Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans: IPL 2025 Match Preview and Analysis
The clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur promises high stakes and contrasting ambitions. As IPL 2025 nears its critical phase, GT look to strengthen their top-two position, while RR fight to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. With Gujarat riding a wave of momentum and Rajasthan struggling for consistency, this encounter is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the playoff picture. Here’s a detailed breakdown of both teams’ current form, key players, head-to-head history, and what to expect in this vital fixture.
Current Form and Standings
Gujarat Titans (GT):
Position: 2nd on the table
Record: 6 wins, 2 losses (8 matches)
Momentum: Coming off strong performances, including a commanding 39-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders and a solid outing against Delhi Capitals.
Strengths: Balanced team with consistency across batting and bowling units.
Rajasthan Royals (RR):
Position: 9th in the table
Record: 2 wins, 7 losses (9 matches)
Momentum: Slumping with five consecutive defeats, often squandering winning positions.
Weaknesses: Leadership instability following Sanju Samson’s injury, fragile batting order, inability to finish close games.
Head-to-Head Record
| Metric | RR | GT |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 7 | 7 |
| Wins | 1 | 6 |
Gujarat Titans have asserted dominance, winning six of seven matches against Rajasthan Royals, including a comprehensive 58-run victory earlier this season.
At Jaipur: GT have maintained an unbeaten record, winning both games against RR at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Recent Encounters
In their most recent meeting during IPL 2025, Gujarat Titans defeated Rajasthan Royals by 58 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium. RR suffered a major batting collapse, and GT’s bowlers clinically sealed the game.
Past trends continue to favor GT, with key victories including the 2022 IPL Final, where Gujarat also outclassed Rajasthan under high-pressure circumstances.
Team Form and Key Players
Gujarat Titans
Batting Strength:
Sai Sudharsan: 417 runs so far; among the top Orange Cap contenders, combining stability and aggression.
Shubman Gill: A reliable force at the top, crafting strong partnerships— notably 448 runs with Sudharsan, the highest for any pair this season.
Jos Buttler: Adds explosive firepower and big-match experience.
Bowling Arsenal:
Prasidh Krishna: 16 wickets at an economy of 7.29, spearheading the attack.
Mohammed Siraj: Instrumental in powerplays with his ability to swing the ball early.
R Sai Kishore: 12 wickets, highly effective in middle overs.
Rashid Khan: Not at his absolute peak, but still a game-changer with his variations.
Key Strengths:
Depth in both batting and bowling.
Ability to defend totals and restrict opposition teams effectively.
Rajasthan Royals
Batting Highlights:
Yashasvi Jaiswal: 356 runs, a rare beacon of consistency in an otherwise fragile lineup.
Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer: Shown occasional promise, but inconsistent under pressure.
Leadership and Morale:
The absence of Sanju Samson has left a leadership vacuum, with Riyan Parag taking charge amid turbulent results.
Bowling Attack:
Jofra Archer: 9 wickets but receives limited support.
Wanindu Hasaranga: Provides middle-over control but the attack lacks overall penetration.
Key Weaknesses:
Frequent collapses, especially when chasing.
Leadership and consistency issues hurting team morale.
Pitch and Conditions
Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Pitch Behavior: Initially batter-friendly with true bounce; spinners come into play later.
Average First Innings Score: 177-180
Chasing Advantage: Teams batting second have a 64.41% win rate at Jaipur in IPL 2025.
Weather Forecast: Clear and warm conditions; no rain disruptions expected.
Predicted Playing XIs
Rajasthan Royals:
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Nitish Rana
Riyan Parag (c)
Dhruv Jurel (wk)
Shimron Hetmyer
Wanindu Hasaranga
Jofra Archer
Maheesh Theekshana
Sandeep Sharma
Yudhvir Singh Charak
Gujarat Titans:
Sai Sudharsan
Shubman Gill (c)
Jos Buttler (wk)
Washington Sundar
Shahrukh Khan
Rahul Tewatia
Karim Janat
Rashid Khan
R Sai Kishore
Mohammed Siraj
Prasidh Krishna
Media and Expert Predictions
CricTracker: Backs Gujarat Titans to triumph, citing superior all-round form and historical dominance.
India Today: Names GT as the “team to beat” this season, highlighting RR’s repeated struggles.
MyKhel & AI Prediction: Project GT as clear favorites based on recent form and psychological advantage.
ESPNcricinfo: Focuses on GT’s superior bowling lineup and Rajasthan’s fragile middle order.
Statistical Comparison
| Aspect | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | Gujarat Titans (GT) |
|---|---|---|
| IPL 2025 Standing | 9th (2W, 7L) | 2nd (6W, 2L) |
| Last 5 Matches | L-L-L-L-L | W-W-L-W-W |
| Head-to-Head (IPL) | 1 win in 7 matches | 6 wins in 7 matches |
| Top Run-Scorer | Yashasvi Jaiswal (356 runs) | Sai Sudharsan (417 runs) |
| Top Wicket-Taker | Jofra Archer (9 wickets) | Prasidh Krishna (16 wickets) |
| Recent Meeting Result | Lost by 58 runs (2025) | Won by 58 runs (2025) |
Key Factors and Match-Ups to Watch
GT’s Opening Pair vs RR’s New Ball Attack: Gill and Sudharsan have been dominant. RR’s new ball bowlers must break the partnership early to stay in the contest.
RR’s Middle Order Vulnerability: Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore could exploit Rajasthan’s fragile middle order, especially if early wickets fall.
Leadership Stability: Shubman Gill’s calm leadership gives Gujarat a psychological advantage over a Rajasthan side still adapting to captaincy changes.
Conclusion: Which Team Has the Upper Hand?
Heading into the showdown, Gujarat Titans clearly hold the upper hand. Their top order is in scintillating form, their bowling unit is well-rounded, and their record against Rajasthan Royals is overwhelmingly dominant. By contrast, RR are battling poor form, leadership upheaval, and inconsistent performances.
