Mumbai Indians have struggled to find their rhythm in IPL 2025 so far, losing the opening match to their arch-rivals, Chennai Super Kings. Now, the team is determined to bounce back as they take on Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, seeking their first win of the tournament.
Having won the toss against the Titans, MI opted to field first. The return of Hardik Pandya is a major boost for the five-time IPL champions, especially after his absence in the opening game due to a ban at the end of the previous season. Pandya’s leadership and experience have always been the backbone of the team, and his presence is expected to galvanize the squad.
Off the field, the match has sparked some extra buzz. Hardik Pandya, leading the charge, was seen on the field while his rumored girlfriend, Jasmin Walia, made an appearance in the stands.
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Notably, Walia was seated alongside Devisha Shetty, wife of Suryakumar Yadav, reigniting old rumors and fueling chatter among fans about Pandya’s personal life post his divorce from Serbian dancer and model Nataša Stanković. While on-field performance remains the priority, the attention on Pandya’s off-field connections has added an extra layer of intrigue to the contest.
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During the toss, Pandya explained MI’s decision to bowl first, saying, “I am unsure about the pitch, and with dew being a factor, we decided to bowl first. Different soil plays differently, and batting second on a black soil pitch is always more preferable. Our goal is clear: to perform as a team, back each other up, and overcome any setbacks.” His words highlighted the importance of adaptability and team spirit, qualities that have defined MI’s campaigns in the past.
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Meanwhile, Shubman Gill emphasized that the match conditions at the stadium have been consistent over time. “They have batted first here many times, so the toss result may not change the outcome significantly. It’s all about assessing the conditions and setting the right target,” Gill commented. With MI hoping to find their winning formula and take heart from Pandya’s dynamic leadership, all eyes will be on the match as Mumbai Indians look to turn their fortunes around in IPL 2025.
