Jos Buttler’s 73 Powers the Gujarat Titans Past RCB in Style
Want to experience some unexpected twists and turns with a dramatic feel? Then, let us switch to IPL season 2025 instead of the series, and let us look at what happened during the thrilling encounter between RCB and GT at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This game was no exception. With high stakes and a passionate crowd, each team’s fans expected their team to shine, especially the RCB fans, as it was their home ground.
Beginning with Toss and Match Conditions
The Gujarat Titans won the toss and cleverly decided to field first, a decision taken by way of the dew factor that often performs a giant position in nighttime at Bengaluru. With the pitch favoring batters within the second innings, GT appeared to restrict RCB to an achievable total and chase it down under the bright lights.
The match started at 7:30 PM, with RCB trying to position up an aggressive overall against a strong Gujarat bowling lineup.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Innings—A Difficult Mountain to Climb
Powerplay: RCB’s innings started very shaky, losing the important 3 wickets within the powerplay. The GT bowlers executed their plans successfully, applying stress right from the very beginning. Despite a few aggressive stroke plays, RCB could earn just 38 runs within the first six overs whilst losing 3 key wickets.
Review Drama – LS Livingstone Survives Twice!
One of the defining moments within the first innings came in at 4.5 when GT opted for a review for LS Livingstone. The on-discipline umpire’s selection turned into a challenge, but the third umpire changed the decision, giving Livingstone some other chance.
Later, in Over 11.1, GT yet again reviewed a decision against Livingstone; however, for the second time, the batter survived. These moments proved very important as Livingstone went directly to play a key role in RCB’s innings.
Middle Overs—Rebuilding Phase
Despite the early setbacks, Livingstone and JM Sharma stabilized the innings, adding 50 runs in 35 balls for the 5th wicket partnership. This stand supplied a strong support, which was much needed for the team, ensuring RCB reached a hundred runs in 13.6 overs.
Final Overs – Late Surge
LS Livingstone performed very well, scoring 50 off 39 balls, with one boundary and five large sixes. With some hitting from the lower order, RCB managed to attain 169/8 in 20 overs, placing a competitive goal for GT.
Key Highlights of RCB’s Innings:
Top Performer: LS Livingstone (50 off 39 balls)
Key Partnership: Livingstone & JM Sharma (50-run stand)
RCB Impact Player Substitutions: Jacob Bethell, Manoj Bhandage, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh
With 169 runs on the board, RCB needed early wickets to place stress on GT’s batting lineup.
Gujarat Titans Innings—A Calculated Chase
Powerplay: GT was given off to a regular start, scoring 42 runs inside the powerplay while losing just one wicket. Unlike RCB, their openers seemed assured, taking minimal dangers while ensuring a strong foundation for the chase.
By the end of 7 overs, GT had already reached 50 runs, with Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler searching in exact touch.
Middle Overs—Building Towards the Chase
GT played clever cricket, with the strike properly and keeping the desired run rate in check. The 2nd wicket partnership between Sudharsan and Buttler brought 50 runs in just 31 balls, making sure GT stayed in advance of the game. At the 9-over mark, GT turned seventy-five with a loss of just one wicket, with Buttler (26) and Sudharsan (32) taking over the innings efficiently.
In Over 12.1, RCB opted for a ball trade, utilizing the situation due to the dew issue. This turned into a tactical choice, as a moist ball makes gripping and executing versions hard for bowlers.
Jos Buttler, with his amazing capability to finish games, reached his 50 off 31 balls, smashing 4 boundaries and four sixes.
GT wanted simply 29 runs off the ultimate 4 overs, and with wickets in hand, they were in full control.
Final Overs—Sealing the Victory
The extraordinary partnership carried by Buttler and Rutherford produced 50 runs in 29 balls, taking GT beyond the 150-run mark in 16.6 overs. GT eventually chased down the total very smoothly with 8 wickets in their hands and won, and the player of the match was awarded to Mohammed Siraj as he took the 3 most important wickets. It would have been an emotional journey for him as RCB was his team for 7 IPL seasons but decided to let him go in search of different skills. His award would make RCB think about their choice now.
A Well-Fought Match Indeed
This match highlighted the importance of partnerships, strategic bowling changes, and tactical opinions. While RCB fought hard with the bat, their early wickets hurt them. GT, alternatively, executed their chase brilliantly, with Buttler leading from the front. Pushing RCB to third place and GT to fourth, respectively. This match should be a wake-up call for RCB, as they need to keep their streak going.
Who do you think will make it to the playoffs this season? To know about this, watch the live matches at Spinmatch.
