The upcoming IPL 2025 clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium promises an exhilarating contest as both teams seek their first win of the season.
Team Form and Head-to-Head Record
Both GT and MI faced defeats in their opening matches. GT succumbed to Punjab Kings in a high-scoring encounter, while MI fell to Chennai Super Kings. Historically, in their five IPL encounters, GT holds a slight edge with three victories to MI’s two. Notably, GT has dominated MI at the Narendra Modi Stadium, winning both previous matches at this venue.
Key Players to Watch
Gujarat Titans
- Jos Buttler: The dynamic opener commenced IPL 2025 with a solid 54-run innings against Punjab Kings. His impressive record against MI includes 533 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 148 and an average of 59.22.
- Shubman Gill: The GT captain boasts a commendable record against MI, amassing 440 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 149.66, including a century and three half-centuries.
- Rashid Khan: The vice-captain and ace spinner has taken 20 wickets in 15 matches against MI, with an average of 18.30, highlighting his potential impact.
Mumbai Indians:
- Hardik Pandya: Returning as captain after missing the opener due to a slow over-rate suspension, Pandya’s all-round capabilities are vital for MI’s success.
- Rohit Sharma: The seasoned opener’s experience and batting prowess are crucial for providing MI with solid starts.
- Jasprit Bumrah: The premier fast bowler’s ability to deliver in crunch situations will be key to MI’s bowling attack.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Narendra Modi Stadium is renowned for high-scoring matches, with 12 out of 18 games since IPL 2023 witnessing scores exceeding 200. The average first-innings score stands at 188/6. Given the batting-friendly pitch and the presence of dew in evening matches, teams might prefer chasing.
The weather forecast for Ahmedabad indicates plenty of sunshine with a high of 98°F (37°C) and a low of 67°F (20°C), ensuring ideal conditions for cricket.
Match Prediction
Considering GT’s favorable record against MI at Ahmedabad and the current form of key players like Jos Buttler and Shubman Gill, GT appears to have a slight advantage. However, MI’s lineup, bolstered by the return of Hardik Pandya and the presence of match-winners like Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah, cannot be underestimated. The match is poised to be a closely contested affair, with both teams possessing the firepower to clinch victory.
Disclaimer: Cricket matches are inherently unpredictable. This analysis is based on current form and historical data, and the actual outcome may vary.