IPL 2025: Hardik Pandya Wins Toss, Mumbai Indians to Bowl First Against Gujarat Titans at Ahmedabad
In a highly anticipated IPL 2025 clash, Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya marked his return to the side by winning the toss and choosing to field first against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
Both teams entered the contest following defeats in their opening matches—MI lost to arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK), while GT, led by new skipper Shubman Gill, fell short against a rejuvenated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a high-scoring affair at the same venue.
Key Highlights:
Hardik Pandya Returns, Explains Toss Decision
Making his return after missing MI’s opener due to slow over-rate penalties from last season, Hardik Pandya looked composed at the toss.
“We will bowl first. The simple reason is that we do not know how the pitch will play, plus the dew factor,” said hardik pandya. “Only last year we played on black soil; otherwise, we have been playing on red soil. The prep has been fantastic, and the boys are excited.”
Hardik added that the team is focused on playing quality cricket, with an emphasis on backing each other and enjoying the game.
Gill on Batting First and Left-Right Opening Pair
GT skipper Shubman Gill was equally confident about batting first, stating:
“Batted first plenty of times here, so nothing changes for us. It is all about assessing the conditions and seeing what target we can set.”
Gill also mentioned maintaining a left-right opening combo with Sai Sudharsan, while Jos Buttler slots in at number 3, consistent with his England role.
Playing XIs: MI and GT Lineups for the Clash
Mumbai Indians (MI) Playing XI:
- Rohit Sharma
- Ryan Rickelton (wk)
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya (c)
- Naman Dhir
- Mitchell Santner
- Deepak Chahar
- Trent Boult
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Satyanarayana Raju
Gujarat Titans (GT) Playing XI:
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Sai Sudharsan
- Jos Buttler (wk)
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Shahrukh Khan
- Rahul Tewatia
- Rashid Khan
- R. Sai Kishore
- Kagiso Rabada
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
Match Context and Expectations
With both sides seeking redemption after opening defeats, this match carries early campaign significance. Hardik Pandya’s return brings added intensity, especially against his former franchise, Gujarat Titans.
The Narendra Modi Stadium’s dew factor and pitch unpredictability are expected to play a key role in tonight’s result. Fans are eager to see whether MI’s bowling strategy pays off or if GT sets a formidable first-innings total.
Stay tuned for live updates, match analysis, and post-match reactions from this blockbuster IPL 2025 fixture.
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