In a dramatic encounter in IPL 2025 on April 28, 2025, at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur for Gujarat Titans (GT) vs. Rajasthan Royals (RR), Rashid Khan became the captain of GT in the second innings after Shubman Gill left the field due to mild back spasms. This (hopefully) preventative injury saw Ishant Sharma introduced as an Impact Substitute. The pressure was on as Rashid, GT's vice-captain, took over the duties as captain and was introduced to lead the side in the second half of the match. In a high-stakes chase in front of a boisterous crowd, Rashid remained calm and displayed his tactical acumen.

Ultimately, Gill scored 84 runs from 50 balls, and when you add to this Jos Buttler's quick-fire 50 runs from 26 balls, this propelled GT to an imposing score of 209/4 off 20 overs. The bowling effort of RR (especially Maheesh Theekshana 2/35) was unable to contain the GT players at the top of the order capitalizing on a batting-friendly surface. But it was also a major blow to the GT side, as Gill has helped shape the decision-making of the side on the field this IPL season. Rashid Khan's world-class leg-spin and experience took on board the challenge of trying to captain an ace bowling assault against a desperate RR batting line-up, which was desperate to keep their playoff hopes alive after a string of losses.

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Gujarat Titans Lost to Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025 Match 47

RR's innings was sparked by a brilliant effort from 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whose record-breaking 35-ball century for second-fastest in IPL history supported Yashasvi Jaiswal's unbeaten knock of 70 off 40 as RR chased down 210 in just 15.5 overs to win by eight wickets, with 25 balls remaining. While Rashid Khan took a wicket, GT's bowlers couldn't contain Suryavanshi's hit of an almighty bunch of sixes- to be exact. GT's loss meant they couldn't consolidate their top two spot, while RR's win, under stand-in captain Riyan Parag, kept their hopes alive in the playoffs.

Rashid's Moment to Prove

Rashid Khan was pleasantly surprised when he was made captain, even for one match, as it showed how much he had grown in stature in the IPL. While Rashid was better known for his world-class leg spin, he proved it was possible he could carry himself within the leadership role calmly and precisely. More information. While the game was an important part of growth and development, it will also be remembered as GT in the IPL 2025 season. Importantly, we would recall the great moment in which Rashid could lead when it mattered the most.