Image: Gujarat Titans stay top of IPL 2025 with dominant all-round win over KKR / © NDTV Sports
Winners of the IPL 2022 and still going strong in the IPL 2025, Gujarat Titans have again stamped their authority in the 39th match of the IPL 2025, where they managed to beat the Kolkata Knight Riders by a margin of 39 runs and are now sitting at the top of the points table. With 12 points from 8 matches, having won 6 and lost just 2, the Gujarat Titans continue to be a dominant force this season. Their net run rate of 1.104 further underscores their impressive consistency.
In the recent match against KKR, Gujarat Titans set a formidable total of 198/3, with Shubman Gill leading the charge with a brilliant 90 off 55 balls. The top three batters did the bulk of the scoring, contributing 183 runs, with Gill and Sai Sudharsan adding 114 for the first wicket. Buttler’s quick-fire 41 off 23 balls provided the finishing touches, ensuring a strong total despite a tricky pitch. KKR fell short in their chase, finishing at 159/8, with only Ajinkya Rahane’s 50 offering resistance.
The Titans’ bowling attack, spearheaded by Rashid Khan and Prasidh Krishna, was just as effective, extracting enough from the pitch to defend the total comfortably. This win highlights Gujarat’s all-around strength, with their top order firing in every match and their bowlers maintaining pressure. With players like Gill, Sudharsan, and Buttler in top form, the Gujarat Titans look poised to remain one of the strongest teams in the tournament and are the team to beat this season.
For a team to do well, the top order plays a crucial role in setting the foundation for success, and the Gujarat Titans’ top five batters have been nothing short of explosive this IPL 2025 season. With a perfect blend of consistency and aggression, the Titans’ top order has been pivotal in ensuring they remain at the top of the points table. Shubman Gill, the cornerstone of Gujarat’s top order, has been in scintillating form, scoring 305 runs in 8 matches at an average of 43.57 and a strike rate of 153.26. His highest score of 90 has been instrumental in giving Gujarat a solid start, and his ability to accelerate after settling in has been a key factor in their dominance.
With his attacking approach, Jos Buttler has been another key player, amassing 356 runs in 8 matches at an average of 71.20 and a strike rate of 165.58. Buttler’s explosive 97* was a standout performance, and he has consistently been among the top scorers for Gujarat, anchoring the innings and finishing games with ease. B Sai Sudharsan, who is currently wearing the Orange Cap, has been nothing short of brilliant, accumulating 417 runs in 8 matches at an average of 52.12 and a strike rate of 152.18. His 82 runs have been one of the key contributions, and he has shown remarkable consistency, often taking on the responsibility of anchoring the innings with excellent stroke play.
Sherfane Rutherford and Shahrukh Khan, while not always featuring prominently, have still contributed significantly in the lower middle order. Rutherford has scored 201 runs at an average of 40.20 with a strike rate of 155.81, while Shahrukh Khan’s 73 runs in 5 innings at a strike rate of 187.17 add depth to the Titans’ batting. Together, the top three, Gill, Buttler, and Sudharsan, have been instrumental in finishing most of Gujarat’s matches, ensuring they remain a dominant force at the top of the points table.
The Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack in IPL 2025 has been one of their key strengths, with a well-rounded group of bowlers that has consistently provided breakthroughs and kept the opposition under pressure. The top four bowlers have played a critical role in the team’s success, combining to deliver attacking spells while maintaining control throughout the innings.
Prasidh Krishna has been the standout performer for the Titans, leading the pack with 16 wickets from 8 matches, including the best bowling performance of 4/41. His average of 14.12 and economy rate of 7.29 showcase his ability to keep the batsmen in check while taking key wickets. Krishna’s consistent wickets upfront have helped Gujarat make early inroads, which has been vital in building pressure. He is currently the Purple Cap holder, highlighting his dominance with the ball.
Rashid Khan, one of the most dangerous leg-spinners in T20 cricket, has provided excellent support in the middle overs. With 6 wickets from 8 matches and an economy rate of 9.26, Rashid has been effective at both stifling runs and taking crucial middle-order wickets. His best bowling figures of 2/25 demonstrate his ability to deliver when needed, especially in the middle overs. Mohammed Siraj, another key player in the attack, has been crucial in the powerplay and death overs. With 12 wickets from 8 matches at an average of 23.58, Siraj has been able to set the tone early.
His best bowling figures of 4/17 underline his knack for picking up wickets in critical situations, further strengthening the Titans’ attack. Sai Kishore rounds off the quartet with 12 wickets from 8 matches, maintaining a solid economy rate of 8.22. His best performance of 3/30 shows his ability to provide key breakthroughs at crucial junctures. Together, these bowlers have been instrumental in Gujarat’s ability to attack from the start, consistently taking wickets upfront and choking the opposition in the middle overs.
When it comes to title contenders in IPL 2025, the Gujarat Titans are making a strong case for themselves. With 12 points from 8 matches, including 6 wins and just 2 losses, they currently sit at the top of the points table with a healthy net run rate of 1.104. Their form suggests not only a strong push for the playoffs but also a real shot at finishing in the top two.
Led by a powerful top order featuring Orange Cap holder Sai Sudharsan (417 runs), Jos Buttler (356 runs), and Shubman Gill (305 runs), Gujarat’s batting unit has been both consistent and destructive. Add to that Prasidh Krishna’s 16 wickets, earning him the Purple Cap, and valuable support from Rashid Khan, Siraj, and Sai Kishore, the Titans boast a balanced squad. With their current momentum and depth, the Gujarat Titans look well placed to lift the IPL 2025 trophy.