'2nd trophy loading' - Fans react to GT's comprehensive nine-wicket win over RR in IPL 2023

GT vs RR IPL 2023 (Source: Twitter)

Gujarat Titans (GT) look to be on course to win their second Indian Premier League (IPL) title in a row after a nine-wicket dominant win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Friday, May 5. The defending champions have won their seventh game of the tournament and lead the points table with 14 points. Meanwhile, RR is experiencing an inconsistent season, with two straight losses.

Choosing to bat first, Jos Buttler, once again, failed to get his team off to a strong start as he was dismissed for eight runs in the second over. Yashasvi Jaiswal and skipper Sanju Samson then appeared to be forming a decent partnership, but the left-hander's run-out in the sixth over resulted in a disastrous collapse. Samson played an aggressive knock, smashing few boundaries, but had to return back after scoring 30 runs off 20 balls.

The GT bowlers were on a roll from start to finish and it was Afghanistan's spinner Rashid Khan, who did the brunt of the damage as he took three wickets for just 14 runs in four overs. Noor Ahmed grabbed two wickets and combined with Rashid to break the back of RR batting line-up. A miserable batting performance by the hosts resulted in them being restricted to a total of 118-10.

The bowlers' outstanding performance made it easy for their batters to chase down the target with more than three overs remaining and nine wickets in hand. Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha made an explosive start, scoring 71 runs before their partnership was broken in the 10th over. However, it set the stage for Hardik Pandya's devastation display, as he hammered Adam Zampa for three sixes and a four to finish things off quickly.

The two teams previously met on April 16, when the Royals won a thriller by three wickets. Titans, however, completed their revenge by crushing them today. With five wins and 10 points, last year's runners-up are currently fourth in the points table. GT's victory has tightened the race for playoff spots.

Here's how fans reacted to GT's emphatic win: 

What ever they touch is pic.twitter.com/IMfkW0olac

— jetha hi🏆ler 🐦 (@sterns_haschen) May 5, 2023

From written down as weakest team to Dominating ALL the teams 💙

— a. (@aravindhan3333) May 5, 2023

Hammering absolute hammering this by GT. They look very threatening again this season 👏👏

— Ayush Anand (@crictopher014) May 5, 2023

Stop remaining Matches and Give trophy to GT team

Advance congratulations Champion’s 🙌

— DeadPool (@dhfm_Deadpool) May 5, 2023

Nehra Ji on way of becoming GOAT coach

— Shubman Gang (@ShubmanGang) May 5, 2023

2nd ipl title loading for Goat pandya

— R.🇪🇸 (@CV7lii) May 5, 2023

This win of GT ensures that 4th spot is open for all with 80% 💀

— Cric8ly 🏏 (@MR_Alpha_21) May 5, 2023

2nd trophy loading 😬

— Vaibhav Arora (@Savage_vaibhav) May 5, 2023

Tired of seeing them win 😞

— Wanye Kest (@WayneKest0) May 5, 2023

GT highest NRR now :D

IPL too easy for us ✨✨

— 卄卂尺丨ㄖ爪 🇮🇳 🌈 (@__gurudas) May 5, 2023

Gt has almost qualified and looking dangerous. They can win this year too. 👏

— Swati Jaiswal (@SwatiJaisw13521) May 5, 2023