GT vs DC: Jos Buttler's 97 Powers Record Chase, But His Praise for Rahul Tewatia Steals the Spotlight*

AHMEDABAD — April 19, 2025: In a historic Indian Premier League (IPL) showdown at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Gujarat Titans (GT) pulled off their highest-ever run chase, defeating Delhi Capitals (DC) in a thrilling high-scoring encounter. The hero of the night was Jos Buttler, who remained unbeaten on 97, narrowly missing out on a century, but leaving a lasting impression with his powerful strokeplay and selfless attitude.

Buttler’s Blazing 97 Anchors Gujarat’s Record Chase*

Gujarat Titans were faced with a daunting task — chasing over 200 runs for the first time in their IPL journey. Buttler, undeterred by the scoreboard pressure, led the charge with a masterful 97* off just 54 deliveries. His knock included 11 boundaries and 4 towering sixes, effectively neutralizing Delhi’s bowling attack.

Despite falling short of a century, Buttler showed no disappointment. “You always want to win the match,” he said. “I had chances to score a century before and I will get more in the future. But for me, two points are the most important thing.”

Tewatia’s Role Earns High Praise

While Buttler’s innings earned him the Player of the Match honor, his post-match comments about Rahul Tewatia caught everyone’s attention. “I told Tewatia not to worry about my score. The only focus was to win the match,” Buttler said. “Credit to him — for the last few years, he has shown how to hit big shots from the very first ball.”

Tewatia’s quickfire cameo and calm under pressure helped GT maintain the momentum during the chase. His reputation as a finisher was once again on full display.

Team Spirit, Partnerships and Personal Redemption

Reflecting on the team’s performance, Buttler acknowledged the importance of building partnerships. “We built some great partnerships today,” he said. “It was a beautiful wicket to bat on. The key was to take the game deep.”

The English batter also used the opportunity to admit his struggles behind the stumps in earlier games. “I have done poor wicketkeeping in the first six matches, so I was determined to improve. I am happy I could contribute better this time.”

Rutherford’s Cameo and Momentum Shift

Sherfane Rutherford, Buttler’s partner in crime, was equally instrumental in Gujarat’s success. “It’s always fun to bat with Rutherford,” Buttler said. “He can hit sixes from anywhere on the ground. His sixes off Mohit Sharma completely changed the game and the momentum.”

Their left-right combination in the middle overs helped unsettle the Delhi bowlers, maximizing scoring opportunities at crucial junctures.