Mumbai Indians (MI) will be eager to bounce back from their opening defeat as they face Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday. The spotlight will be firmly on two key players – MI captain Hardik Pandya and GT's spin maestro Rashid Khan.
After suffering a four-wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), MI are wary of another Afghan spin threat. While Noor Ahmad dismantled them with a brilliant 4-18, the challenge against Rashid Khan could be even sterner. The GT vice-captain, a T20 stalwart with 150 wickets in 122 IPL matches, has troubled batters globally and will once again be the Titans' trump card.
Despite the challenge, MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene believes his team is well-prepared.
Noor's a world-class spinner and played a part in our previous game. But the conditions are different here, and we are well aware of Rashid’s strengths. We have a few guys who have played with or against him and know his game well.
Hardik Pandya’s Homecoming
The clash also carries an emotional undercurrent as Hardik Pandya, who led GT to their maiden IPL title in 2022, returns to Ahmedabad as MI captain. His controversial switch back to Mumbai ahead of the 2024 season sparked debates and divided fan sentiments. However, Jayawardene downplayed concerns over a hostile reception.
It’s just cricket. Fans are passionate, and emotions run high. But Hardik has achieved a lot for Indian cricket, and I’m sure fans will see beyond last year’s decisions,
Bumrah Update
While MI fans anxiously await the return of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, Jayawardene confirmed that his availability remains uncertain.
Bumrah is following his rehab program. No timelines have been set, but so far, everything is progressing well.
Gujarat Titans Seek First Win
Like MI, GT are also in search of their first win of the season after a narrow 11-run defeat to Punjab Kings. Despite the setback, GT assistant coach Parthiv Patel remains optimistic.
We were one over away from victory. While the result didn't go our way, there were plenty of positives.
GT will rely heavily on their captain Shubman Gill and the likes of Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, and Sherfane Rutherford for their batting firepower. With Rashid Khan leading the spin attack and Kagiso Rabada in form, GT’s bowling arsenal looks formidable.
Key Battles to Watch
Hardik Pandya vs Rashid Khan: Former teammates turned rivals. Hardik's aggressive batting will be tested by Rashid’s wily variations.
Shubman Gill vs Trent Boult: Gill's elegant stroke play against Boult's left-arm swing will be a fascinating duel.
Suryakumar Yadav vs Kagiso Rabada: With SKY’s flair and Rabada’s pace, this battle could be decisive.
Probable XIs:
Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (capt), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, R Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj.
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (capt), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Satyanarayana Raju.
Both teams are desperate to get their first points on the board. With the stakes high and emotions running strong, fans can expect an electrifying encounter in Ahmedabad.
