The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has already delivered its share of thrilling moments, and the clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) on April 2, 2025, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was no exception. Amid the electric atmosphere of Bengaluru, one man stood out—Jos Buttler. The Gujarat Titans’ star wicketkeeper-batter turned an embarrassing moment into a tale of redemption, scripting a match-winning unbeaten 73 off 39 balls to lead his team to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over RCB.

This performance not only showcased Buttler’s resilience but also underlined his importance to the Titans in their pursuit of IPL glory.

The Context: A High-Stakes Encounter

RCB entered the match with an unbeaten record in IPL 2025, having secured victories in their first two games. Playing their first home fixture of the season, the team, led by Rajat Patidar, was brimming with confidence. With stalwarts like Virat Kohli and a potent bowling attack featuring Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, RCB looked poised to extend their winning streak.

On the other hand, Gujarat Titans, under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, had experienced a mixed start. After a heavy defeat to Punjab Kings, they bounced back with a convincing win over Mumbai Indians. The stage was set for a blockbuster showdown, with GT aiming to upset RCB’s momentum.

The match began with Gujarat Titans winning the toss and opting to bowl first, a decision influenced by the consistent conditions at Chinnaswamy, known for favoring chasing teams. RCB’s batting lineup, packed with firepower, aimed to set a daunting total.

However, what unfolded in the first innings set the tone for Buttler’s heroics later in the game.

RCB’s Struggles: Siraj’s Fiery Spell

Gujarat Titans’ pace attack, led by Mohammed Siraj, tore through RCB’s top order in the powerplay. Siraj, returning to his former home ground after seven seasons with RCB, was in scintillating form. His spell of 3/19 in four overs included the dismissals of Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, and Liam Livingstone, leaving RCB reeling at 42/4. The pacer’s ability to extract movement and bowl with precision on a batting-friendly surface was a testament to his skill and emotional investment in the game.

Virat Kohli, a key figure in RCB’s lineup, fell early for just 7, caught at long-leg off Arshad Khan. The early breakthroughs put RCB on the back foot, and it seemed Gujarat Titans would restrict them to a modest total. However, a spirited fightback from Liam Livingstone (54 off 40) and Jitesh Sharma (33 off 21), followed by a late flourish from Tim David (32 off 18), helped RCB recover to 169/8 in their 20 overs. While the total was competitive, it appeared below par for a venue like Chinnaswamy, where high-scoring chases are the norm.

Buttler’s Embarrassment: A Dropped Chance

As Gujarat Titans took the field, Jos Buttler, stationed behind the stumps, had an early moment to forget. In the very first over, Siraj induced an edge from Phil Salt, presenting Buttler with a regulation catch. To the disbelief of his teammates, Buttler fumbled, barely getting a glove to the ball as it struck him in the chest and fell to the ground. The dropped chance allowed Salt a lifeline, though he couldn’t capitalize, falling to Siraj soon after for 14.

Reflecting on the incident post-match, Buttler admitted to feeling “pretty embarrassed.” He likened his premature celebration attempt to Herschelle Gibbs’ infamous drop of Steve Waugh in the 1999 World Cup, a moment that famously cost South Africa dearly. For Buttler, the miss was a personal blow, especially given Salt’s reputation as a dangerous T20 batter. “I barely got a glove on it, and it hit me in the chest. So, I was determined to score some runs,” he said, revealing the spark that ignited his match-defining knock.

The Chase Begins: A Measured Start

Chasing 170, Gujarat Titans opened with Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, while RCB entrusted Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood with the new ball. The Titans adopted a cautious approach, scoring just 42 runs in the powerplay for the loss of Gill (14 off 14), dismissed by Kumar. Buttler walked in at No. 3, a shift from his usual opening role, and took his time to settle. His first 10 balls yielded only 9 runs, a sign of the respect he afforded RCB’s disciplined bowling attack.

However, once Buttler found his rhythm, there was no stopping him. Partnering with Sudharsan, he began to unleash his trademark aggression, blending calculated shots with explosive power. The duo’s 75-run stand for the second wicket broke the back of the chase, putting Gujarat Titans firmly in control.

Buttler Unleashed: A Masterclass in T20 Batting

Buttler’s innings was a blend of patience and brutality. After a slow start, he ignited his innings with a pulled four off Hazlewood, followed by two towering sixes—one a top-edged loft over the keeper and another a commanding pull over the leg side. His ability to shift gears was on full display as he hammered five fours and six sixes in total, finishing unbeaten on 73 off 39 balls. The Englishman’s strike rate of 187.18 underscored his dominance, while his composure ensured there was no late drama in the chase.

Sai Sudharsan played the perfect foil, scoring a fluent 49 off 36 before falling to Hazlewood. With the platform set, Sherfane Rutherford (30* off 18) joined Buttler to finish the job. The 18th over, bowled by Hazlewood, proved decisive—Buttler smashed two sixes, including a audacious reverse scoop, before Rutherford sealed the victory with a third maximum. Gujarat Titans reached 170/2 in 17.5 overs, winning with 13 balls to spare.

Redemption and Resilience: Buttler’s Mindset

Buttler’s performance was more than just a statistical triumph; it was a statement of intent. After relinquishing England’s white-ball captaincy following a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign, he had endured months of “pretty unenjoyable cricket.” His form had dipped, with just one fifty in 11 international innings prior to IPL 2025. The move to Gujarat Titans, who signed him for INR 15.75 crore in the auction, offered a fresh start, and Buttler was determined to make it count.

“I was trying to play with lots of freedom and intent,” he said post-match. “A new team, a new franchise, and I’m excited to be here.” The dropped catch, rather than denting his confidence, fueled his resolve. His ability to channel embarrassment into a match-winning effort highlighted his mental toughness—a quality that has made him one of the world’s premier T20 batters.

Gujarat Titans’ All-Round Dominance

While Buttler stole the headlines, Gujarat Titans’ victory was a team effort. Mohammed Siraj’s fiery spell set the tone, restricting RCB’s scoring potential despite their late recovery. Sai Sudharsan’s consistency—he now has three strong scores in IPL 2025—added stability, while Rutherford’s cameo provided the finishing touch. The bowling unit, including Arshad Khan (1/17) and Ishant Sharma (1/27), complemented Siraj’s brilliance, ensuring RCB couldn’t post a total beyond GT’s reach.

For RCB, the loss exposed vulnerabilities. Rajat Patidar admitted they were 15-20 runs short, with early wickets in the powerplay proving costly. Despite positives from Livingstone, Sharma, and David, their bowling unit couldn’t contain Buttler’s onslaught. The defeat dropped RCB from the top of the points table, handing Gujarat Titans their second consecutive win.

The Bigger Picture: Buttler’s Impact on GT

Buttler’s knock wasn’t just a one-off; it signaled his intent to be a cornerstone for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. With a proven track record—seven IPL hundreds and an Orange Cap in 2022—his experience and firepower make him a vital asset. Paired with Shubman Gill, who won the Orange Cap in 2023, GT boasts one of the tournament’s most formidable batting lineups. If Buttler maintains this form, opposition bowlers will have sleepless nights.

For RCB, the loss is a setback but not a disaster. With a strong squad and two wins already in the bag, they remain contenders. However, they’ll need to address their top-order fragility and find ways to counter players like Buttler in future encounters.

A Night to Remember

April 2, 2025, will be remembered as the night Jos Buttler turned embarrassment into triumph. His unbeaten 73 not only secured Gujarat Titans an eight-wicket victory but also served as a reminder of his class and character. As IPL 2025 unfolds, Buttler’s redemption story at Chinnaswamy could well be the spark that propels GT toward another title. For now, fans can savor a performance that epitomized the drama and brilliance of the IPL.

Also Read –

Chris Gayle Omits Rohit Sharma from AllTime IPL XI Picks CSK Surprise