The Impressive TimesNew Delhi : It’s a high-voltage clash in Ahmedabad as Gujarat Titans take on Rajasthan Royals in what is being dubbed the “Jos Buttler Derby.” The former England white-ball captain, now a key member of the Gujarat Titans squad, will play against his former franchise for the first time in eight years, adding an emotional layer to an already exciting encounter in the IPL 2025 season.
Gujarat Titans have been one of the standout teams in this edition of the tournament. After a narrow defeat to Punjab Kings in their opening fixture, they bounced back in style, stringing together a series of commanding performances to climb to the second position on the points table. The Titans have overcome setbacks in player availability, with Kagiso Rabada flying home due to personal reasons and ongoing uncertainty surrounding the fitness of Glenn Phillips and Gerald Coetzee. Yet, their ability to manage resources effectively has been exemplary.
Much of Gujarat’s success can be attributed to their red-hot bowling unit. Mohammed Siraj has led the attack with purpose in the powerplay, while Prasidh Krishna and R Sai Kishore have dominated the middle overs, stifling opponents with discipline and guile. The batting unit has clicked as well, with the top three in scintillating form. Their strong starts have meant the middle order hasn’t been tested significantly, though Washington Sundar’s promotion to No. 4 in their previous match proved to be a masterstroke when GT found themselves at 16/2.
For Rajasthan Royals, the season began shakily with back-to-back defeats, but they’ve since found rhythm. A comprehensive win in Mullanpur has sparked renewed hope for the Men in Pink. Jofra Archer’s return to form has been a massive boost to the bowling attack, and the batting has been bolstered by consistent performances from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and Nitish Rana. The Royals will be eager to carry that momentum into this contest, especially as they face a team that has looked near-invincible in recent matches.
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