Buttler, Siraj star as Gujarat hand RCB first loss in IPL 2025

Gujarat Titans beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by eight wickets at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, with standout performances by Jos Buttler and Mohammed Siraj handing the hosts their first loss of the 2025 Indian Premier League campaign.

RCB came into the match as -142.86 favourites across T20 cricket bookies to continue their winning streak and remain top of the IPL ladder.

Four quick wickets left Bengaluru in trouble at 42/4 in the seventh over, although they rebuilt well through solid knocks from Liam Livingstone (54 from 40), Jitesh Sharma (33 from 21) and Tim David (32 from 18).

Nevertheless, Siraj’s economical bowling — he ended on 3/19 from his four overs — kept RCB’s run rate in check and they could only manage 169/8 from their 20 overs.

Gujarat made a much more assured start to their innings, with Sai Sudharsan making 49 from 36 and Buttler plundering 73 not out from just 39 balls after Shubman Gill (14 from 14) fell.

West Indian import Sherfane Rutherford joined in on the fun late as well, crushing an unbeaten 30 from 18 as GT cruised to 170/2 in the 18th over.

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After the match, Siraj revealed how much it meant to him to star in a victory over his former team.

“It was emotional because I played for seven years here,” he said.

“There was some nervousness and some emotion 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 is an important thing. 

“If that is not there, you panic when you get hit. 

“I have belief that I can do well, irrespective of wherever I am playing and that is my mindset.”

RCB still have the shortest odds to win the 2025 IPL, with Nags.bet pricing them at +450 to claim their maiden title.

GT sit on the fourth line of outright betting at +650, while Punjab Kings (+500) and Mumbai Indians (+550) are also viewed as serious contenders by leading bookmakers.

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