IPL 2025: Buttler & Siraj Star as GT Crush RCB by 8 Wickets

IPL 2025: Buttler’s 73* and Siraj’s 3/19 lead GT to an 8-wicket win over RCB. Read highlights and stats!

Introduction

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is heating up fast. One match that grabbed everyone’s attention was Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) versus Gujarat Titans (GT) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Gujarat Titans pulled off a stunning 8-wicket win, leaving RCB fans speechless. Jos Buttler and Mohammed Siraj turned the game upside down with their brilliance. This blog dives into the thrilling highlights, key moments, and jaw-dropping stats that shaped GT’s victory. Whether you’re a cricket nut or just curious, stick around for an exciting recap.

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Match Overview

The game kicked off with RCB batting first after GT won the toss. Things didn’t go as planned for the home team. RCB stumbled early, losing wickets like flies in the powerplay. Despite a gutsy knock from Liam Livingstone, who smashed 54 runs, they ended at 169/8 in 20 overs. Mohammed Siraj was the wrecker-in-chief for GT, snagging 3 wickets for just 19 runs. His pace and accuracy rattled RCB’s batting lineup.

Then came GT’s turn to bat. Chasing 170, they made it look easy. Jos Buttler led the charge with an unbeaten 73 off 39 balls. Sai Sudharsan chipped in with a solid 49, while Sherfane Rutherford added 30. GT wrapped up the chase in 17.5 overs, losing only 2 wickets. It was a smooth, commanding performance that showcased their depth. RCB’s bowlers tried hard, but GT’s batsmen were unstoppable.

Key Performances

Jos Buttler’s Explosive Batting

Jos Buttler was the heartbeat of GT’s chase. His unbeaten 73 was pure magic. He smashed five fours and six sixes, lighting up the stadium. One shot—a daring reverse ramp—flew behind the keeper, leaving fans in awe. Buttler stayed calm under pressure, guiding GT to victory with 13 balls to spare. Even after dropping a catch earlier, he made up for it with this fearless knock. His experience shone through, proving why he’s a game-changer.

Mohammed Siraj’s Fiery Spell

Mohammed Siraj was unstoppable with the ball. His 3/19 in 4 overs crushed RCB’s hopes. He struck early, sending Devdutt Padikkal and Phil Salt back to the pavilion in a flash. Siraj’s pace and swing kept RCB guessing. He bowled tight lines, giving no room to breathe. Named Player of the Match, Siraj said, “I was emotional switching teams, but once I got the ball, I was fine.” His spell set the tone for GT’s dominance.

Liam Livingstone’s Lone Fight

For RCB, Liam Livingstone was the silver lining. Scoring 54 off 40 balls, he fought hard when others faltered. He took on Rashid Khan, smashing five sixes off him. His aggressive style gave RCB a glimmer of hope. But with little support, his effort couldn’t lift the team to a big total. Livingstone’s knock was brave, yet it wasn’t enough to stop GT’s march.

Statistical Highlights

Numbers tell a big story in cricket. Here’s the key data from the match, highlighted in pink for emphasis:

GT’s Chase: GT chased 170 with 13 balls left. It’s their second-biggest win by wickets while chasing, only behind a 9-wicket win in 2023.
Buttler’s Fireworks: Buttler hit five fours and six sixes in his 39-ball 73. His strike rate was a blazing 187.18.
Siraj’s Sting: Siraj’s 3/19 was the best bowling figure. He bowled 2 maidens, a rare feat in T20s.
Livingstone’s Sixes: Livingstone smashed five sixes, all off Rashid Khan. Rashid leaked 54 runs in 4 overs.
Powerplay Struggles: The combined powerplay score was 80/4 (RCB 38/3, GT 42/1). It’s the lowest of IPL 2025 so far.

These stats show how GT outplayed RCB in every department. Buttler’s batting and Siraj’s bowling were the difference-makers.

Breaking Down the Game

RCB’s Batting Woes

RCB’s innings started on a shaky note. Virat Kohli fell for 7, caught at long leg off Arshad Khan. Siraj then struck twice, dismissing Padikkal and Salt quickly. At 42/4 in 6.2 overs, RCB were in deep trouble. Jitesh Sharma (33 off 21) and Livingstone tried to rebuild. They added 52 runs together, but GT’s bowlers kept striking back. Sai Kishore got Jitesh, and Krunal Pandya fell soon after. Livingstone’s 54 and Tim David’s late 32 off 18 lifted RCB to 169/8. Still, it felt short on a good batting pitch.

GT’s Bowling Mastery

GT’s bowlers were on fire. Siraj led the attack, but others stepped up too. Arshad Khan got Kohli early. Sai Kishore grabbed 2 wickets, keeping things tight. Even Rashid Khan, despite an off day (0/54), didn’t let the game slip entirely. The bowlers stuck to their plans, choking RCB’s scoring. Siraj later shared, “I worked on my fitness during the break. Ashish Nehra told me to enjoy my bowling.” That mindset paid off big time.

GT’s Clinical Chase

GT’s reply began cautiously. Bhuvneshwar Kumar got Shubman Gill (14) in the fifth over. But Buttler and Sudharsan took over. Their 75-run stand was quick and steady. Sudharsan fell for 49, just shy of a fifty. Then Buttler and Rutherford (30) sealed the deal with an unbeaten 63-run partnership. Buttler’s sixes, including that reverse ramp, were pure class. Rutherford hit the winning six, capping a flawless chase. GT never let the pressure build, staying ahead of the game.

What Went Right for GT?

GT clicked as a unit. First, their bowlers set up the win. Siraj’s early strikes broke RCB’s backbone. The rest kept the pressure on, not letting RCB recover. Then, the batsmen finished the job. Buttler’s knock was the highlight, but Sudharsan and Rutherford played key roles too. Even with a dropped catch, GT’s fielding held up when it mattered. Their balance—sharp bowling and bold batting—made them unbeatable that night.

Where Did RCB Falter?

RCB’s loss stung their fans. The batting collapse in the powerplay was a killer blow. Losing Kohli, Padikkal, and Salt early left them reeling. Captain Rajat Patidar said, “We aimed for 190, but losing 3 wickets in the powerplay hurt us.” The middle order fought back, but the damage was done. Their bowlers, like Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, tried to defend 169. Yet, GT’s batsmen were too good. RCB’s lack of partnerships and early setbacks cost them dearly.

Player Quotes

Words from the stars add flavor to the story. Here’s what they said:

Mohammed Siraj: “I’m a Ronaldo fan, hence the celebration. I had belief in myself, and the pitch didn’t matter.”
Jos Buttler: “I was embarrassed after dropping Salt. But the bowlers were fantastic, and I enjoyed batting.”
Rajat Patidar: “The intent was good, but losing wickets early harmed us. Our bowlers took it to the 18th over, which was amazing.”

These quotes show the emotions and mindset behind the game. Siraj’s confidence, Buttler’s redemption, and Patidar’s reflection sum it up.

Why This Match Matters

This clash wasn’t just another IPL game. For GT, it was their second straight win, boosting their confidence. For RCB, it was a wake-up call after two victories. The result shifted momentum in IPL 2025. GT proved they’re a force to watch, while RCB learned they need to fix their batting. Fans saw a mix of skill, drama, and heart—everything that makes IPL special.

Statistical Deep Dive

Let’s dig deeper into the numbers, highlighted in pink:

GT’s Record: This 8-wicket win is their second-best chase by wickets. They’ve now won 3 of 6 chases against RCB.
Buttler vs RCB: Buttler’s 73* is his third fifty-plus score against RCB in IPL history.
Siraj at Chinnaswamy: Since 2023, Siraj has 12 wickets at 16.25 in 14 matches here. Away, he averages 43.28.
Rashid’s Rare Day: Rashid’s 0/54 is his worst against RCB. His last 3 games vs them: 0/130 in 9.4 overs.
Sudharsan’s Form: His last 7 IPL knocks: 65, 84*, 6, 103, 74, 63, 49. He’s red-hot.

These figures underline GT’s edge and RCB’s struggles. Buttler and Siraj were the stars, while Rashid had a rare off day.

Looking Ahead

What’s next for both teams? GT will aim to keep their winning streak alive. Their bowling and batting look solid. RCB, though, needs a rethink. Their top order must fire, and the bowlers need more support. The IPL is long, and both sides have time to adjust. But this match showed GT’s hunger and RCB’s cracks. Fans can’t wait to see how the season unfolds.

Conclusion

The RCB vs GT match in IPL 2025 was a thriller dominated by Gujarat Titans. Jos Buttler’s blazing 73* and Mohammed Siraj’s fiery 3/19 stole the show. GT’s 8-wicket win was a statement—they’re here to compete. RCB fought, with Livingstone shining, but couldn’t match GT’s power. This game had it all: big hits, tight bowling, and plenty of drama.

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IPL 2025: Buttler’s 73* and Siraj’s 3/19 lead GT to an 8-wicket win over RCB. Read highlights and stats!