Did MI Make the Right Call by Batting First Against GT in the IPL 2025 Eliminator?
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Synopsis
In an unexpected twist, Mumbai Indians have chosen to bat first against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2025 Eliminator. This bold strategy raises questions about their game plan, especially after a low-scoring previous match. As the teams gear up, both captains express their strategies and expectations for this crucial encounter.
Key Takeaways
- Mumbai Indians opted to bat first after winning the toss.
- Hardik Pandya believes the pitch is conducive for batting.
- MI made three significant changes to their lineup.
- Shubman Gill is leading GT in his hometown.
- The winner faces Punjab Kings in the next qualifier.
New Chandigarh, May 30 (NationPress) The Mumbai Indians have won the toss and opted to bat first against the Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Friday.
This decision to bat first came as a surprise, considering the low-scoring Qualifier 1 match between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday, which favored the bowlers. However, MI captain Hardik Pandya mentioned that the pitch on Friday appears more conducive for batting.
MI entered this match with three changes, bringing in Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Raj Angad Bawa to replace Ryan Rickelton, Corbin Bosch, and Will Jacks, who returned home for national commitments.
“We have decided to bat first. The track looks different from yesterday, with slightly less grass. It's a big game, and scoring runs to defend would be ideal. We have been treating our last nine games like knockout matches, so we need to focus on what we can control today. Our three changes include Jonny returning, Gleeson making his debut, and Raj Angad Bawa playing,” stated Pandya during the toss.
Homegrown star Shubman Gill, who took over the captaincy of GT after Pandya's exit in 2023, expressed enthusiasm about playing in his hometown and confirmed two changes in his squad. The notable absence for his team is Jos Buttler, who had to leave for international obligations.
“We would have preferred to chase. If someone had told us at the beginning of the season that we would qualify, we would have been satisfied. The team is excited to return to Chandigarh, my hometown. This match doesn’t carry the pressure of a knockout game. We are making two changes - Kusal Mendis replaces Jos Buttler and Washington Sundar comes in for Arshad Khan,” Gill remarked.
The victor of this match will face the Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2, scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Playing XIs:
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Raj Bawa, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Richard Gleeson
Impact substitutes: Krishnan Shrijith, Raghu Sharma, Robin Minz, Ashwani Kumar, Reece Tople
Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Kusal Mendis (wk), Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Gerald Coetzee, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Impact substitutes: Sherfane Rutherford, Anuj Rawat, Mahipal Lomror, Jayant Yadav, Arshad Khan
Point of View
The Mumbai Indians' choice to bat first in the IPL 2025 Eliminator against the Gujarat Titans is a bold move. It reflects their confidence and willingness to take risks, especially after a low-scoring game prior. As both teams adapt to the pressures of knockout cricket, the focus will be on execution and strategy.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did MI choose to bat first in the Eliminator?
MI captain Hardik Pandya believed the pitch conditions were favorable for batting compared to the previous low-scoring match.
What changes did MI make to their lineup?
MI introduced Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Raj Angad Bawa, replacing Ryan Rickelton, Corbin Bosch, and Will Jacks.
Who is missing from the GT team?
Jos Buttler is absent from the GT squad due to international duties.
What is at stake in this match?
The winner of this match will face Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2 at Narendra Modi Stadium.
Where is the Eliminator match being held?
The match is taking place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
