Double blow for Mumbai Indians as Rohit Sharma joins Rickelton in pavilion

In a crucial IPL 2025 showdown on Tuesday, Gujarat Titans opted to field first against Mumbai Indians, aiming to neutralise the formidable MI batting unit and chase down the target with minimal pressure. With both teams emerging as strong contenders for the playoffs, the outcome of this encounter could significantly shape the final league standings.

Mumbai Indians, currently placed third on the points table, boast the best Net Run Rate in the competition. With just two victories required from their remaining three fixtures, the five-time champions are well-positioned to secure a direct entry into the playoffs. Adding to their advantage, two of these matches will be played at home, where MI have won four out of five games this season, a testament to their stronghold in familiar conditions.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans, sitting in fourth place, have four games remaining. Two of those will be hosted in Ahmedabad, where the Shubman Gill-led outfit has also enjoyed an impressive home record, claiming four wins from five outings. The equation is simple for GT, two more victories will likely seal their spot in the playoffs.

The Titans’ batting strength lies in their top-order trio: B Sai Sudharsan (504 runs), Jos Buttler (470), and skipper Shubman Gill (465), who have consistently powered the team to commanding totals. However, this match presents a stiff challenge, as they face what is arguably the tournament`s most lethal bowling lineup. MI’s attack, spearheaded by Trent Boult (16 wickets), supported by Hardik Pandya (13), Jasprit Bumrah (11), and Deepak Chahar (9), has effectively stifled even the strongest batting sides.

Mumbai’s recent form has been formidable, with six consecutive wins. During this dominant run, they have not conceded a total above 200, whether playing at home or away, a clear warning sign for Gujarat, whose success has heavily relied on building massive first-innings totals.

That said, GT’s chasing ability remains a potent weapon. They have won all three matches batting second this season, each by a significant margin, a fact MI will surely keep in mind.

Ironically, it was just three seasons ago that Hardik Pandya captained Gujarat to a title win in their debut season. Now, in a twist of fate, he leads a rejuvenated MI side that has bounced back from a rocky start, including an early defeat to GT. Pandya’s versatility, contributing 157 runs and taking 13 wickets, has been central to Mumbai`s resurgence, underlining his status as one of the tournament’s premier all-rounders.

MI vs GT, IPL 2025 live updates: Full teams

Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Robin Minz (wk), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Shrijith Krishnan (wk), Bevon Jacobs, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Will Jacks, Mitchell Santner, Raj Angad Bawa, Raghu Sharma, Corbin Bosch, Trent Boult, Karn Sharma, Deepak Chahar, Ashwani Kumar, Reece Topley, VS Penmetsa, Arjun Tendulkar, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Jasprit Bumrah.

Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Kumar Kushagra (wk), Anuj Rawat (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Nishant Sidhu, Mahipal Lomror, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Arshad Khan, R Sai Kishore, Jayant Yadav, Karim Janat, B Sai Sudharsan, Dasun Shanaka, Shahrukh Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gerald Coetzee, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Ishant Sharma, Kulwant Khejroliya, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan

MI vs GT, IPL 2025 live updates: Toss

Gujarat Titans won the toss and opted to bowl first

MI vs GT, IPL 2025 live updates: Playing XIs

Mumbai Indians: Ryan Rickelton(w), Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah

Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Arshad Khan, Gerald Coetzee, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

MI vs GT, IPL 2025 live updates: Match begins!

Mumbai Indians lose Rohit Sharma to Arshad Khan, slipping to 27 for 2 at the end of four overs.

MI: 26/2 (3.3)

Mohammed Siraj strikes early to give Gujarat Titans their first breakthrough, dismissing Ryan Rickelton in the opening over. Will Jacks now joins Rohit Sharma at the crease.

MI: 6/1 (1 over)

This article first appeared on Mid Day