Experience the thrilling clash as Siraj’s revenge meets Buttler’s brilliance, leading GT to a stunning victory over RCB at Chinnaswamy.
Introduction:
Mohammed Siraj triumphantly returned to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, delivering a devastating spell of 3 for 19 against his former franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Siraj dismantled RCB’s top order with searing pace and pinpoint accuracy, setting up Gujarat Titans (GT) for a comfortable eight-wicket victory in their IPL 2025 clash.
Despite a valiant half-century from Liam Livingstone and late fireworks from Tim David, RCB could only muster 169 for 8. Jos Buttler then anchored the chase with an unbeaten 73 off 39 balls, guiding GT home with 13 balls to spare.
Siraj’s Revenge Tour in Bengaluru
Having played for RCB for seven seasons before being released ahead of the auction, Siraj returned with a point to prove. His celebrations once met with roaring cheers at the Chinnaswamy, were greeted with an eerie silence as he sent RCB batters back to the pavilion. See also: RCB Breaks Chennai Curse with Stunning 50-Run Win Over CSK
Operating at speeds exceeding 140 kph, Siraj was relentless. According to a reliable source, six of his 18 powerplay deliveries landed on a perfect length, extracting both movement and bounce. More impressively, eight of his deliveries targeted the stumps, limiting the batters’ scoring options and forcing mistakes. RCB batters managed a control percentage of just 50% against Siraj in the powerplay.
His first victim should have been Phil Salt, but Buttler dropped a straightforward catch behind the stumps. However, Siraj didn’t have to wait long for redemption. A fiery inswinger crashed into Devdutt Padikkal’s stumps as the left-hander charged down the track, and moments later, Salt had his off stump flattened by a 145.9 kph thunderbolt.
Later, in the 19th over, Siraj returned to dismiss a well-set Livingstone, ensuring RCB did not finish with a flourish.
RCB’s Middle Order Resists
At 42 for 4 in 6.2 overs, RCB were in deep trouble. Rajat Patidar’s dismissal off Ishant Sharma further deflated the home crowd. But Jitesh Sharma injected some life into the innings, announcing his intent with a commanding pull shot off Ishant. He then took on the veteran pacer, launching him for multiple boundaries in a 17-run over.
At the other end, Livingstone found his rhythm after a slow start, dispatching Rashid Khan for a six over deep square leg. Despite surviving two dropped chances and a missed stumping, the English all-rounder made the most of his fortune. His 52-run stand with Jitesh brought RCB back into the contest before R Sai Kishore struck twice in quick succession.
Jitesh holed out to long-on, and Krunal Pandya, deceived by the slowness of the surface, lobbed a return catch to the bowler. This put RCB under pressure again at 107 for 6 after 15 overs.
Livingstone and David’s Late Surge
With wickets tumbling, Livingstone finally broke free, hammering Rashid for three massive sixes in the 18th over. He reached his fifty off 39 balls, punishing GT’s premier leg-spinner for 39 runs off just 17 deliveries.
David provided crucial late impetus, smashing 32 off 18 balls, including a six and a four. Thanks to their late hitting, RCB added 64 runs in the last five overs, finishing at 169 for 8—a score that still seemed below par.
Buttler Anchors GT’s Dominant Chase
Jos Buttler entered IPL 2025 under scrutiny. Following England’s disastrous Champions Trophy campaign and his resignation as white-ball captain, questions surrounded his form. Additionally, after excelling as an opener with Rajasthan Royals, he was now adapting to a No. 3 role at GT.
However, Buttler silenced his critics emphatically. Coming into this game, he had already racked up three IPL centuries against RCB since 2022. On Wednesday, he added to that tally with a masterclass in calculated aggression.
The chase began cautiously. Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar extracted early movement, making life difficult for the batters. Gill briefly looked dangerous, lofting Bhuvneshwar for a six, but he fell the next ball, caught at deep third. At 32 for 1 after 4.4 overs, GT needed stability.
Buttler started watchfully, scoring just 5 off his first 8 deliveries. But once he found his rhythm, there was no stopping him. He dismantled Rasikh Salam, plundering 27 runs off just 12 balls, and suddenly the chase seemed effortless.
At the other end, Sai Sudharsan played a fluent hand, stroking a classy 49 off 36 balls. His 75-run stand with Buttler ensured GT never fell behind the required rate. Once Sudharsan departed, Buttler shifted gears, racing to his fifty off 31 balls.
Rutherford Finishes in Style
Sherfane Rutherford, brought in as an Impact Sub, sealed the deal for GT with a composed innings. Coming in at No. 4, he wasted no time settling in. His unbeaten 34 off 17 balls included some stylish stroke play as he and Buttler put on an unbroken 63-run partnership.
The acceleration in the latter half of the innings ensured GT improved their net run rate, finishing the chase in just 17.5 overs.
Implications for Both Teams
For GT, this victory marked their second win in three matches, reaffirming their position as one of the most balanced teams in IPL 2025. The form of Buttler and Siraj is a massive positive going forward.
For RCB, this was a wake-up call. After starting the season with two wins, their bowling frailties were exposed as they failed to defend a decent total. The loss also pushed them to third place in the standings behind Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals.