gt vs rr

GT vs RR: IPL 2025, Can RR make a comeback? Match Preview

by

GT vs RR: IPL 2025, Match 47, Preview

Rajasthan Royals (RR) return to their home ground at Sawai Mansingh Stadium for a high-stakes clash against Gujarat Titans in the 2025 IPL season. However, after a series of disappointing performances, the big question remains: can RR bounce back and rekindle their winning ways?

Rajasthan Royals have struggled this season, and their inconsistent form has seen them occupy a precarious 9th position in the points table. This contrasts starkly with their usual performances, where they’ve been one of the more competitive teams year in and year out. On the other hand, Gujarat Titans have been in exceptional form, winning 6 of their 8 matches and currently sitting at 2nd position. If Gujarat wins today, they will leapfrog to the top of the points table, adding extra pressure on RR to avoid further setbacks.

The match promises to be an exciting contest, as a loss for RR could see them eliminated from the race for playoffs. This would make them the first team to officially be knocked out of IPL 2025, adding even more urgency to the encounter.

What to Expect

Historically, Sawai Mansingh Stadium has not been the easiest ground for teams to score freely. However, the track has often produced thrilling contests, with high-scoring games and intense battles between bat and ball. Expect another exciting encounter where teams might look to score between 170 and 190 runs, leading to a gripping contest.

The dry, hot conditions expected on match day will add to the challenge. While the afternoon temperatures could soar past 40°C, the evening might bring some relief. However, the oppressive heat will likely impact the players’ fitness, with fatigue potentially playing a key role in the outcome.

Head-to-Head: Gujarat Titans’ Dominance

Rajasthan Royals

Injuries/Unavailability: Rajasthan Royals will once again be without their regular captain, Sanju Samson, who is sidelined due to injury. Riyan Parag will continue to lead the side in Samson’s absence.

Key Players & Matchups:

  • Jofra Archer has been a standout performer for RR. He has a strong record against Gujarat’s star batsman, Shubman Gill, dismissing him 3 times in just 15 balls, with Gill managing to score only 10 runs against him. Archer’s ability to trouble Gill could play a significant role in RR’s strategy.

  • Other RR pacers like Akash Madhwal and Tushar Deshpande have also been effective against Gill, each dismissing him twice in previous encounters.

  • Dhruv Jurel has struggled against spin this season, with a strike rate of 105 against spin bowling, indicating that Gujarat may exploit this weakness. However, his strike rate of 195 against pace suggests he can be dangerous when fast bowlers are in action.

Probable XI:

  • Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Akash Madhwal, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande/Shubham Dubey

Gujarat Titans

Injuries/Unavailability: Gujarat Titans will be missing the services of Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee for this clash, which could weaken their bowling attack.

Key Players & Matchups:

  • Mohammed Siraj, with the highest dot-ball percentage this season, could prove vital in the powerplay overs, where Rajasthan has traditionally been strong. Siraj’s ability to contain RR’s aggressive top-order will be crucial.

  • Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler will be the key figures in Gujarat’s batting, and their performances against RR’s pace attack, particularly Jofra Archer, will be pivotal. Gill’s record against Archer has been poor, and he will need to overcome this challenge to anchor the innings.

Probable XI:

  • Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ishant Sharma

Key Battles to Watch

  • Jofra Archer vs Shubman Gill: Archer’s dominance over Gill could prove to be a game-changer. RR will need Archer to strike early and dismiss Gill, while Gujarat will look to counterattack and get him into form.

  • Dhruv Jurel vs Gujarat’s Spin Attack: Jurel’s struggle against spin will be tested by the likes of Rashid Khan and R Sai Kishore. Can he adapt to the challenge or will Gujarat’s spinners dominate him?

  • Mohammed Siraj vs Rajasthan’s Top Order: Siraj’s ability to bowl in the powerplay, especially to players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Hetmyer, will be vital. His effectiveness could dictate the early momentum of the game.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The pitch at Sawai Mansingh Stadium is known to be challenging for batting, especially in the early stages. However, as the match progresses, the conditions will become more favorable for batting. The oppressive heat during the day could make the evening conditions more tolerable for the players, but fatigue will be a factor.

The forecasted temperature of 40°C during the day could potentially make for a physically demanding match. As the evening progresses, temperatures are expected to drop, but the players will need to manage the energy-sapping heat. This might impact their performances, particularly in the fielding department.

KhelBhaskar's Overview on RR vs GT

This game is critical for Rajasthan Royals as they face a must-win scenario to keep their IPL 2025 playoff hopes alive. A loss could see them eliminated, making this a high-pressure match. Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, are in fine form and will be eager to maintain their stronghold at the top of the points table. With key battles like Jofra Archer vs Shubman Gill and Dhruv Jurel vs Gujarat’s spinners, this clash promises to be a thrilling contest. Expect a high-scoring game, with both teams bringing their A-game in front of a passionate crowd at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

Don’t miss the action—tune in at 7:30 PM IST! – Watch Live action at JioHotstar

Recent Posts

Leave a Comment