IPL 2023: 3 Key Match-Ups to Watch-Out in GT VS MI Match No.35

The grandeur of the Indian Premier League- IPL 2023 will grace the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as the defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) prepare to play hosts to the five-time IPL winners Mumbai Indians (MI) for the 35th match of the tournament on Tuesday, April 25. Regarding the head to head record between the two teams, they have only faced each other once in the last season. In that match, MI emerged victorious with a narrow margin of just five runs.

The current defending champions have triumphed in four out of their six games played thus far. In their latest match-up against Lucknow Super Giants, they achieved a remarkable victory, despite the latter requiring only 31 runs from the last six overs with nine wickets in hand. Nonetheless, the bowlers of the Gujarat Titans were relentless, causing LSG to falter and ultimately win the game by seven runs. Hardik Pandya played an impressive innings at number 3, scoring 66 runs off 50 deliveries. Even Wriddhiman Saha scored some important runs at the top of the order. Alzarri Joseph was not included in the lineup, with left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad taking his place and doing well in his second IPL game. As a result, we anticipate that the same XI will be chosen.

Mumbai Searching for Their Fourth Win

Mumbai Indians put up a valiant effort in their previous match, coming within the grasp of a win while chasing a daunting 215. Though they were ultimately defeated by a slim margin, the team managed to take away some encouraging signs from the match. Notably, Suryakumar Yadav shone brightly, delivering vintage innings and recording his fastest IPL fifty – an impressive feat achieved in just 23 balls. Rohit Sharma has also been displaying good form lately, with Cameron Green chipping in with a couple of half-centuries. However, Tilak Varma has emerged as the consistent performer for MI, racking up 217 runs in six games at an average of 43.40. In the bowling department, Piyush Chawla has been a standout performer with nine wickets to his name in six games. MI will be itching to reclaim their winning form and push forward with their campaign.

IPL 2023: Top Player Battles to Keep an Eye on in GT VS MI Game:

3) Ishan Kishan vs Mohammed Shami 

Despite being dismissed for just one run in the previous match against LSG, Ishan Kishan has had a decent IPL season so far with 170 runs in six games. While the low score in the last match could be due to various factors, it’s essential to understand that even the best players can have an off day. While he has been scoring runs, he hasn’t been able to produce consistent performances with the bat. Since a fast bowler dismissed him in the last match, he will need to be cautious of Mohammed Shami’s potential threat in the upcoming game against GT.

The opposition batters have found Shami to be a formidable opponent, particularly when he bowls in the powerplay. He has already taken ten wickets in six matches and is currently the second-highest wicket-taker for GT. As the leader of the team’s pace attack, he has showcased his exceptional skills with the new ball. In his past encounters with Mohammed Shami, Ishan Kishan played 29 balls and scored 34 runs without Shami dismissing him.

2) Suryakumar Yadav vs Rashid Khan

Suryakumar Yadav appears to have regained his confidence. In the previous game against the Punjab Kings, he scored his first half-century and is likely to carry that momentum into the current match. If he continues to play with the same intensity, the GT bowlers may be in trouble, as he has the ability to turn the game in favor of the away team. This season, Rashid Khan has been in top form, having taken 12 wickets in six games for the Titans. His bowling average stands at an impressive 16.58, with an economy rate of 8.29 and a strike rate of 12. As a result, he currently leads the team in terms of wickets taken.

Over the past five years, Suryakumar has faced Rashid on 19 occasions and has managed to score 28 runs at a strike rate of 147.37. Despite multiple attempts, Rashid has been unable to dismiss Surya thus far. The upcoming game will provide the opportunity for Rashid to use his current form and get SKY out for the first time.

1) Hardik Pandya vs Piyush Chawla

In the previous encounter against LSG, the Titans’ skipper proved to be a vital asset in securing the win with a magnificent knock of 66 runs off 50 deliveries, smashing two fours and four sixes in the process. Although his innings weren’t entirely seamless despite the half-century, Pandya managed to find some rhythm in the last match and will undoubtedly be looking forward to making an even more significant contribution in the upcoming game. He will have to face MI’s most successful bowler this season- Piyush Chawla.

The seasoned leg-spinner has proven to be a valuable asset for MI with nine wickets in the tournament at an average of 17.55, an economy of 6.86, and a strike rate of 15.3. He has shown an exceptional ability to take wickets regardless of the conditions and the opponents. As a result, the team will be relying on Chawla to get Pandya out cheaply.