GT vs MI Preview, IPL 2025: Hardik Pandya returns to captain's duty as Mumbai Indians take on Gujarat Titans

NEW DELHI: The much-anticipated return of Hardik Pandya from a one-match ban is expected to inject much-needed balance into the Mumbai Indians' lineup as they face an equally determined Gujarat Titans on Saturday. Both teams are seeking their first victory in this IPL season after disappointing opening matches.
Mumbai Indians' perennial opening-game jinx continued with a four-wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings, while Gujarat Titans suffered an 11-run defeat at the hands of Punjab Kings in a high-scoring thriller.
The week-long break between games allowed Mumbai Indians to regroup and engage in team bonding activities at Reliance's Jamnagar facility. However, the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya in the opener exposed vulnerabilities in their bowling and lower-order batting.
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Pandya, arguably India's most complete pace-bowling all-rounder, brings a unique dynamic to the team.
The batting-friendly conditions at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, which witnessed a combined total of 475 runs in the opening game, will be a welcome change for Mumbai's batsmen after the Chepauk track.
However, there are concerns about Mohammed Siraj's effectiveness, who leaked 54 runs against Punjab Kings.
Gujarat Titans' bowling attack, heavily reliant on Kagiso Rabada and Rashid Khan, will face a stern test against a potent Mumbai batting lineup. The lack of experienced Indian pacers and Siraj's vulnerability add to their woes.

Both teams struggled to find the right combination of overseas players in their opening games. Mumbai Indians face additional challenges with Suryakumar Yadav's prolonged dip in form and Rohit Sharma's inconsistency.
Mumbai's wicket-keeping remains a concern, with heavy reliance on Ryan Rickleton.
For Gujarat Titans, skipper Shubman Gill's form will be crucial to their success. The team management might consider Glenn Phillips, an off-spin bowling option, over Sherfane Rutherford, who struggled against Vyshak's consistent wide yorkers.

Gujarat Titans: Jos Buttler, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav, Mahipal Lomror, Karim Janat, Kulwant Khejroliya, Anuj Rawat, Gerald Coetzee, Sherfane Rutherford, Manav Suthar, Kumar Kushagra, Arshad Khan, Gurnoor Brar, Nishant Sindhu
Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Robin Minz, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Shrijith Krishnan (wk), Bevon Jacobs, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Will Jacks, Mitchell Santner, Raj Angad Bawa, Vignesh Puthur, Corbin Bosch, Trent Boult, Karn Sharma, Deepak Chahar, Ashwani Kumar, Reece Topley, VS Penmetsa, Arjun Tendulkar, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Jasprit Bumrah.
Match Starts 7:30 PM