Gujarat Titans Hand Bengaluru First IPL Loss

Gujarat Titans handed Royal Challengers Bengaluru their first loss of the IPL season, thanks to Jos Buttler's unbeaten 73 and Mohammed Siraj's three-wicket haul.

The Gujarat Titans handed Royal Challengers Bengaluru their first defeat of the Indian Premier League season on Wednesday, securing a convincing eight-wicket victory. Mohammed Siraj's impressive three-wicket haul and Jos Buttler's half-century were instrumental in Gujarat's triumph.

Gujarat was tasked with chasing 170 for victory, following Liam Livingstone's battling 54 for Bengaluru at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Titans achieved their target with 13 deliveries to spare, thanks to Buttler's unbeaten 73 off 39 balls and Sai Sudharsan's 49. Buttler formed a potent partnership with impact player Sherfane Rutherford, who contributed 30 not out, to guide Gujarat across the finish line in style.

Buttler reflected on the match, expressing his enjoyment of the game and praising his team's bowling performance. “I really enjoyed it. I thought the bowlers did a fantastic job. If we had fielded a bit better, looking at myself there, we would be chasing a few (runs) less,” said Buttler. He acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in their fielding, but was pleased with the overall team effort.

Jos Buttler praised his team's clinical performance in their eight-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. “But it's a nice clinical win and well deserved. There was a bit in the wicket and the openers played really sensibly to take the sting out of that and set up the chase.”

Buttler also reflected on his personal approach to the game, stating, "I was trying to play with a lot of freedom and intent. I've had a few months of unenjoyable cricket, so I was trying to give my best and I'm excited to be here." His enthusiasm was evident in his unbeaten 73 off 39 balls, which helped Gujarat Titans secure the win.

Earlier in the match, Gujarat Titans made a strong start, dismissing Virat Kohli for just seven runs in the second over. Arshad Khan had Kohli caught in the deep, giving the Titans an early advantage. Bengaluru struggled to regain momentum, with Mohammed Siraj (3-19) and Ishant Sharma claiming key wickets to leave the home side reeling at 42-4 in the seventh over.

First win of the season. Aava De Titans 💪 pic.twitter.com/tlqC4UucA1

— Mohammed Siraj (@mdsirajofficial) March 30, 2025

Despite the challenges, Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma formed a 52-run partnership for the fifth wicket, giving Bengaluru hope. Livingstone survived a dropped catch and a loud lbw appeal before being caught behind off Siraj for 54. Tim David's late surge, scoring 32 off 18 balls, helped Bengaluru post a competitive 169-8.

Mohammed Siraj, who was released by Bengaluru ahead of the auction late last year, acknowledged the emotional aspect of playing against his former team. “It was emotional because I played for seven years here,” Siraj said. However, he emphasized his focus on the game, stating, “There was some nervousness ... but the moment I got the ball in my hand, it was full-on intensity ... as a bowler, I want to always have belief, that's important.”

Siraj attributed his success to his self-belief, saying, “I have the belief that I can do well irrespective of where I'm playing, that's my mindset.” His confidence was evident in his impressive performance, claiming 3-19 to help Gujarat Titans secure the win.