Royals Rise, Titans Demise: Kerala Clinch a Five-Wicket Prize
- September 27, 2025
The DCS You Selects Arena 2 was alive with anticipation as the Cara Gujarat Titans squared off against the Red Bats Kerala Royals in the You Selects Indian Premier League 2025 (Open). Batting first, the Titans produced a rollercoaster innings, folding for 142 in 19.4 overs despite a fighting hand from Banty Nandy.
Their top order crumbled early, with Shalom Dsouza bowled first ball and Tanish Suri following soon after. It was left to Ayaan Misbah and Nandy to steady the ship. Misbah’s 33 off 39 balls lacked fluency but offered stability, while Nandy lit up the innings with an electrifying 66 from 44 deliveries, peppered with five boundaries and four maximums.
But just as the Titans seemed set for a competitive finish, Renjith Mani produced a fiery spell, ripping through the middle and lower order. His figures of 5/21 were a masterclass in controlled aggression. Sugam Amin’s cameo of eight from three and Mayur Gor’s six from six added little at the back end, as wickets fell in a heap. Joseph James complemented Mani perfectly, snaring two crucial wickets, including skipper Harsh Desai, to keep Gujarat in check. The Titans’ collapse from 96/2 to 142 all out underlined the lack of partnerships, and the total looked thin on a lively surface.
The chase was brisk but not without its nervy moments. The Royals lost Jeffin Saad cheaply, but Mani, already the hero with the ball, turned savior with the bat. His composed 53 off 43 balls, studded with eight boundaries, stitched together the chase. Partnering with Deepak Rao, who contributed a patient 38 off 40, Mani ensured momentum stayed with Kerala. Rao’s dismissal at 106 triggered a brief wobble, as Naveen Kumar Gorthi and Madhav Manoj Nair fell in quick succession. But with 12 balls left, Jeevan Gangadharan and Mathew George calmly guided their side home, closing at 144/5 in 19.2 overs.
The Royals’ chase embodied calculated cricket—blending aggression with patience. Despite extras conceding 18 wides, the Titans bowlers couldn’t capitalize. Hardik Pai’s 1/17 in four overs was a lone bright spot, but Desai’s side fell short on intensity. Kerala’s batting depth, coupled with Mani’s all-round brilliance, ensured the Royals claimed a commanding five-wicket victory with four balls to spare.
Star of the Match – Renjith Mani
Red Bats Kerala Royals
A stellar all-round show—claiming 5/21 with the ball and anchoring the chase with a composed 53 off 43 deliveries.
Master Blaster – Banty Nandy
Cara Gujarat Titans
Blazed his way to 66 off 44 balls, striking five fours and four sixes, single-handedly keeping Titans in the contest.
Power Arm – Joseph James
Red Bats Kerala Royals
Kept pressure on Titans with 2/24, dismissing Ayaan Misbah and Harsh Desai at key junctures to break partnerships.
Safe Hands – Jeevan Gangadharan
Red Bats Kerala Royals
Took a sharp catch to dismiss Ayaan Misbah off Joseph James’ bowling, a vital moment that stunted Titans’ rebuild.
“We had momentum through Banty, but the middle-order collapse hurt badly. We’ll need stronger partnerships going forward.”
Kiran Pethani
Captain – Cara Gujarat Titans
“Renjith was sensational with both bat and ball. This win shows our balance and depth—confidence is soaring in the camp.”
Krishnaprasad
Captain – Red Bats Kerala Royals
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