The 14th match of IPL 2025 saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face their first defeat of the season against a dominant Gujarat Titans (GT) side at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 2, 2025. What promised to be a high-octane clash turned into a one-sided affair as GT chased down RCB’s total with ease, winning by 8 wickets with 13 balls to spare.
First Innings: RCB’s Struggles with the Bat
GT captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that paid off handsomely. RCB’s batting lineup, which had been firing on all cylinders in their previous two victories, stumbled early. Mohammed Siraj, now donning GT colors after seven years with RCB, struck devastating blows, finishing with a stellar 3/19. He dismissed Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, and Virat Kohli cheaply, leaving RCB reeling at 42/4 in the powerplay. Arshad Khan supported with an early wicket, and Sai Kishore chipped in with 2/22 in the middle overs.
Despite the top-order collapse, Liam Livingstone’s gritty 54 off 40 balls provided some resistance. Jitesh Sharma (33 off 21) and Tim David (32 off 18) added late impetus, helping RCB limp to 169/8 in their 20 overs. However, captain Rajat Patidar later admitted they were targeting 190, and the early wickets derailed their plans.
Second Innings: Buttler and Sudharsan Shine
Chasing 170, GT started cautiously with Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan at the crease. Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave RCB hope by dismissing Gill, caught brilliantly by Livingstone, but that was as good as it got for the hosts. Jos Buttler, walking in at No. 3, took charge with an unbeaten 73 off 39 balls, including a flurry of boundaries and sixes. His reverse scoop off Josh Hazlewood and a towering six over midwicket were highlights of the night. Sudharsan played the perfect foil, scoring 49 off 36 before falling to Hazlewood.
The duo’s 75-run partnership off 47 balls broke RCB’s spirit. Sherfane Rutherford (30* off 18) then joined Buttler, sealing the deal with a series of sixes, including the match-winning blow off Hazlewood. GT finished at 170/2 in 17.5 overs, handing RCB their first loss after a flawless start to the season.
Key Performers
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Mohammed Siraj (GT): 3/19 in 4 overs – Named Player of the Match for his emotional return to Bengaluru, dismantling RCB’s top order.
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Jos Buttler (GT): 73* off 39 – A match-defining knock that showcased his class and composure.
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Liam Livingstone (RCB): 54 off 40 – A lone warrior in RCB’s batting collapse.
Takeaways
For RCB, the loss exposed vulnerabilities in their batting depth, especially against quality pace bowling. Their bowlers fought hard, with Hazlewood and Kumar showing intent, but lacked penetration in the middle overs. GT, meanwhile, demonstrated balance and firepower. Siraj’s new-ball brilliance and Buttler’s finishing prowess underlined their title credentials.
What’s Next?
RCB will look to bounce back in their next game in Mumbai, while GT, with two wins in three matches, will aim to build momentum. This clash at Chinnaswamy was a reminder that in the IPL, no team is invincible—not even one riding a wave of early success.
