By Rohit Juglan in Bengaluru
The 2025 Indian Premier League is in full swing, with teams starting to hit their stride as they battle for early dominance. Match 14 takes centre stage at the buzzing M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Gujarat Titans in what promises to be a high-scoring contest. With short boundaries and a true pitch, the venue has long been a paradise for batters, setting the stage for a thrilling spectacle.
RCB have begun the season in red-hot form, winning both their matches so far, including a historic triumph over Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk — an achievement they had been chasing since 2008. That victory was more than just two points; it was a statement of intent. In their first home game of the season, they’ll be eager to deliver in front of their passionate fan base.
Their batting unit, spearheaded by Phil Salt and Virat Kohli, has been firing, with Rajat Patidar providing solidity in the middle. But the biggest transformation this season has been in their bowling attack, which has often been RCB’s Achilles’ heel. Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Yash Dayal have kept opposition batters in check, while Suyash Sharma, Liam Livingstone and Krunal Pandya have controlled the middle overs effectively.
Gujarat Titans shook off an opening defeat to bounce back strongly. Their batting line-up is stacked with power, with Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan forming a dependable top order, followed by the explosive Jos Buttler, Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, and Rahul Tewatia. The Titans also boast a formidable bowling line-up, with Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, and Rashid Khan leading the charge. Adding an extra layer of intrigue to this contest is former RCB pacer Mohammed Siraj, who will be up against his old team.
With two power-packed squads set to collide, here’s how their final practice sessions unfolded ahead of this crucial clash.
Kohli Leads the Charge with Early Nets
Kohli is leaving nothing to chance. After struggling against spin at Chepauk, he arrived ahead of schedule at Chinnaswamy and put in an intense 40-minute net session. Unlike on Monday, when he focused solely on spinners, today he batted against both pacers and tweakers, fine-tuning his timing and shot selection. The standout moment? Kohli effortlessly lofting sixes with pure timing, a sign that he is feeling good ahead of RCB’s first home game.
Siraj’s Emotional Return to RCB Camp
The match may be between RCB and Gujarat Titans, but for Siraj, it felt like a homecoming. Before stepping into the nets, Siraj greeted Kohli with a warm hug, catching up with his former captain.
His connection with RCB runs deep — he spent time chatting with players, coaches, and even the support staff, at one point digging into their snack box, much to the delight of the media team. Once in the nets, it was all business. He bowled a long spell, looking sharp and eager to make a statement against his old franchise.
Gill’s Compact and Solid Batting Display
On the other side, Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill had a structured session. He began with sprints and stretches before moving to the far nets, where he eased into his rhythm. Later, he shifted to the main nets near the pitch, where head coach Ashish Nehra stood right behind him, offering constant inputs. Gill batted for over an hour, tackling both spin and pace, showing solid technique and great shot selection. His balance at the crease and confidence against both types of bowling made it clear — he is ready to lead from the front.
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🚨#RCBvsGT prep heats up! Shubman Gill looked solid in the nets, while Virat Kohli, after his Chepauk struggles, put in extra work—batting 45 mins against pacers & spinners separately. RCB’s first home game is tomorrow! @rohitjuglan reports from Chinnaswamy. @ThumsUpOfficial… pic.twitter.com/RyGWiFDFlS
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) April 1, 2025
Tim David’s Six-Hitting Show
If RCB were looking for a power boost in the middle order, Tim David delivered an emphatic reminder. In his 45-minute batting stint, he smashed over 30 sixes, including five that cleared the stadium. Known to struggle against spin, he looked surprisingly dominant against the slower bowlers, showing improved footwork and shot execution. Against pacers, he was even more destructive, reinforcing why he will be a key player in this high-scoring encounter.
Bowlers Playing the Survival Game
With Chinnaswamy expected to produce another batting-friendly surface, bowlers from both sides seemed to adopt a defensive approach. Rather than attacking with aggressive lengths, they focused on containing, varying their pace and line to counter the inevitable onslaught. Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar and Dayal tested RCB’s batters with disciplined bowling, while GT’s Rashid and Rabada worked on their variations to restrict stroke-making.
A Run-Fest on the Cards
With both teams boasting explosive batting line-ups, this contest is set to be a high-scoring thriller. RCB, riding on momentum, will look to make a strong statement in their first home game, while GT, led by the ever-composed Gill, will aim to spoil the party. Expect fireworks, drama, and an unforgettable showdown under the lights at Chinnaswamy.
Also Read: Mohammed Siraj meets Virat Kohli ahead of RCB vs GT clash, video goes viral