IPL 2025: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians – Clash of Titans in Ahmedabad
The ninth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025
The ninth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 features the Gujarat Titans (GT) hosting the Mumbai Indians (MI) at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on March 29. Both teams are eager to secure their first win of the season after initial losses.
Team Performances So Far
Gujarat Titans began their campaign with a narrow 11-run defeat to Punjab Kings. Despite a valiant chase, highlighted by Sai Sudharsan’s 74 off 41 balls and Jos Buttler’s 54 off 33, they couldn’t reach the daunting target of 244. Moreover, bowlers like Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada faced challenges containing Punjab’s aggressive batting lineup.
On the other hand, Mumbai Indians struggled in their opener against Chennai Super Kings, managing only 155/9. Chennai chased down the target comfortably. Notably, MI’s captain, Hardik Pandya, returns to lead the side against his former team after missing the first game due to a suspension.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, GT and MI have clashed five times in the IPL. Gujarat holds a slight edge with three victories, while Mumbai has secured two wins. Their inaugural encounter was on May 6, 2022, and their most recent meeting occurred on March 24, 2024.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Narendra Modi Stadium is renowned for its batting-friendly surface, offering true bounce and relatively short boundaries. Consequently, the average first-innings score hovers around 200, indicating the potential for high-scoring affairs. In addition, dew in the second innings might influence captains to opt for bowling first upon winning the toss.
Weather Outlook
Weather forecasts predict hot and dry conditions in Ahmedabad, with temperatures around 38°C and moderate humidity. Thankfully, clear skies and no chance of rain ensure an uninterrupted match.
Key Player Battle: Rohit Sharma vs. Kagiso Rabada
A pivotal contest to watch is between MI’s seasoned opener, Rohit Sharma, and GT’s ace pacer, Kagiso Rabada. Interestingly, Rohit has accumulated 38 runs off 27 deliveries against Rabada in the IPL, with a strike rate of 140.74. However, Rabada has dismissed him twice, adding intrigue to this matchup.
Captains’ Records
GT’s skipper, Shubman Gill, has led in 15 IPL matches, securing 5 wins and facing 8 losses, resulting in a win percentage of 33.33%. In contrast, MI’s captain, Hardik Pandya, boasts a more favorable record, with 26 wins out of 45 matches, translating to a win percentage of 57.77%.
Conclusion
As both teams seek their maiden victory of IPL 2025, the stage is set for an exhilarating encounter. Given the pitch conditions and the batting prowess in both lineups, fans can anticipate a high-scoring game. Furthermore, the return of Hardik Pandya adds an extra layer of excitement, especially as he faces his former franchise. All in all, cricket enthusiasts are in for a treat as these two formidable teams battle it out under the lights in Ahmedabad.
