RCB Eyes Home Advantage for Consecutive Wins: Can Gujarat Titans Overcome Top-Order Reliance? 2025

By Shashank Kishore | April 1, 2025

Big Picture: RCB’s Homecoming and the Battle for Home Advantage
RCB’s Strategy for Success: Deep Batting Line-Up and Pacy Attack
Gujarat Titans: A Struggling Middle Order and Over-Reliance on Top-Order
New Loyalties: Ex-RCB Players Returning to Bengaluru
Key Matchup: Devdutt Padikkal vs. Shubman Gill
Pitch Conditions and Game Predictions
What’s Next for RCB and Gujarat Titans?
Conclusion: A Critical Encounter for Both Teams

1. Big Picture: RCB’s Homecoming and the Battle for Home Advantage

On Wednesday evening, the cricketing world will witness two of India’s biggest sports icons, Virat Kohli and Sunil Chhetri, playing within just 2 kilometers of each other in Bengaluru. The city’s traffic cops are already bracing for the challenge of ensuring smooth transportation as the Chinnaswamy Stadium gears up for another high-octane IPL clash.

In the heart of this bustling city, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) will lock horns, both teams looking to build on their early season momentum. After two straight wins, RCB’s home advantage is set to play a key role in their quest for three consecutive victories, something only achieved twice before in 2014 and 2021. The crowd in Bengaluru will undoubtedly provide a fiery atmosphere, but will it be enough to overcome the pressure of high expectations?

2. RCB’s Strategy for Success: Deep Batting Line-Up and Pacy Attack

RCB enters this match with a well-balanced squad. Unlike previous seasons, this year, their strategy revolves around utilizing a strong pace attack, a consistent defensive spinner, and a deep batting lineup. The team’s recent performances at the Chinnaswamy Stadium show that they are more than capable of taking advantage of the unique conditions.

Their strong pace department, including the likes of Josh Hazlewood and Mohammed Siraj, should prove effective on these bouncy, dry pitches. Moreover, Liam Livingstone and Krunal Pandya are expected to carry the spin workload, while RCB’s deep batting order ensures that the team has enough firepower to chase or set a high total.

RCB’s big question remains whether they should rely on Suyash Sharma as an Impact Sub or bring in someone like Rasikh Dar, whose improved death-bowling skills could be crucial. Regardless of the choice, RCB is determined to show that home advantage is a real factor in their IPL campaign.

3. Gujarat Titans: A Struggling Middle Order and Over-Reliance on Top-Order

For Gujarat Titans, the challenge is clear: they need to fix their over-reliance on the top order. With the likes of Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler playing key roles at the top, the middle-order players like Shahrukh Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, and Rahul Tewatia are underperforming and haven’t consistently stepped up. David Miller’s departure and Tewatia’s declining form add further pressure on the batting line-up.

The Titans will also face the challenge of finding the right opening combination to strengthen their powerplay, with Buttler possibly moving up to partner Gill. But their real test will come if they are to defend or chase a big total, especially without the explosive finishing prowess of Miller.

On the bowling front, the Titans are in a strong position with bowlers like Rashid Khan and Prasidh Krishna (returning to his home ground) who can be game-changers regardless of pitch conditions.

4. New Loyalties: Ex-RCB Players Returning to Bengaluru

This match will have an emotional twist as several players who once donned the RCB jersey now find themselves on the other side. Mohammed Siraj, affectionately known as “Miyaan” or “DSP” by RCB fans, will return to Bengaluru, but in a Gujarat Titans uniform. Additionally, Anuj Rawat, Sherfane Rutherford, and Mahipal Lomror are all former RCB players now playing for Gujarat.

These players are sure to face the emotional challenge of playing against their former team, and RCB supporters will be eager to see how they perform in front of the passionate Bengaluru crowd.

5. Key Matchup: Devdutt Padikkal vs. Shubman Gill

One of the intriguing individual battles will be between Devdutt Padikkal and Shubman Gill. After struggling in previous seasons with Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals, Padikkal is back with RCB, eager to prove himself with a fresh mindset and intent. His explosive 14-ball 27 against Chennai Super Kings was a promising sign of things to come.

Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has started the season in red-hot form, with a strike rate of 173.17 in his first two games. However, his performance in away games and in the powerplay has been a concern. Can he carry his form forward in a high-pressure game at the Chinnaswamy?

6. Pitch Conditions and Game Predictions

The Chinnaswamy pitch is known for its run-friendly conditions, and with the added factor of dryness and heat, it is expected to favor the batsmen. However, spinners can still extract some bite, which was seen during the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s and the WPL matches held here. With dew not being a major factor lately, both teams will likely adjust their strategies accordingly.

7. What’s Next for RCB and Gujarat Titans?

For RCB, after this home game, they will play Mumbai Indians away on April 7 before returning to Bengaluru to face Delhi Capitals on April 10. A successful home streak could set them up nicely for the challenges ahead.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans have a tough road trip ahead with games against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 6 and Rajasthan Royals on April 9. Their top-order form will be key to their success.

8. Conclusion: A Critical Encounter for Both Teams

This game is a pivotal one for both teams. RCB will be looking to continue their dominant home form and prove that they can thrive under pressure. For Gujarat Titans, it’s about finding the right balance in their batting and fixing their middle-order issues. With both teams brimming with talent, this encounter promises to be a thrilling spectacle, where every ball counts.

Key Stats:

Stat	RCB	GT
Win Percentage at Home (Since 2023)	50%	–
Gill’s Powerplay Strike Rate in 2024	131.08	–
Tewatia’s Balls per Innings (2024)	14.3	–