In a thrilling IPL 2025 encounter, Gujarat Titans (GT) displayed a complete team performance to secure a convincing seven-wicket victory over the struggling Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Powered by Mohammed Siraj’s career-best figures of 4/17 and Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 61, the Titans chased down a modest target of 153 with ease, handing SRH their fourth consecutive defeat this season.
Siraj Rattles SRH with Powerplay Brilliance
SRH’s innings never truly took off, thanks to a lethal new-ball spell by Mohammed Siraj, the local Hyderabad hero. On a sluggish, black-soil pitch at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Siraj made early inroads and exposed the brittle SRH batting order.
Facing Travis Head for the first time in T20 cricket, Siraj set the tone by dismissing the Aussie left-hander for just 8 with a clever wobble-seam delivery. He followed it up with the wicket of Abhishek Sharma, who had briefly threatened with four boundaries before mistiming a catch to mid-on.
Siraj’s impact was far from over. Returning at the death, he knocked over Aniket Verma and Simarjeet Singh, wrapping up the SRH innings with figures of 4 wickets for just 17 runs. With this spell, Siraj reached his 100th IPL wicket milestone and leads the powerplay wicket charts this season with an economy of 6.27.
Sunrisers’ Batting Collapse: Another Familiar Tale
The SRH top order faltered yet again, failing to adapt to the pace and bounce of the surface. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma’s early dismissals left them reeling, and despite a few moments of resistance from Nitish Reddy (31 off 34) and Heinrich Klaasen (27 off 19), the innings never gained momentum.
SRH managed only two sixes throughout their innings, a shocking stat in T20 cricket, and didn’t hit their first six until the 13th over. Only Pat Cummins managed to score at a brisk pace, smashing 22 not out off just 9 balls, helping SRH cross the 150-run mark.
Washington Sundar and Shubman Gill Anchor Titans’ Chase
Though the SRH bowlers got an early breakthrough with Jos Buttler falling for a duck, any hopes of a comeback were dashed by Washington Sundar and Shubman Gill. Washington, promoted to No. 4, unleashed a stunning counter-attack during the powerplay.
He struck 23 runs off 9 balls, including two sixes and two fours in a single over, channeling the aggressive style reminiscent of his TNPL days. While he missed out on a well-deserved half-century—falling for 49—he had already tilted the chase decisively in GT’s favor.
Gill, calm and composed, took charge thereafter. His unbeaten 61 off 43 balls, paired with Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive 35 off 16*, ensured GT chased the target with plenty of time and wickets to spare.
Rashid Khan Struggles While Sai Kishore Impresses
While GT had much to celebrate, Rashid Khan continued his disappointing run of form. The Afghan spinner remained wicketless for the third straight match, finishing with 0 for 31 in his four overs. His tournament economy has now ballooned to 10.21, with only one wicket from 14 overs.
In stark contrast, R Sai Kishore impressed with the ball, delivering tight lines and smart variations. He dismissed the dangerous Klaasen with a skidding dart and later removed Reddy, finishing with 2 for 24. His ability to exploit the slow pitch was key in throttling SRH’s already struggling batting lineup.
Titans’ Strategic Brilliance on Display
Gujarat Titans’ decision-making and execution outclassed SRH throughout the match. Though Washington Sundar wasn’t utilized as a bowler, his inclusion proved pivotal with the bat. Siraj’s early spell, Sai Kishore’s control in the middle overs, and Gill’s composure under pressure highlighted GT’s balance and depth.
Their chase was clinical, never giving SRH a chance to bounce back. With this win, GT have not only climbed higher in the IPL points table but also exposed the growing cracks in SRH’s campaign.
What’s Next for SRH?
SRH’s fourth defeat in a row raises serious questions about their game strategy and player form. Despite having a strong on-paper lineup, they continue to falter in crucial moments. Pat Cummins, while contributing briefly with both bat and ball, cannot carry the team alone. The form of key players like Rashid Khan and Travis Head needs urgent attention.
Unless they find answers quickly, SRH risk spiraling further down the IPL 2025 standings.
Key Highlights:
Mohammed Siraj: 4/17 – Career-best IPL figures
- Shubman Gill: 61* – Anchored the chase with finesse
- Washington Sundar: 49 off 21 – Match-turning cameo at No. 4
- Sai Kishore: 2/24 – Controlled the middle overs expertly
- SRH’s 4th Straight Defeat – Batting woes continue
Final Scorecard Summary:
Gujarat Titans: 153/3 (Gill 61*, Washington 49, Shami 2-28)
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 152/8 (Reddy 31, Siraj 4-17, Sai Kishore 2-24)
Result: Gujarat Titans won by 7 wickets
