The IPL 2025 season continues to heat up as Rajasthan Royals (RR) gear up to face Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 23rd match of the tournament on April 9 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, with the first ball set to be bowled at 7:30 PM IST. With both teams neck and neck on the points table, this clash promises not just a battle for two points, but also a statement of dominance.
When it comes to past encounters, Gujarat Titans have clearly had the upper hand over Rajasthan Royals. Out of the last six meetings, GT have won five, while RR managed to snatch just one victory. Interestingly, that lone RR win came at the very stadium where they will be locking horns this time — the Narendra Modi Stadium — during the 2023 season, giving Rajasthan a flicker of hope heading into the big game.
Rajasthan Royals face three major challenges going into this match, and all of them are wielding the bat for Gujarat:
Shubman Gill – In scintillating form, anchoring GT's innings with consistency.
Sai Sudharsan – A dependable top-order performer who has already registered impactful knocks this season.
Jos Buttler – Though an RR player, his performance will be pivotal — he’ll have to rise up and deliver big for Rajasthan, especially in a high-pressure game like this.
Together, Gill and Sudharsan have been the backbone of GT's batting lineup in IPL 2025, each already scoring at least one half-century. Rajasthan’s bowling unit will need a rock-solid plan to neutralize these batting threats if they are to tilt the balance in their favor.
Both Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans have played four matches each this season. Each team has won three matches and collected 6 points so far.
Gujarat Titans currently sit in 2nd place.
Rajasthan Royals are right behind at 3rd place.
The winner of this high-voltage game is likely to leap to the top of the IPL 2025 points table, overtaking current leader Delhi, who also sit at 6 points with a slightly lower net run rate.
If there’s one department where RR can truly strike back, it’s their spin bowling attack. Their Sri Lankan spin duo — Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga — has emerged as one of the most lethal combinations in IPL 2025 so far.
Theekshana, known for his precision, is often deployed across all three phases of the innings. He’s been especially effective in the powerplay and death overs, maintaining an impressive economy rate of just 6 in the final overs (17–20).
Hasaranga has turned into RR’s go-to wicket-taker during the middle overs (7–16). He has already picked up 6 wickets in 3 matches, with a remarkable strike rate of 11.
Collectively, Rajasthan’s spinners have taken 11 wickets, making them the second-best spin attack of the tournament so far — a statistic that could play a crucial role against GT’s strong batting lineup.
Tactical battles: Rajasthan’s spin strength vs Gujarat’s aggressive top order.
High stakes: A potential top spot on the points table for the winner.
Momentum matters: Both teams are in form, but GT has the historical edge.
As Rajasthan Royals prepare to face Gujarat Titans, they’ll need to overcome more than just the players on the field — they’ll have to battle past records, big names, and the pressure of rising expectations. But with a potent bowling unit and a point to prove, RR can’t be counted out just yet.
Fans can expect a thrilling match with twists, strategic brilliance, and standout individual performances as IPL 2025 rolls on.
