After a blazing start to IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced a tough reality check, suffering an eight-wicket defeat against Gujarat Titans (GT) on April 2. Once again, the toss played a crucial role, and RCB’s top order crumbled in the powerplay. Losing three wickets early, they found themselves struggling at 38/3, making it an uphill task to post a competitive total.

Reflecting on the loss, head coach Andy Flower admitted that early wickets hurt RCB’s chances. “We lost some wickets trying to be aggressive in the powerplay, and that was a turning point. Losing the powerplay often puts you in trouble. But credit to Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, and Liam Livingstone for fighting back and giving us a competitive total,” Flower said in the post-match press conference.

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Despite a shaky start, Jitesh (33), Livingstone (54), and David (32) helped RCB post 169/8, a tricky score given the conditions. Flower pointed out that the surface wasn’t the usual Chinnaswamy pitch and that the toss played a significant role.

Andy Flower said, “There was quite a bit of dew, and the ball gripped more in the first innings. It wasn’t a typical Chinnaswamy wicket, where the ball comes on quicker. But credit to GT, they played better than us, and Siraj bowled brilliantly.”

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Former RCB pacer Mohammed Siraj proved to be their nemesis, delivering a match-winning spell of 3/19—his best IPL figures at the venue. When asked if RCB regretted letting him go, Flower dismissed the notion. “Siraj was outstanding with the new ball, his lines and lengths were spot on. We rate him highly and wish him all the success.”

Despite the loss, RCB remain third on the points table, behind Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals on net run rate.