The Gujarat Titans (GT) will host the Rajasthan Royals (RR) to feature Match 23 of IPL 2025 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on April 9th. Both teams stand to lose playoff chances in this evening match as high-class cricket action awaits from two giant teams. Continue reading the blog by Spinmatch for more insights on this game to ace your fantasy cricket game.
Form Guide: Opposite Fortunes
Gujarat Titans have set themselves up as early favorites this season with three wins from four matches. After a blip in their first game, GT has come back in style, most notably routing Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets. Presently second on the table with a robust net run rate of +1.031, the Titans are a machine working in complete harmony.
Rajasthan Royals are in a little bit of an inconsistent state. They have been an even game of two wins and two losses in four games to occupy the seventh spot on the table. Their recent 50-run victory against Punjab Kings, however, suggests that they could be getting going at the perfect time.
Head-to-head numbers are squarely in the Gujarat Titans’ favor, as they have triumphed in five of their six encounters against the Royals. The mental edge might be a determining point as the two sides prepare to face each other on Wednesday.
Players in Focus
Gujarat Titans
Shubman Gill: The GT captain has mustered 146 runs at a batting average of 48.67. His composed 61* in the previous game reflected his class and ability to see the innings through. The Narendra Modi Stadium has been a home sweet home kind of ground for Gill, and he is one of the prime players in this IPL cricket game.
B Sai Sudharsan: The left-hand batsman has been the mainstay of GT’s batting with 191 runs from two half-centuries. Even though he failed in the last game, his tournament form makes him a threat that Rajasthan cannot take lightly.
Mohammed Siraj: The pace leader has picked up nine wickets in four games, including a carnage over SRH. With the ability to strike both in powerplay and death overs, he is the backbone of GT’s bowling unit.
Rashid Khan: The Afghan maestro remains one of the T20 cricket’s top spinners. On a track that is generally friendly to spinners as the game goes on, four overs of Rashid can potentially change the course of the game.
Rajasthan Royals
Sanju Samson: The RR skipper has made 137 runs so far but has not had that game-changing inning. A power-hitting talent, Samson can alter the complexion of the game in the space of some overs.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Despite averaging 101 so far, Jaiswal has not yet played his best. His temperament and technique give him the potential to be a game-changer in the waiting if he gets himself into form.
Riyan Parag: The middle-order batsman has scored 109 runs and offers helpful part-time bowling cover. His ability to shift gear in the middle overs can prove valuable for Rajasthan.
Jofra Archer: Archer has four wickets from four games and appears to be gradually getting into his groove. In his prime, the English pacer was one of the most dreaded bowlers on the IPL live match circuit.
Venue Analysis: Narendra Modi Stadium
The majestic Narendra Modi Stadium is where this game will be played. This is what the conditions mean:
- Pitch Conditions: The pitch has generally been batsman-friendly in total, particularly in the first innings. The pitch gets slower as games go on, and spinners become the showpiece.
- Weather Forecast: There are sunny skies with temperatures of about 33°C forecasted. There are no rain breaks anticipated.
- Toss Factor: In both of the IPL 2025 matches played at this ground, the team winning the toss and batting first won. Going by this trend, winning the toss and batting first could be the key.
- First Innings Benchmark: The Average first innings score here is around 173-175 runs. Watch the free live streaming on Spinmatch. Get your hands on the most trending website of the year.
Most Likely Playing Partnerships
Gujarat Titans
Sai Sudharsan
Shubman Gill (c)
Jos Buttler (wk)
Shahrukh Khan
Rahul Tewatia
Washington Sundar
Rashid Khan
R Sai Kishore
Mohammed Siraj
Prasidh Krishna
Ishant Sharma
Impact Player: Sherfane Rutherfordw
Rajasthan Royals
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Sanju Samson (c & wk)
Nitish Rana
Riyan Parag
Dhruv Jurel
Shimron Hetmyer
Wanindu Hasaranga
Jofra Archer
Maheesh Theekshana
Yudhvir Singh Charak
Sandeep Sharma
Impact Player: Tushar Deshpande / Kumar Kartikeya
Match Prediction & Analysis
On the basis of recent form, previous meetings, and home advantage, Gujarat Titans enter this game as favorites. But the nature of T20 cricket is such that Rajasthan Royals cannot be eliminated.
The toss will play a key role in deciding strategy. With the form at this ground, batting first seems to be the better option. If Gujarat opts to bat first, their powerful top order of Gill, Sudharsan, and Buttler has the firepower to compile a big total. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Siraj and Rashid, has enough variety to defend fighting totals.
For Rajasthan to emerge victorious, they’ll need huge inputs from their top order and quality spells from their spin duo of Hasaranga and Theekshana. If Archer gets started, he could be the X-factor Rajasthan needs to overcome Gujarat’s dominance.
Based on careful analysis, Gujarat Titans have a slim edge, but expect a closely fought game that could go down to the wire, providing fantastic IPL match highlights to cricket enthusiasts.
Fantasy Cricket Suggestions
For fantasy cricket gamers, the following are some informed suggestions:
Team for Head-to-Head/Small Leagues
- Wicketkeepers: Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler
- Batsmen: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill
- All-rounders: Riyan Parag, Wanindu Hasaranga
- Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Jofra Archer
- Captain: Shubman Gill
- Vice-captain: Sanju Samson
Team for Grand Leagues
- Wicketkeeper: Jos Buttler
- Batsmen: B Sai Sudharsan, Yashasvi Jaiswal
- All-rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga, Nitish Rana, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag
- Bowlers: Prasidh Krishna, Sandeep Sharma, Ishant Sharma, Jofra Archer
- Captain: Riyan Parag
- Vice-captain: B Sai Sudharsan
Differential Selections
Sherfane Rutherford: With 129 runs from four matches and selected by only 39.4% of fantasy gamblers, Rutherford is a decent differential pick, particularly as GT’s game-changer.
Maheesh Theekshana: With four wickets in as many matches and only 13.94% of fantasy teams, the Sri Lankan spinner could be of value on the Ahmedabad surface.
Match Expectations & Key Battles
This match has all the ingredients of a high-scoring game if the team winning the toss decides to bat first. Based on recent matches at this venue, a total over 190 would be a winning total.
A couple of interesting interactions can determine the outcome. RR’s varied bowling attack versus GT’s prolific batting order will be an interesting contest. Similarly, how Rajasthan’s batsmen perform against GT’s potent bowling division, particularly Siraj in the initial overs and Rashid during the middle overs, will seal the deal. Follow Spinmatch for more fantasy cricket tips and post-match highlights shared by expert cricketers.
Conclusion
The classic rivalry between these teams, with GT enjoying superiority in terms of numbers, adds yet another dimension to what promises to be an engaging contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Will Gujarat continue to rule over Rajasthan? Or will the Royals pull off the upset and get a vital victory? Cricket fans must tune in on April 9th at 7:30 PM IST to witness this clash of the titans.
With playoffs at stake and some of the world’s greatest performers in action, this game can provide some of the most memorable IPL match moments of the season as the two teams fight to strengthen their playoff qualification claims.
