IPL 2025 Match 14 RCB vs GT: Match Summary
The IPL 2025 season is heating up, and Match 14 at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium delivered a thriller as Gujarat Titans (GT) handed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) their first defeat. GT chased down 170 with eight wickets and 13 balls to spare, climbing into the top four of the points table while RCB held third. From a fiery bowling spell to a boundary-laden chase, this game had it all. Here’s a deep dive into five standout moments that defined this clash, packed with insights for cricket fans eager to relive the action.
A Bowling Masterclass Sets the Tone
GT’s victory was built on a stellar bowling effort, spearheaded by Mohammed Siraj, who earned Player of the Match honors with figures of 3/19. After RCB opted to bat first, Siraj struck early. Despite a dropped catch by Jos Buttler letting Phil Salt off the hook on zero, Siraj quickly regained control. He dismissed Virat Kohli for a modest 7 off 6 balls and followed it with a pinpoint delivery to shatter Devdutt Padikkal’s off-stump. His spell peaked when he bowled Salt—fresh off a monstrous 105m six—leaving RCB reeling at 42/4 after the powerplay.
Support came from all corners of GT’s attack. Left-armer Arshad Khan and spinner Sai Kishore (2/22) chipped in, with five of six bowlers claiming wickets. This collective effort restricted RCB to 169/8, a total that looked competitive but proved insufficient on a batting-friendly pitch.
RCB’s Fightback Falls Short
RCB’s innings wasn’t without its sparks. After the early collapse, Jitesh Sharma (33 off 21) and Liam Livingstone stitched together a lively 50-run stand. A dropped chance by Rahul Tewatia off Kishore gave Livingstone a lifeline, and he made GT pay. In the 18th over, he unleashed three towering sixes off Rashid Khan, finishing with a 40-ball 54. Late fireworks from Tim David—known for his prowess in overs 16-20 with 18 off 32 balls—pushed RCB to a respectable total. Yet, GT’s disciplined bowling ensured it wasn’t enough.
Experts point to Siraj’s early breakthroughs as the turning point. As ESPNcricinfo analysts have noted, his ability to disrupt top orders has been a game-changer for GT this season, a trend that continued from their previous win against Mumbai Indians.
Buttler and Sudharsan Steal the Show
GT’s chase was a masterclass in composure and aggression. After losing skipper Shubman Gill for 14 off 14 to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jos Buttler and Sai Sudharsan took charge. Buttler’s unbeaten 73 off 39, studded with boundaries and sixes, shifted momentum decisively. Sudharsan, ever reliable, contributed a steady 49 off 36, forming a 50-run partnership that had GT cruising at 82/1 by the halfway mark.
The pair turned up the heat against Krunal Pandya, with Buttler smashing a six and Sudharsan cracking consecutive fours. By the time they were done, GT needed just 65 off 48 balls—a cakewalk for this in-form duo.
A Finishing Flourish Seals the Deal
The chase’s climax was pure entertainment. Sherfane Rutherford joined Buttler to finish things off in style. Rutherford launched Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a massive six over deep fine leg, setting the stage for Buttler’s flair. The Englishman scooped Josh Hazlewood over the keeper for six, then hammered the next ball miles over deep midwicket. Rutherford capped it with a pull shot over deep backward square leg, sealing GT’s eight-wicket win with 13 balls remaining. This commanding performance marked their second straight victory, signaling their intent in IPL 2025.
Key Players of the Match
A few standout performers shaped this game’s outcome. Mohammed Siraj was the undisputed star, his 3/19 dismantling RCB’s top order and setting a low target. His ability to bounce back after Salt’s six showcased his resilience, a trait praised by former players on Cricbuzz for its impact in high-pressure scenarios. Jos Buttler, with an unbeaten 73 off 39, turned the chase into a one-sided affair. His shift from caution to aggression, especially against Pandya and Hazlewood, underlined his class.
Sai Sudharsan played the perfect foil, his 49 off 36 offering stability while Buttler attacked. On the RCB side, Liam Livingstone (54 off 40) fought valiantly, his three-six over off Rashid Khan briefly reviving hopes. Tim David (32 off 18) also shone late, reinforcing his reputation as a death-overs specialist—stats show he’s second only to Suryakumar Yadav in runs scored from overs 16-20 since IPL 2022. These efforts, while notable, couldn’t overshadow GT’s dominance.
What It Means for the Tournament
This result shakes up the early IPL 2025 narrative. RCB, riding a strong start, stumbled against a GT side finding its rhythm. The win propelled GT into the top four, while RCB stayed third, hinting at a tight race ahead. Siraj’s form, Buttler’s firepower, and a balanced bowling unit make GT a team to watch. For RCB, the loss exposes vulnerabilities in their top order—a challenge they’ll need to address as the season progresses.
Data backs GT’s dominance here. According to IPL stats, teams defending under 170 at Chinnaswamy have lost 68% of matches since 2020, thanks to the venue’s short boundaries and flat pitches. GT exploited those conditions perfectly, blending strategy with execution.
Wrapping Up the Action
Match 14 of IPL 2025 showcased Gujarat Titans at their best, toppling Royal Challengers Bengaluru with a blend of bowling precision and batting brilliance. Siraj’s early strikes, Buttler’s explosive knock, and a clinical chase underlined GT’s growing momentum. For RCB fans, it’s a bump in the road after a promising start—proof that no team can rest easy in this tournament. What’s your take on GT’s rise or RCB’s next move? Drop your thoughts below!
