Ahmedabad: The Narendra Modi Stadium is set for another high-scoring thriller as Gujarat Titans (GT) take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in the ninth match of IPL 2025 here on Saturday.
The previous game at this venue saw a staggering 475 runs scored in 40 overs, underlining the batting-friendly nature of the pitch. With both teams yet to open their account in the tournament, an aggressive approach with the bat will be key.
Gujarat Titans have dominated recent encounters against Mumbai Indians, winning three of their last four meetings. However, both teams enter this match desperate for a turnaround after suffering defeats in their opening fixtures.
Gujarat fell short in a high-scoring contest against Punjab Kings, losing by 11 runs despite valiant efforts from Sai Sudharsan (74 off 41) and Jos Buttler (54 off 33). Chasing 244, Gujarat’s lower middle order faltered, exposing a potential weak link in their lineup.
Mumbai, on the other hand, struggled on a slow Chepauk surface against Chennai Super Kings, managing only 155/9. Tilak Varma’s 31 was the highest score in an otherwise underwhelming batting display. However, the batting-friendly conditions in Ahmedabad could work in their favour.
Captain Shubman Gill has been a prolific scorer at the Narendra Modi Stadium, amassing nearly 1,000 runs in 19 matches. His form will be crucial at the top. However, the team’s lower middle order, including Shahrukh Khan, Sai Kishore, and Arshad Khan, needs to step up in pressure situations.
Bowling remains a concern for GT, with Mohammed Siraj conceding 54 runs in four overs in the last match. Kagiso Rabada will be expected to lead the pace attack, while Rashid Khan will look to bounce back after an expensive outing. Left-arm spinner Sai Kishore was the standout performer in the previous game, picking up 3/30.
The star-studded batting unit of Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Will Jacks, and Suryakumar Yadav will be eager to exploit the favourable conditions. Captain Hardik Pandya, returning after serving an over-rate penalty, will add depth with both bat and ball. His experience on this surface, having previously played for Gujarat, could be a key factor.
Mumbai’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar, will aim for early breakthroughs. Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner and wrist-spinner Vignesh Puthur, who impressed with a 3/32 spell against CSK, will be crucial in controlling the middle overs.
The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch is expected to favour batsmen, with little assistance for pacers. Spinners might extract some grip, but the surface should remain consistent throughout the game. With 475 runs scored in the last match here, another high-scoring contest is on the cards.
Weather conditions will be warm and clear, with no rain forecast. The team batting first won the previous game comfortably, making the toss a crucial factor. Opting to bat first could be the safer option.
With both teams seeking their first win, the match promises to be an exciting contest. While Gujarat Titans hold an edge with their strong top order, Mumbai Indians have the experience and firepower to mount a strong challenge. Execution with the bat will likely determine the winner.
Teams:
Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (captain), Jos Buttler, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Sherfane Rutherford, Glenn Phillips, Nishant Sindhu, Mahipal Lomror, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Arshad Khan, Sai Kishore, Jayant Yadav, Karim Janat, Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gerald Coetzee, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Ishant Sharma, Kulwant Khejroliya, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan.
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Bevon Jacobs, Tilak Varma, Robin Minz, Ryan Rickelton, Shrijith Krishnan, Hardik Pandya (captain), Naman Dhir, Will Jacks, Mitchell Santner, Raj Angad Bawa, Vignesh Puthur, Corbin Bosch, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Reece Topley, Lizaad Williams, Karn Sharma, Satyanarayana Raju, Ashwani Kumar, Arjun Tendulkar.
