IPL Live Cricket Score 2025, played on April 9, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, was a spectacle of high-octane cricket that showcased Gujarat Titans’ (GT) supremacy over Rajasthan Royals (RR). In a clash that promised fireworks given the teams’ recent form, GT delivered a commanding 58-run victory, solidifying their position at the top of the IPL 2025 points table. Powered by Sai Sudharsan’s masterful 82 and a clinical bowling performance led by Prasidh Krishna, Gujarat Titans handed Rajasthan Royals a reality check, ending their two-match winning streak. This match report delves into the live action, key turning points, standout performances, and the broader implications for both teams in the IPL 2025 season.
The Build-Up: Two Teams in Form
Heading into the 23rd match, IPL Live Cricket Score Gujarat Titans were riding a wave of momentum with three consecutive victories following an opening loss. Led by the astute Shubman Gill, GT had found a winning formula, blending a robust top order with a disciplined bowling attack. Sai Sudharsan’s consistency and Jos Buttler’s adaptability at No. 3 had been pivotal, while Mohammed Siraj and Rashid Khan spearheaded a bowling unit that had kept opposition batters in check.
Rajasthan Royals, under Sanju Samson’s captaincy, had recovered from a shaky start to the season—two losses in Guwahati—with back-to-back wins. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s return to form and Jofra Archer’s resurgence with the new ball had injected confidence into the side. However, their middle order remained a work in progress, and facing GT’s formidable attack on their home turf posed a stern test.
The Narendra Modi Stadium, known for its red-soil pitch offering pace and bounce, set the stage for an intriguing battle. With dew expected to play a role later, the toss was a critical factor. RR skipper Sanju Samson won the coin flip and opted to bowl first, citing the potential advantage of chasing under lights—a decision that would later come under scrutiny.
Gujarat Titans’ Batting: Sai Sudharsan Steals the Show
Captivating Knock 🔥
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 9, 2025
Sai Sudharsan showcased his brilliance with 82(53) 🫡
🔽 Watch | #TATAIPL | #GTvRR
GT’s innings began with an explosive yet short-lived cameo from captain Shubman Gill. Facing Jofra Archer in the first over, Gill looked to impose himself but was cleaned up for just 2 off 5 balls, undone by a searing yorker at 152.3 kph. The early breakthrough gave RR hope, but Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler steadied the ship with a 70-run partnership that laid the foundation for GT’s imposing total.
Sudharsan, the Player of the Match, was the cornerstone of GT’s batting effort. His 82 off 53 balls was a blend of elegance and aggression, featuring 8 fours and 3 sixes. After a cautious start against Archer and Fazalhaq Farooqi, who swung the ball both ways, Sudharsan unleashed his full repertoire in the powerplay’s latter half. A lofted cover drive off Maheesh Theekshana and a swept four against Tushar Deshpande highlighted his versatility. His fifty came off 32 balls, and he continued to anchor the innings, ensuring wickets in hand for the late onslaught.
Buttler, playing against his former team, contributed a vital 36 off 25 balls. His backfoot punch for four off Theekshana and a lofted cover drive off Farooqi showcased his class, though an LBW dismissal—confirmed via DRS—cut his innings short. Sherfane Rutherford (16 off 12) and Shahrukh Khan (36 off 20) then took charge in the middle overs, capitalizing on RR’s inconsistent bowling. Shahrukh’s clean striking, including a six over long-on off Deshpande, propelled GT past 150.
IPL Live Cricket Score The death overs saw Rahul Tewatia (14* off 8) and Rashid Khan (12 off 3) provide the finishing touches. Rashid’s quickfire 12, with a monstrous six off Sandeep Sharma, pushed GT to 217/6 in 20 overs—a daunting total on a pitch that offered bounce but little dew assistance. RR’s bowlers struggled for control, with Theekshana (2/51) and Deshpande (2/54) leaking runs despite their wickets. Archer (1/30) was the standout, but his efforts alone couldn’t stem the tide.
Rajasthan Royals’ Chase: A Tale of Early Woes and Late Resistance
Chasing 218, RR needed a solid start, but GT’s bowlers had other plans. Mohammed Siraj struck in the first over, trapping Yashasvi Jaiswal (4 off 6) LBW with a swinging delivery. Nitish Rana (2 off 5) followed soon after, edging Prasidh Krishna to Buttler behind the stumps. At 12/2 in 2 overs, RR’s chase was in tatters.
Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag mounted a counterattack, stitching together a 56-run stand. Samson’s 41 off 28 balls included a flicked six off Kulwant Khejroliya and a crisp cover drive off Siraj, while Parag’s 22 off 15 showed intent. However, Prasidh Krishna’s return in the 10th over turned the tide. Samson miscued a short ball to Sai Kishore at short third man, ending RR’s hopes of a captain’s knock.
IPL Live Cricket Score Dhruv Jurel (14 off 10) and Shimron Hetmyer kept the fight alive, but Rashid Khan’s introduction in the 8th over shifted momentum. Jurel fell to a tossed-up delivery, caught at mid-wicket, leaving RR at 68/4. Hetmyer, dropped on 12 by Rutherford at deep mid-wicket, made GT pay with a valiant 52 off 32. His sixes off Sai Kishore and Rashid showcased his power, and a 29-ball fifty briefly revived RR’s hopes. Yet, with the asking rate soaring past 14, the task proved insurmountable.
Prasidh Krishna’s spell of 3/24 was the knockout blow. He dismissed Jofra Archer (8 off 7) and Hetmyer in quick succession in the 17th over, effectively sealing the game. Sai Kishore (2/28) wrapped up proceedings, cleaning up Tushar Deshpande and Maheesh Theekshana (5 off 13) in the 19th over. RR were bowled out for 159 in 19.2 overs, falling 58 runs short—a rare occurrence for them since May 2023.
Key Moments and Turning Points
- Gill’s Early Dismissal: Archer’s breakthrough in the first over could have rattled GT, but Sudharsan’s composure ensured it didn’t derail their innings.
- Sudharsan-Buttler Partnership: The 70-run stand between overs 2-9 set a platform that allowed GT’s middle order to explode.
- Samson’s Wicket: Prasidh’s dismissal of Samson in the 10th over, with RR at 92/3, extinguished their chase’s momentum.
- Hetmyer’s Lone Fight: Dropped early, Hetmyer’s 52 kept RR in the game momentarily, but Prasidh’s double strike in the 17th over ended all hope.
- Rashid’s Middle-Over Impact: Despite a lean season (1/31 here), Rashid’s dismissal of Jurel swung the game decisively in GT’s favor.
Standout Performances
- Sai Sudharsan (GT): His 82 off 53 earned him the Player of the Match award. His ability to adapt to a seaming pitch early and dominate spinners later was a masterclass in T20 batting.
- Prasidh Krishna (GT): With 3/24, Krishna was the pick of the bowlers, dismantling RR’s top and lower order with pace and precision.
- Shimron Hetmyer (RR): His 52 off 32 was a lone bright spot in RR’s chase, though it couldn’t prevent defeat.
- Jofra Archer (RR): Despite RR’s loss, Archer’s 1/30 in 4 overs underlined his return to form, troubling GT’s batters with pace and bounce.
Tactical Takeaways
GT’s strategy revolved around maximizing their top order’s form and preserving wickets for the death overs, where they posted a run rate of 13.31—the second-best in IPL 2025. IPL Live Cricket Score Their bowling unit, despite Rashid’s struggles (1 wicket in 4 games prior), adapted brilliantly, with Sai Kishore’s 8 wickets in 4 matches proving his worth as a middle-over enforcer.
RR’s decision to bowl first backfired, as the lack of dew neutralized their chasing advantage. Their bowlers, barring Archer, lacked discipline, conceding 14 extras and failing to curb GT’s momentum. Samson’s captaincy drew criticism for underusing Archer (only 4 overs) and persisting with expensive options like Deshpande.
Impact on IPL 2025 Standings
With this win, GT leapfrogged Delhi Capitals to claim the top spot with 8 points from 5 games (4 wins, 1 loss). Their net run rate received a significant boost, reinforcing their playoff credentials. RR, with 4 points from 5 games (2 wins, 3 losses), slipped to seventh, highlighting the urgency to address their batting frailties and bowling consistency.
Looking Ahead
For GT, this victory underscores their title-contending potential. Sudharsan’s emergence as a reliable anchor and Prasidh’s resurgence bolster an already strong squad. However, Rashid’s form remains a concern—his economy of 10.21 needs attention if GT are to dominate crunch games.
IPL Live Cricket Score RR face a tougher road ahead. While Jaiswal and Archer are finding their groove, the middle order’s inconsistency and Samson’s tactical missteps need rectification. Their next fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 13 offers a chance to bounce back, but they’ll need a complete performance to climb the table.
Conclusion
The 23rd match of TATA IPL 2025 was a testament to Gujarat Titans’ all-round prowess and Rajasthan Royals’ resilience, albeit in defeat. Sai Sudharsan’s brilliance with the bat and Prasidh Krishna’s incisiveness with the ball were the defining factors in GT’s fourth consecutive win. As the tournament progresses, this result could prove a pivotal moment—propelling GT toward another deep playoff run while challenging RR to rediscover their championship mettle. For now, Ahmedabad celebrates as the Titans reign supreme.
