Sudharsan and Prasidh Propel Gujarat Titans to Table Top
The Gujarat Titans extended their impressive winning streak in the 2025 Indian Premier League, registering their fourth consecutive victory with a commanding performance against the Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad. Led by another fine innings from Sai Sudharsan and a crucial spell of bowling from Prasidh Krishna, the Titans secured a 58-run win, ascending to the top of the points table.
Sudharsan Anchors Titans'
After being invited to bat first on a red-soil pitch, Gujarat Titans compiled a substantial total of 217 for 6. Sai Sudharsan continued his excellent form, scoring 82 runs off 53 balls – his third half-century this season. He started aggressively, helping GT reach 50 quickly. Jos Buttler (36) provided good support during their 80-run partnership. Later, M Shahrukh Khan injected further momentum with a brisk 36 off 20 balls, while Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan added valuable runs in the final overs to push the total beyond 200. For Rajasthan, Jofra Archer bowled with pace, notably dismissing Shubman Gill again.
Royals' Stumbles Early
Rajasthan Royals' chase of the challenging target began unfavourably. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana were dismissed within the first three overs by Arshad Khan and Mohammed Siraj respectively. Although Sanju Samson (41) and Riyan Parag initiated a counter-attack, their partnership was broken before it could fully flourish, leaving RR behind the required rate.
Prasidh and Spinners take Control
Gujarat Titans' bowlers maintained control through the middle phase, preventing Rajasthan from building significant momentum. Prasidh Krishna, fulfilling his role as a middle-overs enforcer, delivered a key performance, claiming 3 wickets for just 24 runs. His dismissals included the crucial wickets of the set batsman Sanju Samson and the dangerous Shimron Hetmyer, both falling to well-directed shorter deliveries. Spinners Rashid Khan (2/37) and R Sai Kishore (2/20) also contributed effectively, chipping away at the Royals' batting lineup. Despite a fighting half-century from Hetmyer (52), RR consistently lost wickets.
Titans Move to Top
With wickets falling regularly and the required rate climbing, the chase proved too demanding for Rajasthan Royals, especially with minimal dew assisting the bowlers. They were eventually bowled out for 159 in the final over. This comprehensive victory solidified Gujarat Titans' position at the summit of the IPL 2025 standings after securing their fourth successive win. GT's strong batting performance, anchored by Sudharsan, set a challenging target, which their bowlers, particularly Prasidh Krishna during the critical middle phase, defended skillfully to ensure another convincing result for the team.
Picture courtesy: Cricinfo
