The stage is set for an electrifying clash as Gujarat Titans (GT) take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 9 of IPL 2025. Historically, GT have had the upper hand, winning three out of their five encounters against MI. Having triumphed in three of the last four meetings, Shubman Gill’s side will be keen to extend their dominance over the five-time champions.
Both teams come into this contest looking for redemption after disappointing starts to the season. Gujarat Titans fell short in their opener against Punjab Kings, failing to capitalize on key moments. Led by Shubman Gill, GT will rely on stalwarts like Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, and Sai Sudharsan to turn things around.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians struggled in their first match against Chennai Super Kings, posting 155/9 before CSK chased it down with ease. However, MI will receive a massive boost with Hardik Pandya returning to the XI, adding experience and firepower.
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As these two teams prepare for a high-octane showdown, fans can expect an intense battle featuring world-class talent and thrilling match-ups. Here are three key player battles that could decide the outcome of this contest:
#1 Suryakumar Yadav vs Kagiso Rabada
Suryakumar Yadav, one of the most dangerous middle-order batters in T20 cricket, will be a vital cog in Mumbai’s batting unit. However, he faces a stern test against GT’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada.
Rabada has had the upper hand in their past duels, dismissing Suryakumar twice in T20s while conceding just six runs. Their last two encounters in the 2024 T20 World Cup final and a bilateral T20I saw SKY manage just three runs each time before falling to the South African speedster. With Rabada in fine form, this battle could be pivotal in determining MI’s fortunes.
#2 Shubman Gill vs Trent Boult
GT skipper Shubman Gill will have the responsibility of anchoring the innings, but his biggest challenge will come from Mumbai’s pace ace, Trent Boult. The left-arm seamer has troubled Gill in the past, most notably in IPL 2020, when he dismissed him after conceding just seven runs off 11 balls.
Boult’s ability to swing the new ball and exploit early movement will make it difficult for Gill to settle. If the Kiwi pacer finds his rhythm, MI could get an early breakthrough and put GT on the back foot.
#3 Rohit Sharma vs Rashid Khan
Rohit Sharma’s experience and aggression at the top will be crucial for MI, but he will have to navigate the threat of Rashid Khan. The Afghan spin wizard has a stellar record against the Indian opener, dismissing him four times in T20 cricket while restricting him to a modest strike rate of 120.
Rashid’s variations and ability to control the middle overs could prove decisive in limiting MI’s scoring rate. If he can get the better of Rohit once again, GT will gain a significant advantage in this blockbuster contest.
