GT vs RR: Royal Grit Meets Titan Fire: Gill vs Samson in a Battle of Streaks!

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The IPL 2025 carnival hits Ahmedabad for Match 23, where the Gujarat Titans lock horns with the Rajasthan Royals in a high-stakes showdown. Gujarat, flying high with three consecutive wins, are looking more dominant with every outing under the calm leadership of Shubman Gill. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals, led by the ever-aggressive Sanju Samson, have picked up two straight wins and are hungry to keep the momentum alive.

But there's more than just form at stake. The Royals have a point to prove — they've won only 1 out of 6 matches against the Titans in IPL history. Tonight, they'll be desperate to rewrite that narrative and settle some scores.

With Gill’s class and composure clashing against Samson’s fearless flair, expect fireworks at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Will Gujarat extend their dominance, or can Rajasthan finally turn the tide?

Match Overview

1. Event: Indian Premier League 2025 (Match 23).

2. Teams: Gujrat Titans vs. Rajasthan Royals.

3. Date & Time: April 9, 2025, at 7:00 PM Local Time.

4. Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Head-to-Head in IPL

Matches Played	GT Wins	RR Wins
6	5	1

Head-to-Head in Last 5 Matches

Matches Played	GT Wins	RR Wins
5	4	1

Key Players to Watch

1. Shubman Gill (GT) – The Ice-Cool Leader at the Top

Shubman Gill is leading Gujarat Titans with composure and class. The opener has been in top touch this season, scoring 146 runs in 4 matches at a superb average of 48.67 and a strike rate nearing 149. In the last game, his unbeaten 61* was a captain’s knock that steered GT to a comfortable win. Gill’s timing, shot selection, and ability to control the innings make him a vital asset — especially at home in Ahmedabad, where he’ll be looking to lay another solid platform at the top.

2. Sai Sudharsan (GT) – The Silent Run-Machine

Quiet, consistent, and highly effective — Sai Sudharsan has become a rock at the top for Gujarat Titans. With 191 runs in 4 matches at an average of 47.75 and a strike rate of 150.39, he’s been the perfect partner to Shubman Gill. Already smashing two half-centuries, including a top score of 74, Sudharsan’s fearless yet calculated approach has made him one of the standout young batters of the season. If he gets going, Rajasthan’s bowlers could be in for a long night at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

3. Jofra Archer (RR) – The Speed Demon Strikes Back

Rajasthan Royals have found their X-factor with Jofra Archer roaring back into form. The express pacer was at his lethal best in the last match, delivering a match-winning spell of 3/25, rattling the opposition with raw pace and pinpoint accuracy. In 4 matches this season, Archer has picked up 4 wickets, but it's his presence and pressure that often create breakthroughs. With an economy of 10.89 and a bowling strike rate of 20.25, Jofra is heating up at the right time — and Gujarat’s batters better be ready for some serious firepower.

4. Sanju Samson (RR) – The Aggressor-in-Chief

Leading from the front with intent and intensity, Sanju Samson has been setting the tone for Rajasthan Royals in the powerplay. With 137 runs in 4 matches at a brisk strike rate of 152.22, Sanju may not have played the longest innings, but his knocks have been high-impact and perfectly timed. A top score of 66 and an average of 34.25 speak to his consistency and aggression. As RR look to break their losing streak against GT, their captain will once again be the key to giving them a flying start.

Pitch Conditions

Pitch Condition	Batting Condition	Bowling Condition
Black soil pitch with less bounce but high scoring venue.	Totally friendly conditions for batters, 180+ score in first innings.	Lower bounce will challenging for batters, slower bowl maybe effective.

Past Performance at the Venue

When these two sides last clashed at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Match 23 of IPL 2023, it was Rajasthan Royals who finally turned the tables. Chasing 178, RR held their nerve to clinch a thrilling 3-wicket win, with Shimron Hetmyer playing a match-winning knock and grabbing the Player of the Match award.

It was a rare win for RR against GT — one that ended Gujarat’s dominance in their previous head-to-head record. As they return to the same venue for another high-stakes battle, expect the Royals to carry confidence from that victory, while the Titans will be eager to reclaim their fortress.

Squads

GT: Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Sherfane Rutherford, Glenn Phillips, Nishant Sindhu, Mahipal Lomror, Washington Sundar, Mohd. Arshad Khan, Sai Kishore, Jayant Yadav, Karim Janat, Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gerald Coetzee, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Ishant Sharma, Kulwant Khejroliya, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan.

RR: Sanju Samson (c), Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Kunal Rathore, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag, Nitish Rana, Yudhvir Charak, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Tushar Deshpande, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kwena Maphaka, Ashok Sharma, Sandeep Sharma.

Injury Concerns

Kagiso Rabada is not available and travel to home due to personal reason.

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Disclaimer: This Match Preview is based on the user's knowledge and insight, but conditions may change due to weather and other factors. For the most accurate information, refer to official sources. AI was used for this content.