GT vs MI Indian Premier League 2025: As the IPL 2025 playoffs roll into action, cricket fans are set for a high-voltage showdown in Chandigarh on Friday, May 30. In what promises to be a blockbuster eliminator, the ever-consistent Gujarat Titans (GT) take on Mumbai Indians (MI) — the tournament’s most decorated franchise. But unlike previous encounters, this one is laced with unpredictability, absence of big names, and the weight of historical odds.
The Stage: Mullanpur’s Debut Playoff Game
Friday’s contest will be hosted at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh — a venue both teams are unfamiliar with this season. While the weather forecast promises a typically hot evening, the pitch and its unusual boundary dimensions could throw up surprises, especially in a knockout encounter where every moment matters.
GT’s Consistency vs MI’s Legacy
Gujarat Titans, despite missing out on a top-two finish, have no reason to panic. Since joining the IPL in 2022, they’ve been remarkably consistent — 37 wins in 59 games, two finals, and one championship. Their dominance over MI has been evident too, with four consecutive wins, including the crucial Qualifier 2 in 2023.
Even this season, GT has done the double over Mumbai. Their batting trio of Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, and Jos Buttler provided unmatched top-order consistency during the league phase. But with Buttler leaving for national duty, GT will have to rejig their approach heading into this knockout.
Enter Kusal Mendis, who is likely to slot in at No.3, providing a fresh dynamic. The team will once again look to the likes of Sudharsan and Gill to provide a solid platform, while Rashid Khan’s role becomes pivotal against an MI top-order that’s shown occasional fragility.
Mumbai’s Uphill Climb — and a Chance at History
The five-time champions MI enter this Eliminator as the fourth-placed team, which historically hasn’t been a lucky spot. No team has ever won the IPL title after finishing fourth in the league stage since the playoffs were introduced. Only once has a non-top-two team won via the longer route (SRH in 2016 from 3rd place).
Yet, this is Mumbai Indians — a team that thrives under pressure and has already shown remarkable resilience by qualifying on the back of six consecutive wins. However, their top-order options are limited with Ryan Rickelton, Will Jacks, and Corbin Bosch departing for the WTC final. MI has brought in Jonny Bairstow, Charith Asalanka, and Richard Gleeson, who were seen training ahead of the big game.
Key Battles to Watch
Trent Boult vs GT Openers: Boult has dismissed Sudharsan twice this season and has kept Gill relatively quiet in past encounters. His early burst will be crucial.
Rashid Khan vs Rohit Sharma & Tilak Varma: Rashid has a solid record against Rohit and has troubled Tilak and Hardik Pandya too. This middle-over phase could decide the game’s tempo.
Likely Lineups:
Mumbai Indians:
Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow, Suryakumar Yadav, Charith Asalanka, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashwani Kumar/Karn Sharma
Gujarat Titans:
Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Kusal Mendis, Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Gerald Coetzee, Arshad Khan, R Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Interesting Stats to Know:
Suryakumar Yadav has scored 640 runs, the most by any MI batter in a single IPL season.
GT’s top-three have remained unchanged through the league phase — a first in IPL history.
GT leads MI 5-2 in head-to-head, with a 4-match winning streak over the five-time champs.
MI’s bowling unit has been the best statistically this season — with a bowling average of 22.98, strike rate of 16.1, and economy of 8.54.
What’s at Stake?
For MI, it’s a battle against the odds and a chance to rewrite playoff history. For GT, it’s about reaffirming their post-Hardik identity and converting dominance into another final. With both sides missing key players due to international commitments, this Eliminator is as even as it gets — and unpredictability could be the biggest star of the night.
When: Friday, May 30, 2025 | 07:30 PM IST
Where: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Chandigarh
What: Eliminator – Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians
