Sai Sudharsan and Prasidh Krishna power GT to the top of the IPL standings

B Sai Sudharsan and Prasidh Krishna once again stepped up when it mattered most, guiding Gujarat Titans (GT) to a convincing 58-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Ahmedabad and lifting them to the top of the IPL 2025 points table. This marked GT’s fourth straight victory, continuing a strong run of form as the business end of the league stage approaches.

After Rajasthan opted to bowl first on a red-soil pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium, it was Sai Sudharsan who anchored the Gujarat innings with a composed yet attacking 82 off 53 balls. Displaying his full repertoire of strokes, Sudharsan raced to 39 off 22 by the end of the powerplay, attacking from the outset rather than taking his usual time to settle. He ramped, scooped, drove and cut the Royals' bowlers all around the park, reaching his third half-century of the season and setting the tone for a big total.

He shared crucial stands with Jos Buttler (36 off 24) and later with M Shahrukh Khan, who injected fresh momentum with a 20-ball 36. Although Sudharsan was dropped on 81 by Shubham Dubey in the 18th over, he was dismissed shortly after. Still, the foundation was firmly laid. Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan ensured a flourish at the end, smashing 30 runs in the final two overs to take Gujarat to an imposing 217 for 6.

Jofra Archer, who had a difficult start to the season, showed promising signs of a return to form. He bowled with serious pace and venom, including a 152.3kph bouncer to Sudharsan and a 147.7kph delivery that clean bowled Shubman Gill. Archer's early battle with former England captain Jos Buttler added spice, but Gujarat’s batters, led by Sudharsan, stood firm and capitalised on scoring opportunities at the other end.

Rajasthan’s chase got off to a rocky start, with Mohammed Siraj and Arshad Khan striking early to remove Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Rana inside the first three overs. Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag mounted a brief fightback with a 48-run partnership off 26 balls, but Parag’s dismissal — caught behind off Impact Sub Kulwant Khejroliya — proved a turning point. Although Parag reviewed the decision, convinced his bat had only hit the ground, UltraEdge showed a faint second spike, and the third umpire upheld the on-field call, much to RR's frustration.

That moment stalled RR’s momentum, and from there, Gujarat’s bowlers never loosened their grip. Rashid Khan, who had taken just one wicket in four games prior, struck in his first over by removing Dhruv Jurel and later dismissed Shubham Dubey. He was tested by Hetmyer — who hit him for 26 off 12 balls — but Rashid held his nerve and played a key supporting role in stifling the chase.

Prasidh Krishna then delivered the killer blows. With RR at 115 for 4 and Hetmyer beginning to accelerate, Prasidh struck a crucial blow by dismissing Samson, who skied a short ball to short third. In his final over, he removed both Jofra Archer and Hetmyer with well-directed short deliveries, effectively sealing the result. Prasidh’s 3 for 24 was a vital spell in the context of the match, showcasing his importance in Gujarat’s evolving bowling unit.

Rajasthan were eventually bowled out for 159 in 19.2 overs, unable to recover from the middle-overs collapse. Hetmyer’s fighting 52 provided some resistance, but the lack of support around him and the rising required rate proved too much to overcome.

With this win, Gujarat Titans not only consolidated their top position on the points table but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league. Sai Sudharsan’s run of form continues to be one of the highlights of the season, and Prasidh Krishna’s role as a reliable enforcer in the middle overs is becoming increasingly crucial. Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly, especially with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance.

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