (RR):
Archer’s searing pace and swing have rattled top orders. His early strikes against Gill or Buttler could tilt the match.
Mohammed Siraj (GT):
Siraj’s powerplay prowess (9 wickets) and improved pace (50% deliveries >140 kph) pose a threat to RR’s top order.

Tactical Battles

Gill vs Archer: A clash of technical brilliance vs raw pace. Gill’s footwork against Archer’s seam movement will set the tone.
Samson vs Siraj: Siraj’s inswingers vs Samson’s pull shots, a duel of patience and aggression.
Rashid vs Hetmyer: Rashid’s googlies vs Hetmyer’s slog-sweep. The Afghan has dismissed Hetmyer six times in T20s.

Probable Lineups

Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
Impact Sub: Ishant Sharma (for batting depth).

Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Nitish Rana, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma.
Impact Sub: Akash Madhwal (pace variation).

Final Word

This match pits GT’s top-order firepower against RR’s resurgent bowling. While GT’s home advantage and historical edge make them favourites, RR’s balanced attack and middle-order grit could spring a surprise. With playoff ambitions at stake, expect a riveting contest under Ahmedabad’s lights.

Broadcast Details: Star Sports Network (TV), JioHotstar (Streaming).

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