🏏 IPL 2025 Eliminator Preview
Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians
đź“Ť Venue: Mullanpur
đź“… Date: Friday, 30 May 2025
🎯 High Stakes: The loser exits the tournament
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🔍 Match Context
As the IPL reaches its knockout phase, two heavyweight teams with fluctuating campaigns—Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians—square off in a high-pressure eliminator. Both sides come into this clash with significant squad changes and a few tactical question marks, making this one of the most intriguing matchups of the playoffs.
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📉 Team Form & Selection
Gujarat Titans
Gujarat’s once-strong campaign unraveled toward the end of the league stage, costing them a top-two finish. The departure of Jos Buttler creates a gaping void at No. 3, and while Kusal Mendis could be an option, his recent form raises doubts. The bowling unit, previously a strength, has also weakened with Kagiso Rabada’s exit. Gerald Coetzee is expected to lead the pace attack in his place.
Likely XI:
Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Kusal Mendis, Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Gerald Coetzee, Arshad Khan, R Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj
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Mumbai Indians
Mumbai haven’t escaped the player-exit chaos either. Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton are unavailable, while Jonny Bairstow’s patchy IPL record continues to raise questions. Young talent like Tilak Varma may shoulder more responsibility, and there’s speculation around Charith Asalanka or uncapped Bevon Jacobs filling out the top order.
Likely XI:
Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Bevon Jacobs, Hardik Pandya, Nehal Wadhera, Mitchell Santner, Rahul Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah
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🏟️ Venue Insights – Mullanpur
The pitch at Mullanpur has proven to be relatively even, if slightly favourable to bowlers. In the limited number of IPL matches held here, high scores have been rare. Teams batting first have often struggled to post totals beyond 180, with a run rate just over 8.5 per over. Expect seamers and spinners to play a decisive role.
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🔑 Key Storylines
Gujarat’s Redemption Arc: Can they overcome recent poor form and player losses to deliver in the crunch?
Mumbai’s Overhaul: With multiple fresh faces, will team chemistry hold up under knockout pressure?
Tilak Varma’s Rise: The left-hander could be vital if he moves up the order amid lineup reshuffles.
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🧠Expert View
Despite narrative momentum often favouring Mumbai due to their star-studded lineup, Gujarat has already beaten them twice this season and matches up well in key areas. With both teams grappling with late-season instability, the clash is expected to be finely balanced. Strategic use of bowling resources and middle-order temperament may decide the outcome.
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