In a dominant performance that reaffirmed their strength in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), the Gujarat Titans (GT) secured a thumping 58-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Wednesday. Assistant coach Parthiv Patel praised the team’s bowling unit for its clinical execution, highlighting the players’ ability to defend a challenging 217-run target on a batting-friendly pitch. After a match-winning 82-run knock from Sai Sudharsan, GT's bowlers rose to the occasion, with Prasidh Krishna (3/24), Rashid Khan (2/37), and Sai Kishore (2/20) leading the charge. RR was bundled out for 159 in just 19.1 overs, unable to mount a substantial chase.

"When you win by 50-odd runs on a wicket like this, every bowler came in and executed their plans well," said Parthiv Patel in the post-match press conference. He credited the team’s flexible approach, explaining that they don’t assign rigid roles and adapt based on conditions. “Sai Kishore is probably the best spinner in the tournament so far. The way he has bowled and how brave he is in difficult conditions is amazing,” he added. Patel also commended Sai Sudharsan’s consistency and discipline. “He works really hard; sometimes we even have to drag him out of the nets. He understands his game and backs it. That’s why he’s delivering consistently.”

The decision to leave out Washington Sundar from the playing eleven raised eyebrows, but Patel clarified that the move was tactical. “We always look at conditions. We felt that a fourth seamer might be required in the second innings. If we had lost early wickets, it would have been a different story, but we had enough depth in batting.” From the Rajasthan Royals camp, spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule acknowledged that the target was within reach but lamented the lack of key partnerships. “It was a good batting track, and 200 was a par score. We could’ve done better in the last few overs. Sai Sudharsan batted brilliantly, and they had better partnerships than we did,” he said.

Bahutule noted that the team started well by removing Shubman Gill early but failed to capitalize on that advantage. He praised Sudharsan's potential, calling him a "very conventional player" who has improved steadily and is now one of the most prolific scorers in both domestic cricket and the IPL. “I’m sure the selectors are watching him. Post IPL, he’s definitely due for opportunities in the national team,” he added. Despite the loss, Bahutule remained optimistic and reflective. “T20 is a fast-paced game. Decision-making and problem-solving are crucial. You are bound to make mistakes, but minimizing those can put you in a winning position.” With this emphatic win, Gujarat Titans continue to strengthen their standing in the tournament. The form of Sai Sudharsan, coupled with a versatile and effective bowling attack, positions them as one of the top contenders this season. For Rajasthan Royals, the focus now shifts to regrouping and improving their execution in both batting partnerships and death-over strategies.