India, April 25 -- In isolation, the score of 205/3 by Gujarat Titans suggests a commanding batting performance. Context is everything though, so it's imperative to mention a three-over passage that reshaped the ceiling of the innings. No boundaries, plus the wicket of the dangerous Jos Buttler meant in overs 17 through 19 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) didn't just contain, they pretty much recalibrated the match and swung the result in their favour even before Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal unleashed mayhem.

It wasn't supposed to go this way because at 170/2 after 16 overs, Gujarat Titans were primed for lift-off. With wickets in hand and a set Buttler at the crease, the projection comfortably stretched beyond 220. This is the phas...