Gujarat Titans Keep Rajasthan Royals Under Their Thumb in IPL 2025
Every time the Gujarat Titans face the Rajasthan Royals, it’s starting to feel a bit like déjà vu. On April 9 in Ahmedabad, the Titans proved, yet again, that they have the Royals’ number. They walked away with a commanding 58-run victory, making it six wins in a row over their rivals. That’s not just luck—that’s a clear pattern.
The tone was set right from the start by Gujarat’s top order. While the crowd was still settling in, Gujarat’s batters had already taken charge. The scoreboard ticked along steadily, thanks to calculated aggression and smart shot selection. If you blinked, you might have missed those crucial boundaries that forced the Royals' bowlers on the defensive. Each partnership pushed the total higher, and by the time the final ball was bowled, Gujarat had racked up an imposing total that put the Royals on the back foot instantly.
Rajasthan’s chase felt like a never-ending uphill battle. Their openers struggled to build momentum, and any hope seemed to fizzle out as wickets tumbled under pressure. Even seasoned bowlers like Jofra Archer and Wanindu Hasaranga couldn’t produce the breakthroughs Rajasthan desperately needed. Archer worked hard with his pace and clever variations, but the Titans' batters refused to be intimidated. Hasaranga tried to keep the run rate in check with his sharp spin, but there was only so much he could do as partnerships flourished around him.
One moment that summed up Rajasthan’s frustration came when Sai Sudharsan pulled off a stunning catch to send Maheesh Theekshana back. That single play not only shifted momentum in Gujarat’s favour but also highlighted the fielding standards that have separated the Titans this season. The Titans took their chances, while the Royals let too many slip away—sometimes literally. When you’re chasing a big total, dropping catches and misfields can mean the difference between a close finish and a thumping defeat.
Standings, Key Players, and What’s Next
With this win, the Titans tightened their grip on the top of the IPL 2025 standings. Sitting pretty with six wins and just two losses, they look like serious title contenders already. In contrast, Rajasthan’s season keeps unraveling. They’ve managed only four points from nine matches, leaving them glued to the ninth spot. That’s not where a franchise with championship dreams expects to be at this stage.
Players stepped up on both sides, but it was Gujarat’s complete team effort that made the difference. The batsmen made runs when it mattered, the bowlers kept the pressure on, and the fielders didn’t miss a beat. Rajasthan had flashes of hope—Archer’s fiery spells and Hasaranga’s guile—but cricket is a team game, and individual brilliance could only take them so far.
- Sai Sudharsan: Reliable as ever, contributing in the field and with the bat.
- Jofra Archer: Lead the bowling attack for Rajasthan, but support was lacking.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: Tried to stem the flow of runs, but Gujarat's batsmen found ways to score.
Looking ahead, both teams eye their next face-off scheduled for April 28 in Jaipur. For Rajasthan, it’s more than just about revenge—it’s about keeping slim playoff hopes alive. For Gujarat, the motivation is different: maintain the winning habit, make a statement, and show the league they’re not slowing down. If the Royals want to challenge the Titans’ dominance, they’ll need every department firing from the very first ball.
