9th Match, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, March 29, 2025: Gujarat Titans (GT) vs Mumbai Indians (MI) – IPL 2025 Pre-Match Analysis
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is delivering high-octane action, and the 9th Match at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on March 29, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST is set to be a thrilling encounter between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI). Both teams are coming off losses in their opening matches, making this clash a crucial one for their campaign. In this IPL 2025 Pre-Match Analysis, we’ll explore the venue details, squad updates, player performances, ground conditions, and predictions for the winner, Player of the Match, and more.
The match will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket stadium with a capacity of 132,000. The game kicks off at 7:30 PM IST on Saturday, March 29, 2025, under the stadium lights, where dew could play a significant role in the second innings. This venue has a history of high-scoring games, with an average first-innings score in IPL matches around 190-200. The previous game here saw Punjab Kings (PBKS) post 243/5, while GT scored 232/5 in reply, indicating the potential for another run-fest.
The weather in Ahmedabad on March 29, 2025, is expected to be warm, with temperatures dropping from a high of 38°C during the day to the mid-20s by match time. No rain is forecast, but dew is likely to make the pitch more batting-friendly in the second innings, as noted by GT captain Shubman Gill in his pre-match comments about preferring to chase due to dew.
Squad Information and Player Performance
Gujarat Titans (GT) Squad and Key Players
GT, led by Shubman Gill, started their IPL 2025 campaign with an 11-run loss to PBKS despite a valiant chase of 243. Their batting showed promise, but their bowling struggled to contain the opposition.
- Probable 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.
- Impact Player Options: Ishant Sharma, Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Anuj Rawat, Mahipal Lomror.
Key Player Performances:
- Sai Sudharsan’s performance: Sudharsan scored 74 off 41 balls against PBKS, anchoring GT’s chase. He has a strong record at this venue, including a hundred against CSK in the IPL 2023 final. His ability to construct innings makes him a key batter.
- Shubman Gill’s performance: Gill scored 33 off 21 balls in the same game, getting GT off to a quick start. In IPL 2024, he scored 384 runs in 10 matches, and his form as captain will be crucial.
- Rashid Khan’s performance: Rashid struggled against PBKS, finishing wicketless. However, he has a strong record against MI, often troubling their middle order with his variations. He’ll be eager to make an impact tonight.
- Sherfane Rutherford’s performance: Rutherford scored a quick 46 off 22 balls against PBKS, providing a late flourish. His power-hitting will be vital against MI’s pace attack.
GT are likely to stick with their XI, though they might consider Washington Sundar as an Impact Player if they need extra spin options on a pitch expected to be two-paced due to its black-soil composition.
Mumbai Indians (MI) Squad and Key Players
MI, led by Hardik Pandya, who returns after missing their opener due to a slow over-rate penalty from last season, lost by 4 wickets to CSK. Their batting faltered, and they’ll be looking to bounce back in Ahmedabad.
- Probable 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.
- Impact Player Options: Vignesh Puthur, Will Jacks, Raj Bawa, Corbin Bosch, Ashwani Kumar.
Key Player Performances:
- Suryakumar Yadav’s performance: Suryakumar scored 29 off 26 balls against CSK, struggling against spin. He has only 119 runs in his last 10 T20 innings, but Ahmedabad’s flat pitch could help him regain form.
- Hardik Pandya’s performance: Hardik returns to lead MI after missing the first game. He has a mixed record at this venue, having faced a hostile reception from fans last season after leaving GT. His all-round contribution will be key.
- Deepak Chahar’s performance: Chahar took 2 wickets against CSK, showing his ability to swing the new ball. He’ll be crucial against GT’s top order, especially on a pitch that might offer early assistance.
- Vignesh Puthur’s performance: The left-arm wristspinner, who debuted against CSK, took 3/32 as an Impact Player. His mystery spin could trouble GT’s batters, especially on a two-paced pitch.
MI might retain Vignesh Puthur as an Impact Player, given his success in the last game, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s inclusion adds variety to their attack.
Ground Information and Tactical Insights
The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch for this match is a black-soil surface, which, according to GT’s assistant coach Parthiv Patel, is expected to be slower and two-paced compared to the red-soil pitch used in the previous game. The average first-innings score on such a pitch might be around 180, as suggested by Michael Clarke. However, the venue has a history of high-scoring games, with teams batting second winning 5 of the last 6 IPL matches here due to dew making the ball skid.
Stadium Lights and Dew Factor: Playing under the stadium lights, the team batting second is likely to benefit from the dew factor, often referred to as the “duke impression,” where the ball skids more due to moisture, favoring batters. GT’s decision to chase in their last game was influenced by this factor, and MI, who won the toss and opted to bowl first in this match, might have the same strategy in mind. The black-soil pitch could offer some early assistance to pacers, but it’s expected to get better for batting as the game progresses.
IPL 2025 Pre-Match Analysis: Who Will Win?
GT hold a slight edge in this matchup due to their home advantage and historical dominance over MI at this venue, where they are unbeaten against them (3-0). Their batting, led by Sudharsan, Gill, and Buttler, is in good form, and their bowling, with Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada, has the potential to exploit the two-paced pitch. MI, however, have a balanced side with Hardik Pandya’s return, and their batting, led by Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma, can be dangerous if they get going. The dew factor might favor MI if they chase, but GT’s familiarity with the conditions gives them a slight upper hand.
Prediction: Gujarat Titans are likely to win this match, leveraging their home advantage and strong batting. They could post or chase a total around 180-190, depending on the toss.
Player of the Match Prediction: Sai Sudharsan could be the Player of the Match if GT wins. His 74 off 41 against PBKS and his strong record at this venue make him a prime candidate for a match-defining innings.
Most Dismissable Bowler: Mujeeb Ur Rahman might be the most dismissable bowler tonight. While he accounted for Buttler in this match (as per live updates), he was expensive, and GT’s batters, especially Rutherford and Buttler, could target him on a pitch where spinners might not get much turn.
First Batting Team vs. Second Batting Team: Who Benefits?
The team batting second is likely to have an advantage due to the dew factor under the stadium lights, which could make the ball skid and favor the chasing side. Historical data supports this, with teams batting second winning 5 of the last 6 IPL matches at this venue. However, the black-soil pitch might make defending a total around 180-190 viable if the team batting first uses their spinners effectively in the second innings. MI’s decision to bowl first aligns with this trend, but GT’s batting depth could still set a challenging total if they bat first.
Conclusion
The 9th Match at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on March 29, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians is poised to be a high-stakes encounter. GT’s home advantage and batting form give them a slight edge, but MI’s balanced side and Hardik Pandya’s return make them a dangerous opponent. With dew likely to play a role, the team batting second might find conditions easier, but a strong first-innings total could shift the momentum. Fans in Ahmedabad are in for a treat as Shubman Gill takes on his former captain in a battle of pride and points.
Who do you think will win this exciting clash? Let us know in the comments! Stay tuned for live updates and enjoy the IPL 2025 action!
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