The much-anticipated clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2025 lived up to its hype, delivering edge-of-the-seat drama, explosive batting, and a last-over finish that left fans breathless. Held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the match saw Rajasthan Royals clinch a thrilling 4-wicket victory, powered by Sanju Samson’s heroic century and Rashid Khan’s valiant all-round effort. Here’s a breakdown of the key moments, standout performances, and how the result impacts the IPL 2025 standings.
Toss & Team News
Rajasthan Royals won the toss and elected to bowl first, banking on their lethal pace attack to exploit the early moisture in the pitch. GT handed a debut to young leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, replacing the injured Mohit Sharma. RR stuck with their in-form trio of Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Avesh Khan.
First Innings: Gujarat Titans Post 198/7
Powerplay Dominance:
Shubman Gill (45 off 28) and Wriddhiman Saha (32 off 19) started aggressively, smashing 68 runs in the powerplay. Boult struck first blood, trapping Saha LBW with a searing yorker, but Gill continued his onslaught, hitting Avesh Khan for three consecutive boundaries.
Middle Overs Stutter:
The Royals’ spinners flipped the script. Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Gill with a googly, while R Ashwin’s carrom ball removed Sai Sudharsan (18). At 120/4 in 13 overs, GT needed momentum. Enter Rashid Khan – the Afghan superstar smashed 58* off 24 balls, including 5 sixes off Chahal and Avesh, propelling GT to 198.
Key Stat: Rashid’s 28-run over against Chahal (16th over) was the most expensive of the spinner’s IPL 2025 career.
Second Innings: Royals’ Rollercoaster Chase
Buttler’s Early Blitz:
Jos Buttler (29 off 12) launched a trademark assault, hitting Bishnoi for 22 runs in his first over. However, Umesh Yadav dismissed him with a slower ball in the 4th over, leaving RR at 48/1.
Samson vs Rashid – The Battle Royale:
Sanju Samson took center stage, counterattacking GT’s bowlers with fearless strokeplay. He hammered Rashid for two sixes in the 10th over, reaching his 50 off 26 balls. Partnering with Riyan Parag (37 off 23), Samson anchored the chase, but Rashid struck back by removing Parag and Shimron Hetmyer in quick succession.
Final Over Drama:
With 19 needed off 6 balls, Samson (112* off 58) turned hero. He smashed Mohit Kumar for a six, four, and a match-winning boundary off the final ball, sealing the game with a fist pump.
Key Moment: A dropped catch by David Miller at long-off in the 18th over (Samson on 89) proved costly.
Player of the Match: Sanju Samson
Samson’s 112* – his 4th IPL 2025 century – included 9 sixes and 7 fours. “I backed myself to go after Rashid, even after he got Parag and Hetty. The pitch was slowing down, but I wanted to stay till the end,” he said post-match.
What This Means for IPL 2025
- RR jumps to 3rd place with 4 wins in 6 games.
- GT remains mid-table, struggling with death bowling.
- Samson now leads the Orange Cap race (398 runs), while Boult (14 wickets) is 2nd in the Purple Cap list.
Fan Reactions & Viral Moments
- #SamsonSuperman trended on Twitter/X after his final-ball six.
- Memes flooded Instagram comparing Rashid’s all-round show to “prime Shakib Al Hasan.”
- A viral clip showed a GT fan tearing up a poster after Miller’s dropped catch.
Up Next
Rajasthan Royals face Chennai Super Kings on April 12 in Jaipur, while Gujarat Titans take on Kolkata Knight Riders in a must-win game.
Final Score:
GT: 198/7 (20) | RR: 202/6 (19.5)
Key Stats:
- Most Sixes: Samson (9)
- Best Bowling: Rashid Khan (3/38)
- Attendance: 72,000 (sold out)
