Hardik Pandya is set to make his IPL 2025 debut in a highly anticipated clash as Mumbai Indians (MI) take on Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad — a venue packed with history and emotion for the MI skipper.
Last season, Hardik faced a hostile reception from fans at this very ground after switching from GT, a franchise he led to the 2022 IPL title and back-to-back finals, to MI. Now, he returns not only as MI’s leader but as a two-time ICC title winner with India, bringing added experience and stability to an MI side that missed his presence in their season opener against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), which he sat out due to a carried-over over-rate penalty.
Familiar Faces in New Camps
The match also highlights shifting franchise loyalties. Rashid Khan, a cornerstone for GT since their debut, will face MI — a team backed by the same owners who employ him across other leagues (SA20, ILT20, MLC). Kagiso Rabada, too, has ties with MI’s global teams.
Rashid’s recent IPL form has seen a dip — his economy exceeded 8.00 in both 2023 and 2024, and he went for 48 runs in four overs against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in GT’s opener this season. With another batting-friendly surface expected, MI’s powerful batting line-up will look to capitalise.
New Alliances: Robin Minz
Wicketkeeper-batter Robin Minz was set to play for GT last season before a bike accident ruled him out. Now in MI’s camp, he adds another layer to the tale of shifting team allegiances.
Team News and Probable XIs
GT’s challenge lies in fitting in Washington Sundar. He was benched in the previous game, with Rashid and R Sai Kishore preferred as spinners — the latter returning excellent figures of 3 for 30. Given GT’s balanced top seven, Washington may again miss out unless conditions demand change.
Gujarat Titans (probable XI):
- 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
- Prasidh Krishna
For MI, left-arm wristspinner Vignesh Puthur made a dream debut as Impact Player, replacing Rohit Sharma and claiming 3 for 32. Hardik’s return in place of Minz seems likely to be MI’s only change.
Mumbai Indians (probable XI):
- Rohit Sharma
- Ryan Rickelton (wk)
- Will Jacks
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya (capt)
- Naman Dhir
- Mitchell Santner
- Deepak Chahar
- Trent Boult
- Satyanarayana Raju
- Vignesh Puthur
Big Questions and Key Match-Ups
Both teams boast explosive batting depth and a good mix of right- and left-handers. If Ahmedabad’s pitch behaves like it did in GT’s last game — where 243 was nearly chased — expect another run-fest.
Shubman Gill’s new approach in the powerplay was evident in his 33 off 14 balls against PBKS. With T20I selection on the line, especially given competition from Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, Gill’s consistency and aggression will be closely watched.
Meanwhile, MI’s Suryakumar Yadav is searching for form, having scored just 119 runs in his last 10 T20 innings. His 29 off 26 against CSK hinted at rust. A flatter pitch in Ahmedabad could be ideal for a return to rhythm.
Pitch and Conditions
Expect hot afternoon weather (around 38°C), but cooler conditions in the evening. Dew is likely, making chasing the preferred option. In IPL 2024, six out of eight matches in Ahmedabad were won by teams batting second.
Key Stats
- Jos Buttler, who batted at No. 3 in GT’s last match, has done so only once before in 107 IPL innings. Yet, his strike rate at No. 3 (147.64) mirrors his rate as an opener.
- Rashid Khan, despite recent struggles, remains one of the IPL’s most effective bowlers. Among those with 150+ IPL wickets, only Lasith Malinga has a better average, and only Sunil Narine has a better economy.
- Rohit Sharma’s duck against CSK was his 18th in the IPL — the joint-second most in tournament history, behind Glenn Maxwell (19).
- Mohammed Siraj has never dismissed Rohit Sharma in T20s. Rohit has scored 74 runs off 55 balls against him with 7 fours and 4 sixes.
