Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the current table-toppers, are set to take on fourth-placed Gujarat Titans (GT) in their first home game of IPL 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, April 2.
After securing back-to-back away wins against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), RCB return to their fortress, eager to maintain their winning momentum. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans enter this contest fresh off a dominant victory over Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad.
With both teams boasting strong batting lineups, fans can expect another high-scoring encounter on Chinnaswamy’s traditionally batting-friendly surface. While GT appears to have a more well-rounded bowling attack on paper, RCB’s bowlers have been in fine form this season.
Historically, RCB have struggled at home, but with a revitalised squad and a new approach, they’ll be looking to turn things around – starting with this crucial clash against GT.
Pitch Report and Weather
The ball flies to all corners of the ground. Small boundaries, a true wicket, a quick outfield, and plenty of runs are what you get at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Since it’s a fresh wicket, it’ll have something for the seamers as well. The average first-innings total here is around 180. Teams prefer chasing at this venue, with 49 wins for teams batting second compared to 41 victories for teams batting first. There is a forecast for some rain in Bengaluru. How that will affect the playing conditions and influence the decision at the toss remains to be seen.
Head-to-Head
RCB have won three out of five encounters against GT. While RCB’s overall record is strong, GT have won two games in Bengaluru, compared to RCB’s one. In the last match between the two teams, RCB emerged victorious by nine wickets.
Prediction
GT have a strong chance of winning if they can dismantle RCB’s top order.