IPL 2025 47th Match Pre-Match Analysis: Rajasthan Royals vs. Gujarat Titans at Sawai Mansingh Stadium
The IPL 2025 47th Match is poised to deliver a thrilling spectacle as Rajasthan Royals lock horns with Gujarat Titans at the historic Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. Scheduled for April 28, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST, this evening clash marks a critical juncture in the Indian Premier League’s 18th season. This IPL 2025 Pre-Match Analysis delves into the venue, squads, player performances, pitch dynamics, and predictions to equip fans with a comprehensive preview of the Rajasthan Royals vs. Gujarat Titans showdown.
Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, is a fortress for Rajasthan Royals, known for its balanced conditions that reward strategic cricket. With an average first-innings score of 165-175 in IPL matches, the venue offers opportunities for both batters and bowlers, depending on the phase of the game.
Ground Information:
- Pitch: The red-soil pitch provides pace and bounce early, favoring stroke-makers. As the game progresses, spinners find assistance with turn and grip, especially under lights.
- Weather: Jaipur in April is warm, with evening temperatures around 28-32°C. Dew could influence the second innings, making bowling challenging.
- Dimensions: The square boundaries are around 60-65 meters, with straight boundaries slightly longer at 70-75 meters, encouraging lofted shots but punishing mis-hits.
- Toss Impact: Teams winning the toss often prefer to chase, as dew aids batting in the second innings. Historically, 53% of IPL matches here since 2020 have been won by chasing teams.
First Batting vs. Second Batting: The second batting team benefits from the dew impression, as the ball skids under lights, making it harder for bowlers to grip. However, the first batting team can capitalize by setting a defendable total (180+) if their spinners exploit the middle overs effectively.
Date & Time
- Date: April 28, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Broadcast: Live on Star Sports Network and streaming on JioCinema.
This prime-time slot ensures a packed stadium and global viewership for the Rajasthan Royals vs. Gujarat Titans encounter.
Squad Information
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Led by Sanju Samson, RR have regained momentum with a 50-run win over PBKS. Their blend of explosive batting and versatile bowling makes them formidable at home.
Probable XI:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Sanju Samson (c, wk)
- Nitish Rana
- Riyan Parag
- Dhruv Jurel
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Jofra Archer
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Sandeep Sharma
- Tushar Deshpande
Impact Players: Shubham Dubey, Kumar Kartikeya, Yudhvir Singh, Akash Madhwal
Key Players and Performance:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Performance: Jaiswal’s form has picked up, with a 50+ score vs. PBKS. His aggressive starts (strike rate 155+) set the tone at Jaipur.
- Sanju Samson’s Performance: Samson’s leadership and batting (47 vs. GT) shine at home. He averages 40+ at Sawai Mansingh, making him a key figure.
- Jofra Archer’s Performance: Archer’s fiery spell (4/38 vs. PBKS) marks his resurgence. His 150kph pace troubled GT’s Sai Sudharsan earlier.
- Riyan Parag’s Performance: Parag’s 48 vs. GT and two sixes show his flair. His part-time spin could target GT’s middle order.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Under Shubman Gill, GT are riding a wave of confidence, sitting second on the points table after a 58-run win over RR earlier this season.
Probable XI:
- Shubman Gill (c)
- B Sai Sudharsan
- Jos Buttler (wk)
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Shahrukh Khan
- Rahul Tewatia
- Rashid Khan
- R Sai Kishore
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Arshad Khan
Impact Players: Washington Sundar, Kulwant Khejroliya, Anuj Rawat, Mahipal Lomror
Key Players and Performance:
- Jos Buttler’s Performance: Buttler’s 166 runs at No. 3 (strike rate 167.67) include a match-winning 54 vs. RR. His familiarity with Jaipur is a threat.
- B Sai Sudharsan’s Performance: Sai Sudharsan’s 74 vs. PBKS and Player of the Match vs. RR (59* vs. RR) highlight his consistency. His 30+ vs. Archer is notable.
- Rashid Khan’s Performance: Despite a lean season (1 wicket in 4 games), Rashid’s 2/28 vs. RR shows signs of revival. His leg-breaks could trouble RR’s left-handers.
- Prasidh Krishna’s Performance: Prasidh’s short-ball strategy (5 wickets off short lengths) and 2 wickets vs. RR make him GT’s enforcer.
Head-to-Head and Recent Form
Head-to-Head: GT dominate RR, winning 6 of 7 IPL encounters, including a 58-run victory in Ahmedabad on April 9, 2025 (GT 217/6, RR 159). RR’s sole win came in 2022.
Recent Form:
- RR: W-L-W-L-W (resurgent after PBKS win but inconsistent)
- GT: W-W-W-L-W (strong, with top-order dominance)
GT’s top-order firepower gives them an edge, but RR’s home record and Archer’s form level the contest.
Player Form Analysis
Rajasthan Royals
- Strengths: RR’s top order (Jaiswal, Samson) thrives at Jaipur, and their pace attack (Archer, Farooqi) can exploit early bounce. Theekshana’s death bowling adds depth.
- Weaknesses: RR’s middle order faltered vs. GT’s spinners (Rashid, Sai Kishore). Nitish Rana’s form (1 vs. KKR) needs revival.
- X-Factor: Maheesh Theekshana’s Performance in the death (1 wicket, 18 runs in 18 balls) could restrict GT’s late surge.
Gujarat Titans
- Strengths: GT’s top three (Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Buttler) contribute 70% of runs, with a run rate of 13.31 in death overs. Siraj’s consistency bolsters their attack.
- Weaknesses: Rashid’s off-form (economy 10.21) and an untested middle order (Shahrukh, Rutherford) could be exposed if RR strike early.
- X-Factor: R Sai Kishore’s Performance (8 wickets, including 1 vs. RR) could disrupt RR’s batting on a turning track.
Pitch and Conditions Impact
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium pitch offers early assistance to pacers like Archer and Siraj, with bounce aiding stroke-play. Spinners (Rashid, Theekshana) will dominate the middle overs as the ball grips. Dew could make bowling tougher in the second innings, favoring chasers.
First Batting Team: Setting 175-185 is defendable if spinners control the middle. RR’s familiarity with the surface aids them if batting first.
Second Batting Team: Chasing is preferred due to dew, with GT’s aggressive batting suited to run-chases. A target below 170 is achievable.
Key Battles to Watch
- Yashasvi Jaiswal vs. Mohammed Siraj: Jaiswal’s powerplay aggression faces Siraj’s new-ball swing. Siraj dismissed him in 2023, but Jaiswal’s 50 vs. PBKS shows intent.
- Jos Buttler vs. Jofra Archer: Buttler’s fluency against his ex-teammate meets Archer’s raw pace. Archer’s short ball dismissed Buttler in 2024.
- Sanju Samson vs. Rashid Khan: Samson’s 47 vs. GT was curtailed by Rashid’s googly. This duel could shape RR’s middle overs.
Prediction: Who Will Win?
GT’s top-order dominance and head-to-head record make them favorites, but RR’s home advantage and Archer’s resurgence tilt the scales. The match hinges on RR’s ability to counter GT’s spinners and GT’s response to Jaipur’s dew.
Winner: Rajasthan Royals (55% chance), leveraging home conditions and Archer’s pace to upset GT’s rhythm.
Key Factor: RR’s spinners restricting GT’s death overs will be decisive.
Player of the Match Prediction
Sanju Samson is the prime candidate for Player of the Match. His leadership, wicketkeeping, and batting prowess at Jaipur (average 40+, strike rate 150+) position him to anchor or finish a chase. A 60-80 run knock could seal it for RR.
Alternate Pick: If GT win, Jos Buttler could claim it with a match-defining 70+ against his former team.
Most Dismissable Bowler
Jofra Archer is likely to be the most dismissable bowler in terms of wickets. His 4/38 vs. PBKS and ability to hit 150kph make him a nightmare on Jaipur’s bouncy pitch. He could claim 2-3 wickets, targeting GT’s top order.
GT Counterpart: R Sai Kishore (8 wickets) could shine for GT, exploiting RR’s spin vulnerabilities.
Tactical Insights
- RR Strategy: Use Archer and Farooqi to attack GT’s top order early. Samson and Jaiswal must maximize the powerplay to set or chase a big total.
- GT Strategy: Rely on Buttler and Sai Sudharsan to build a platform. Sai Kishore and Rashid should target RR’s middle order in the middle overs.
- Impact Player Rule: RR could bring in Shubham Dubey for a bowler if chasing, while GT might opt for Washington Sundar to bolster spin.
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 47th Match between Rajasthan Royals vs. Gujarat Titans at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, promises a battle of strategy and skill. RR’s home comfort and Archer’s firepower give them a slight edge, but GT’s batting depth keeps them dangerous. Expect a close contest, with Sanju Samson likely to shine brightest.
Final Verdict: RR to edge out GT in a high-scoring thriller, driven by home advantage and disciplined bowling.
