Mumbai Indians, the most successful team in IPL history, will face Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, in the 9th match of IPL 2025 on Saturday. Both teams are eager to register their first win of the season. Gujarat lost their first match against Punjab Kings by 11 runs, while Mumbai suffered a four-wicket defeat to Chennai Super Kings.
Gujarat’s Bowlers Need to Improve
In their previous match, Gujarat Titans’ bowlers conceded too many runs against Punjab Kings. Despite coming close to the target, they lost by 11 runs. The team will be hoping for a strong batting performance and a better show from their bowlers to restrict Mumbai Indians to a low score.
Robin Minz Likely to Be Benched
For Mumbai Indians, a major positive is the return of Hardik Pandya, who missed the last match due to a ban. The tournament is still in its early stages, but Mumbai’s bowling unit struggled without star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Hardik’s absence made things even more difficult for the team. Being India’s only pace-bowling all-rounder at present, he has the ability to make a significant impact with both bat and ball. With his return, Robin Minz might have to sit out, as he struggled on the tough Chepauk pitch in Mumbai’s opening game against Chennai Super Kings.
Washington Sundar May Replace Arshad Khan
Gujarat Titans may drop Arshad Khan for the high-voltage clash against Mumbai Indians and include Washington Sundar in the playing XI. Sundar was not part of Gujarat’s squad in the previous match against Punjab, where Sai Kishore bowled well. Sundar’s inclusion could benefit Gujarat, as he can bowl in the powerplay and also contribute with the bat in the middle order. The team will also expect a better performance from pacer Mohammed Siraj, who failed to make an impact in the last game. Gujarat’s batting will once again rely on Sai Sudharsan, skipper Shubman Gill, and Jos Buttler.
Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma’s Form a Concern for Mumbai
Mumbai Indians have concerns over the form of Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20 captain, and Rohit Sharma, the Test and ODI captain. Hardik’s return will strengthen the batting order, and he could also open the bowling if needed. Another concern for Mumbai is their wicketkeeping department. The team is heavily reliant on Ryan Rickelton, as Robin Minz lacks experience at this level. Mumbai’s wrist-spinner Vignesh Puthur impressed on the spin-friendly pitch against Chennai Super Kings, but his real test will be on a batting-friendly surface against Gujarat Titans.
Probable Playing XI for Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians
Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (Captain), Jos Buttler (Wicketkeeper), Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (Wicketkeeper), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (Captain), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Vignesh Puthur.
