RCB had generated plenty of buzz after two impressive away victories – including a big one against the defending champions in Kolkata and breaking their long-standing winless streak in Chennai. However, in their first home game of the season, old issues resurfaced as Gujarat Titans, powered by a strong bowling display and a composed chase from Jos Buttler, ended RCB’s unbeaten run.
Siraj’s Emotional Homecoming
Back in familiar territory, Mohammed Siraj received warm welcomes from former teammates and fans alike. After spending seven seasons with RCB, his emotional attachment to the franchise is no secret – as he recently expressed on Instagram. But sentiment didn’t hold him back on Wednesday night. Siraj quickly reminded his former team of his powerplay prowess. He almost struck in his first over, but Jos Buttler dropped a sitter to let Phil Salt off the hook. Siraj didn’t have to wait long though, dismantling Devdutt Padikkal’s stumps with a beautiful delivery. There was no holding back in celebration either – Siraj channeled his inner CR7 in full view of his former home crowd. He followed it up with two more crucial scalps, including a beauty that sent Salt’s off stump cartwheeling and later dismissing top-scorer Liam Livingstone. His three-wicket haul earned him the Player of the Match on what was clearly a special night.
Sai Kishore Steps Up
R Sai Kishore’s IPL journey has been a slow burn – just 13 matches in three years despite his domestic reputation. But this season seems to be a turning point. After a solid performance against Punjab Kings, he backed it up with a 2/22 spell in Bengaluru, tightening the screws with an economy of 5.5. His dismissals of Jitesh Sharma and Krunal Pandya showcased his growing tactical awareness. He smartly adjusted his angle and flight to deceive Jitesh, while the dismissal of Krunal came via a well-disguised carrom ball – a variation he’d been honing for years. Praised by teammate Prasidh Krishna as “the heartbeat of the team,” Sai is finally finding consistency and confidence. “I really feel I’m one of the best bowlers in the league,” he said post-match. “Now I just need to keep playing and prove it.”
Buttler’s Redemption Arc
Jos Buttler had a rough start to the evening – dropping a simple catch early and later missing a stumping opportunity. He even compared the error to Herschelle Gibbs’ infamous World Cup moment. But determined to bounce back, he delivered with the bat. Batting at No. 3, Buttler anchored the chase with a calm and calculated approach, accelerating just when needed. He targeted Rasikh Dar to shift momentum and played a stunning scoop against Josh Hazlewood to seal the deal. He finished unbeaten with a strike rate of 187, turning a night that began with embarrassment into one of redemption.