After a slow start to the season, Gujarat Titans are finding their rhythm at a crucial juncture. Following an eight-wicket victory against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, the former champions delivered another sharp all-round performance at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday, beating Royal Challengers Bengaluru by four wickets.
GT's Chase and Key Contributions
Chasing 156, Gujarat Titans reached the target in 15.5 overs, though not without some tense moments. Captain Shubman Gill led the charge with a blistering 43 off just 18 balls, taking on Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood with his trademark punches and pulls. However, RCB fought back through Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who removed openers B Sai Sudharsan and Gill in the Powerplay. Bhuvneshwar finished with 3/28, also accounting for Jos Buttler (39). The dismissals of Washington Sundar and Shahrukh Khan added pressure, but Rahul Tewatia (27*) and Rashid Khan (7*) ensured the lower middle-order did enough to secure GT's fifth win, keeping them in touch with the playoff race.
RCB's Innings: A Tale of Two Phases
Earlier, RCB began aggressively before sharp catching and disciplined bowling by the hosts restricted them to 155 all out. Virat Kohli started imperiously, hitting new-ball bowler Kagiso Rabada for five boundaries in the second over. But Mohammed Siraj struck early, having Jacob Bethell (5) caught by Rashid Khan at short midwicket. Gill's decision to persist with Rabada, who conceded 21 runs in his first over, paid off as a short ball cramped Kohli, whose attempted pull was caught by a sliding Rashid. RCB were 39/2 after four overs.
Captain Rajat Patidar then joined Devdutt Padikkal (40), and the pair added 44 runs for the third wicket before Patidar's pick-up shot was held by a diving Jason Holder off left-arm seamer Arshad Khan (3/22). RCB then collapsed from 79/3 to 96/6 in 17 balls. Though Romario Shepherd (17) and Padikkal tried to rebuild, Padikkal was bowled by Rashid (2/19) off an inside edge, ending their 30-run stand.
With this win, Gujarat Titans remain in contention for the playoffs, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
