IPL 2025, Eliminator: Buttler-less Gujarat Titans hold a slight edge over MI

Gujarat Titans had the chance to play the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 but two losses in their last two league games didn’t help their cause. They will now face five-time champions Mumbai Indians and have no room for error. After having a disappointing start, Mumbai Indians made their way up in the playoffs, while the Titans are losing form at the wrong time. The biggest loss right now for Gujarat Titans is Jos Buttler. While most of the talks have been around their openers, Buttler’s impact at number three was equally valuable. Gujarat’s tremendous season has largely been due to that top-three, comprising Gill, Sai, and Buttler. 

Kusal Mendis is likely to replace the Englishman and it weakens that top order. The Eliminator between MI and GT is set to be played in Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Qualifier 1 was played here, yesterday, and both teams would have an idea of how to prepare for this wicket. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan will be up against the likes of Bumrah, Boult, and Deepak Chahar on a wicket that will have extra bounce, seam movement, and some swing. Hence, getting the right start would be extremely crucial and, thus, Gill against Deepak Chahar and Boult should be a contest to watch out for. 

As for their middle-order, Sherfane Rutherford and Shahrukh Khan have played some decent knocks. But facing a quality bowling line-up on a tough wicket will require some application. In the two games they have batted against MI this season, Rutherford has scored 18 (11) and 28 (15), while Shahrukh has scores of 9 (7) and 6 (6). Gujarat Titans could think of bolstering their batting by adding Washington Sundar, who could be handy with the ball as well. Replacing him with Jos Buttler and not playing Mendis could be another temptation. Buttler’s absence is a big headache but the bigger one right now is their inconsistent bowling. They have lost five games this season and those defeats were largely due to indiscipline shown by their bowling unit. 

Prasidh Krishna is the second-highest wicket-taker in the season but Rashid Khan’s poor performance has left them nowhere to go. Afghanistan spinner, though, has bowled well against MI, this season and he must take confidence from that. Gujarat’s bowling has been inconsistent, lately, but the Chandigarh wicket should suit their bowlers and they might have a great night if they start well with the new ball. Gujarat Titans would take confidence from the fact that they haven’t allowed Mumbai Indians batters to dominate against them this season. MI have scored 160 and 155 against GT in two games played this season and not a single batter, apart from Will Jacks, who has left for England, has managed to score a fifty against them. 

Much like GT, Mumbai Indians’ recent form isn’t something to be proud of. But, in a knockout game, it rarely counts. The one who handles the pressure wins the battle and Mumbai Indians have been in this situation on numerous occasions. They have got the match-winners. Despite not being in the best of form, Rohit Sharma’s presence at the top of the order should come in handy, especially with Ryan Rickleton no longer in the side. Jonny Bairstow is the ideal one to replace him and nobody knows how he will perform in the big game. 

Without a doubt, their biggest bet right now is Suryakumar Yadav, who has once again been their saviour this season. His ability to counter-spin and extra pace should hold him in good stead. But for MI to win, Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya need to step up to the plate. The duo loves to play in the big games and perform, more often than not. Deepak Chahar pulled his hamstring in the last game. It could be a big blow for them if he misses out on the playing XI. Trent Boult is their highest wicket-taker this season with 19 scalps, while Bumrah has 17. 

Who will win the GT vs MI IPL 2025 Eliminator clash? 

Gujarat Titans have beaten Mumbai Indians twice this season and they can, once again, put that batting line-up under pressure on a wicket, which has assistance for the bowlers. Mumbai Indians have a great record in the playoffs but Gujarat Titans might pull this off if a bit of luck favours them. 

GT vs MI IPL 2025 Eliminator: Playing XIs 

Gujarat Titans: 

Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Kusal Mendis, Sherfane Rutherford, M Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Gerald Cooetzee, Arshad Khan, Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna (Impact Sub)  

Mumbai Indians: 

Rohit Sharma (Impact Sub), Jonny Bairstow, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Bevon Jacobs, Hardik Pandya, Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah