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Last-ball heroics help Titans defeat Mumbai in tense three-wicket win

Gujarat Titans pulled off a nail-biting win off the final ball in a high-octane clash against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, capping off a rollercoaster contest brimming with drama. Despite multiple rain interruptions and a few anxious moments, GT held their composure to emerge victorious, silencing the home crowd in a thrilling IPL 2025 encounter. The match had its fair share of twists and turns, beginning with Gujarat Titans’ early struggles in the field. Three dropped catches in the powerplay handed lifelines to the Mumbai batters, notably Will Jacks, who made full use of his reprieves. Jacks, dropped on 0 and 29, went on to hammer a fluent 53 off 35 balls, studded with five fours and three sixes. Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with a brisk 34, but the rest of the Mumbai lineup failed to capitalise, as Gujarat’s spinners staged a remarkable turnaround. Spin stalwart Rashid Khan (1/21) found his rhythm and paired well with Sai Kishore (2/34) to stifle the scoring and dismantle the middle order. Their relentless pressure saw Mumbai slide from a strong position to a below-par total of 155/8. Captain Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma fell cheaply, with Pandya offering a soft return catch off Kishore, while Tilak mistimed one to Shubman Gill off Gerald Coetzee. The innings began with Mohammed Siraj (1/29) striking early, removing Ryan Rickelton for just two runs. However, Gujarat’s fielding woes quickly surfaced as B Sai Sudharsan, after taking a stunning catch to dismiss Rickelton, spilled an easy chance offered by Jacks. Arshad Khan (1/18) bowled tightly and accounted for Rohit Sharma, who never looked settled and miscued to mid-off. Suryakumar dazzled briefly, dispatching two elegant straight drives off Prasidh Krishna (1/37), but a dropped catch by Sai Kishore allowed him to extend his stay. Siraj too missed a sitter off Jacks at mid-wicket. Had those chances been taken, Mumbai could’ve been reeling at 25/4 inside the powerplay. Instead, they rallied to 56/2 by the end of six overs. Rashid Khan’s guile finally turned the tide as he dismissed Jacks, who had been visibly uncomfortable against his variations. Rashid was also unfortunate with two unsuccessful DRS calls. Despite a final push from Corbin Bosch, whose 27 off 22 included two towering sixes, Mumbai’s total remained within Gujarat’s reach—and just enough for them to clinch a dramatic win.

07 May,2025 12:54 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic: IPL/X

MI vs GT: Nerve-wracking finish sees Gujarat Titans beat MI by three wickets

Gujarat Titans pulled off a nail-biting win off the final ball in a high-octane clash against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, capping off a rollercoaster contest brimming with drama. Despite multiple rain interruptions and a few anxious moments, GT held their composure to emerge victorious, silencing the home crowd in a thrilling IPL 2025 encounter. The match had its fair share of twists and turns, beginning with Gujarat Titans’ early struggles in the field. Three dropped catches in the powerplay handed lifelines to the Mumbai batters, notably Will Jacks, who made full use of his reprieves. Jacks, dropped on 0 and 29, went on to hammer a fluent 53 off 35 balls, studded with five fours and three sixes. Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with a brisk 34, but the rest of the Mumbai lineup failed to capitalize, as Gujarat’s spinners staged a remarkable turnaround. Titans had earlier opted to field first against Mumbai Indians, aiming to neutralise the formidable MI batting unit and chase down the target with minimal pressure. With both teams emerging as strong contenders for the playoffs, the outcome of this encounter could significantly shape the final league standings. Mumbai Indians, currently placed third on the points table, boast the best Net Run Rate in the competition. With just two victories required from their remaining three fixtures, the five-time champions are well-positioned to secure a direct entry into the playoffs. Adding to their advantage, two of these matches will be played at home, where MI have won four out of five games this season, a testament to their stronghold in familiar conditions. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans, sitting in fourth place, have four games remaining. Two of those will be hosted in Ahmedabad, where the Shubman Gill-led outfit has also enjoyed an impressive home record, claiming four wins from five outings. The equation is simple for GT, two more victories will likely seal their spot in the playoffs. The Titans’ batting strength lies in their top-order trio: B Sai Sudharsan (504 runs), Jos Buttler (470), and skipper Shubman Gill (465), who have consistently powered the team to commanding totals. However, this match presents a stiff challenge, as they face what is arguably the tournament's most lethal bowling lineup. MI’s attack, spearheaded by Trent Boult (16 wickets), supported by Hardik Pandya (13), Jasprit Bumrah (11), and Deepak Chahar (9), has effectively stifled even the strongest batting sides. MI vs GT, IPL 2025 live updates: Full teams Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya (c), Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Robin Minz (wk), Ryan Rickelton (wk), Shrijith Krishnan (wk), Bevon Jacobs, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Will Jacks, Mitchell Santner, Raj Angad Bawa, Raghu Sharma, Corbin Bosch, Trent Boult, Karn Sharma, Deepak Chahar, Ashwani Kumar, Reece Topley, VS Penmetsa, Arjun Tendulkar, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Jasprit Bumrah. Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Kumar Kushagra (wk), Anuj Rawat (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Nishant Sidhu, Mahipal Lomror, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Arshad Khan, R Sai Kishore, Jayant Yadav, Karim Janat, B Sai Sudharsan, Dasun Shanaka, Shahrukh Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gerald Coetzee, Gurnoor Singh Brar, Ishant Sharma, Kulwant Khejroliya, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan MI vs GT, IPL 2025 live updates: Toss Gujarat Titans won the toss and opted to bowl first MI vs GT, IPL 2025 live updates: Playing XIs Mumbai Indians: Ryan Rickelton(w), Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Arshad Khan, Gerald Coetzee, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna MI vs GT, IPL 2025 live updates: Match begins! Gujarat Titans clinch victory off the final delivery in a game packed with drama! Wankhede left shell-shocked as Hardik Pandya misses a crucial run-out chance, and the Titans survive in a thrilling finish. GT: 147/7 Rahul Tewatia takes strike against Deepak Chahar in a high-stakes showdown! With only four fielders allowed outside the circle due to the over-rate penalty, this promises to be a thrilling finish GT: 132/6 (18) Trent Boult delivers a crucial breakthrough for Mumbai, dismissing the in-form Sherfane Rutherford and putting Gujarat Titans under pressure in their chase. With the target in sight, GT now require 38 runs from the final 24 deliveries. Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia are at the crease, tasked with steering their side home. GT 118/4 (16) The players return to the field after a brief rain interruption, with Shubman Gill and Sherfane Rutherford set to continue Gujarat Titans’ chase. Jasprit Bumrah takes charge with the ball for Mumbai Indians. Shortly after, GT opt for a Strategic Time-Out, a timely decision, as the rain begins to intensify once again. The umpires quickly call for the covers, and the groundsmen scramble to protect the pitch. GT: 107/2 (14) Before the interruption, Gujarat Titans had scored 13 runs off the 14th over, pushing themselves eight runs ahead of the DLS par score. GT: 107/2 (14) Meanwhile, a significant twist unfolds as Jos Buttler is dismissed after the original 'Not Out' call is overturned via review. The crucial partnership is broken, handing MI a vital breakthrough just when the Titans were settling in. Interestingly, it’s concussion substitute Ashwani Kumar who delivers the breakthrough, conceding only three runs in the over. The updated DLS par score stands at 84/2, adding further drama to an already nail-biting contest. GT: 79/2 (12) GT are 68/1 after 10 overs, just one run ahead of the DLS par score of 67. The game is progressing smoothly, and we're in for an exciting finish. Rain could have a big impact tonight. GT 68/1 (10) Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler have been playing cautiously in the light drizzle, aware that losing a wicket could cause problems under the DLS method. GT 29/1 (6) Bumrah delivers another brilliant over, conceding just 2 runs, maintaining relentless pressure. Shubman Gill is struggling badly, managing only 11 runs off 20 balls so far. GT 21/1 (5) Mumbai Indians continue to suffocate the Gujarat batters, with Trent Boult also keeping it tight, giving away just 6 runs in his second over. With only 2 overs left in the powerplay, Gujarat urgently needs boundaries to break free. GT 19/1 (4) Trent Boult produces a sensational moment of magic! An outstanding piece of bowling, Boult's delivery was pure class, leaving fans and batters alike in awe. It was a reminder of his elite skill and ability to shift momentum instantly. Simply put, it was top-drawer cricket from one of the game’s finest left-arm pacers GT: 6/1 (1.2) Deepak Chahar begins with a tidy first over, conceding just six runs, including a boundary off the very first delivery. It was a composed and disciplined start from the Chennai pacer, keeping the pressure on from the outset. GT: 6/0 (1) Corbin Bosch provided a late flourish for Mumbai, smashing two massive sixes off Prasidh Krishna in the final over to push the total past the 150-run mark. MI: 155/8 (20) Rashid Khan maintained a stranglehold on the innings, conceding only four runs in a miserly 18th over, as Gujarat Titans kept firm control over the hosts. MI: 129/7 (18) Prasidh Krishna opened his account for the evening by dismissing Naman Dhir, reducing Mumbai Indians to seven down. MI: 125/7 (17) Corbin Bosch joins Naman Dhir at the crease as the duo looks to spark a recovery for Mumbai against a dominant Gujarat Titans attack. MI: 123/6 (16) Prasidh Krishna delivers a disciplined over, keeping the pressure firmly on Mumbai Indians. The home side has now lost four wickets in the last five overs, derailing their earlier momentum. MI: 116/6 (15) Mumbai Indians looked in control until the 10th over, but their momentum took a sharp hit with the quick dismissals of Suryakumar Yadav, Will Jacks, and captain Hardik Pandya. The sudden collapse has put them on the back foot. Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir are now tasked with stabilizing the innings. MI 111-5 (13) Skipper Hardik Pandya falls cheaply, adding to the hosts' troubles as they lose three wickets in rapid succession. Sai Kishore once again provides a crucial breakthrough for the Titans. MI: 106/5 (12.3) Rashid Khan breaks the partnership by claiming the key wicket of a well-set Will Jacks, who departs after a solid 53 off 35 balls for Mumbai Indians. MI: 103/4 (11.4) Will Jacks, riding his luck throughout the evening, finally brings up his half-century with a six off Sai Kishore. However, Kishore strikes back immediately, dismissing Suryakumar Yadav in the same over. Tilak Varma, the left-hander, walks in to join the action. MI 99/3 (11) Mumbai Indians' Will Jacks and Suryakumar Yadav are making the most of their chances, with Gujarat Titans having dropped three catches during the powerplay. MI 56/2 (6) Mumbai Indians lose Rohit Sharma to Arshad Khan, slipping to 27 for 2 at the end of four overs. MI: 26/2 (3.3) Mohammed Siraj strikes early to give Gujarat Titans their first breakthrough, dismissing Ryan Rickelton in the opening over. Will Jacks now joins Rohit Sharma at the crease. MI: 6/1 (1 over)

07 May,2025 12:50 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic: IPL/X

Is fielding the weak link for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025?

Despite making a strong start, Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans were plagued by errors in the field during their IPL 2025 clash against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday. Three key dropped catches proved costly, with Sai Sudharsan failing to hold onto an early opportunity off Will Jacks in the first over. This was followed by reprieves from Sai Kishore and Mohammed Siraj, who also let slip chances to dismiss Mumbai’s batters. Will Jacks, who was fortunate to get these escapes, capitalized on the mistakes and went on to score a brilliant half-century. His knock helped the Mumbai Indians reach a competitive total despite the early fielding blunders. As a result of these mishaps, Gujarat Titans have found themselves among the worst fielding teams in IPL 2025, with a staggering 24 dropped catches after their first 11 matches. This performance saw them surpass MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings, who have dropped 21 catches, and the Titans now rank as the second-worst side in terms of missed opportunities. Despite their fielding struggles, Gujarat Titans have managed to keep their playoff hopes alive, currently sitting as one of the top contenders for a spot in the top four. Their seven victories and just three defeats in their first 10 matches have positioned them well for a playoff finish. However, the fielding woes remain a serious concern as they look to improve in this area. Rajasthan Royals, with 25 dropped catches, have been the most error-prone fielding side this season, and, unfortunately for them, they have already been eliminated from the playoff race. Gujarat Titans will need to rectify their fielding deficiencies if they hope to contend for the title, particularly as they now sit just below the Royals and CSK in terms of dropped catches. Looking ahead, a win over Mumbai Indians would not only boost Gujarat Titans’ playoff hopes but could propel them to a top-two finish on the points table, solidifying their position as a formidable force despite their fielding issues. With their top order in good form and the team remaining a playoff contender, the Titans will need to sharpen their fielding if they are to capitalize on their strong performances.

06 May,2025 10:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Corbin Bosch (Pic: AFP)

Corbin Bosch ends MI innings in style with a breathtaking reverse six: WATCH

Corbin Bosch produced a standout performance for Mumbai Indians in their crucial home match against Gujarat Titans at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Batting at number eight, Bosch provided a vital contribution to the total, scoring an explosive 27 off just 22 balls. His effort during the final overs was key in pushing Mumbai's total to 155/8. With Mumbai’s innings faltering in the middle overs, Bosch’s aggressive stroke play was crucial. He hit two massive sixes off Gujarat’s pacer Prasidh Krishna, with the second one being a spectacular reverse six over the deep third-man boundary, leaving the crowd in awe. I.C.Y.MI If the first one was good 😃, the second was even better 🤩Corbin Bosch's 2️⃣ outrageous shots for a vital finish 🔥Updates ▶ https://t.co/DdKG6ZnEXS #TATAIPL | #MIvGT pic.twitter.com/3XAMxFUL0k — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 6, 2025 Bosch’s late cameo was a welcome charge, as he helped Mumbai recover from a precarious 123/7 to a competitive total by the end of the 20th over. Unfortunately, his fiery knock was cut short when he was run out in the final over, after contributing crucial runs during a pivotal phase of the game. PCB's ban on Bosch for preferring IPL 2025 over PSL 10 Bosch’s IPL stint has, however, not been without its off-field issues. The South African all-rounder, who was drafted into the IPL 2025 season as a replacement for Lizaad Williams, has found himself at odds with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Bosch had made the controversial decision to leave Peshawar Zalmi mid-season to join Mumbai Indians, a move that did not sit well with the PCB. As a result, the PCB has handed Bosch a one-year ban, preventing him from participating in the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL). Bosch had initially been selected by Peshawar Zalmi in the Diamond Category for the PSL, but now, he will be replaced by Mitchell Owen. Bosch has since issued an apology, expressing regret for his actions. He accepted the fine and the one-year ban imposed by the PCB, acknowledging the consequences of his decisions. The 27-year-old all-rounder has promised to learn from this experience and return to future seasons of the PSL with renewed dedication and professionalism. Despite the setback, Bosch’s on-field performances have been a testament to his skill, and he remains a talented asset in the IPL, even as he faces this disciplinary hurdle.

06 May,2025 10:20 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic: IPL/X

Gujarat Titans pull things back after Mumbai Indians’ early charge

Gujarat Titans overcame early fielding lapses to claw their way back into the contest, thanks to a resurgent spell from spin maestro Rashid Khan (1/21), restricting Mumbai Indians to a modest 155/8 in their IPL 2025 clash on Tuesday. Despite a frustrating start that saw three straightforward chances go down in the powerplay, Gujarat’s spinners, Rashid and R Sai Kishore (2/34), tightened the screws in the middle overs, forcing a Mumbai batting collapse under mounting pressure. Will Jacks, who enjoyed two lives on 0 and 29, capitalized to score a 35-ball 53 laced with five boundaries and three sixes. Suryakumar Yadav added a brisk 34, but the rest of the Mumbai lineup faltered, including key figures like captain Hardik Pandya (1) and Tilak Varma (7), who failed to stand up when it mattered most. The innings began with drama as Mohammed Siraj (1/29) dismissed Ryan Rickelton (2) with a sharp catch by B Sai Sudharsan at extra cover, only for the same fielder to grass a sitter from Jacks shortly afterward. Rohit Sharma (7) struggled against the accuracy of Arshad Khan (1/18), who eventually induced a miscue to mid-off, safely pouched by Prasidh Krishna. Suryakumar offered a glimpse of brilliance with consecutive straight drives off Prasidh Krishna (1/37), but he too was granted a life when Sai Kishore misjudged a routine catch at midwicket. Meanwhile, Siraj missed a straightforward chance off Jacks, compounding Gujarat’s woes in the field. Had those opportunities been taken, MI could’ve been reeling at 25/4 inside the powerplay. Instead, they reached a respectable 56/2 after six overs, riding their luck. Jacks and Suryakumar stitched a fluent 71-run stand off 43 deliveries for the third wicket, but their dismissals in successive overs allowed GT’s spin attack, led by Rashid, to wrest back control. Suryakumar, who reached the top of the IPL run charts this season, fell attempting an expansive lofted drive off Sai Kishore, only to be caught by Shahrukh Khan at long-off. Jacks, troubled throughout by Rashid’s variations, finally succumbed by sweeping one straight to Sudharsan at deep square. Rashid, who was sharp and relentless with his line and length, was unlucky on two DRS reviews—one for impact outside off against Jacks and another where the ball narrowly missed the stumps against Suryakumar. Pandya’s soft dismissal off Kishore and Tilak’s mistimed stroke to Shubman Gill off Gerald Coetzee added to MI’s woes. A late cameo from Corbin Bosch, who smashed 27 off 22 balls with two sixes and a four, helped Mumbai push past the 150-mark.

06 May,2025 10:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
MS Dhoni (Pic: AFP)

CSK coach quells concerns over Dhoni’s fitness after his absence from practice

Fans who packed Eden Gardens in hopes of catching a glimpse of MS Dhoni were left disheartened as the Chennai Super Kings legend skipped training for the second day in a row ahead of their IPL 2025 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders. However, their spirits were soon lifted when CSK bowling coach Eric Simons confirmed that the iconic 43-year-old is fit and will indeed take the field in what could be his final appearance at the iconic venue. "Yes, he's expected to play tomorrow," Simons stated, assuring fans of Dhoni’s availability for Wednesday’s crucial match. Simons also shed light on Dhoni’s unique approach to match preparation. "With regards to MS, he knows his situation very well. He knows where he is. In terms of his preparations, he always works very hard at the beginning of a tournament and then allows himself to taper off because he gets himself in a space where he's ready. So no issues, he just knows when he is prepared and when he's not." Following an injury to regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhoni resumed leadership duties. According to Simons, the transition has been seamless and handled with the composure and insight that Dhoni is renowned for. "From selection conversations to tactics on the field to taking over from someone like him, what made it easier is the way that MS handles those moments. He's a remarkable man from that perspective, and it's been pretty smooth for him to step into the role again. Rutu is still around, still part of the conversations," Simons added. Although the five-time IPL champions were the first team to be knocked out of playoff contention this season, Simons emphasised that the squad remains focused and professionally driven. "Absolutely not going through the motions. There's been some really good work done, discussions around individuals and for us as a team. Obviously, we're a franchise that has a rich history of winning and doing particularly well." Despite a disappointing season, Dhoni’s presence continues to uplift the team and energise supporters, as CSK look to finish their IPL 2025 campaign on a high note.

06 May,2025 09:24 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondent
Shubman Gill (Pic: Screengrab/X)

Gill's frustration shows as Gujarat Titans' fielding falters in powerplay

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill showed visible frustration after his team’s fielding missteps during their IPL 2025 clash with Mumbai Indians on Tuesday. The match saw three crucial dropped catches in the powerplay, which left Gill exasperated and his team struggling to maintain control. So far, 3 simple catches have been dropped by Gujarat Titans. pic.twitter.com/MQ33rxHlpT — Vipul 🇮🇳 (@Vipul_Espeaks) May 6, 2025 The fielding troubles began early with Sai Sudharsan, who made an incredible catch to dismiss Ryan Rickelton but failed to hold onto an easier chance when he dropped Will Jacks. The woes continued with another missed opportunity by Sai Kishore, who let Suryakumar Yadav off the hook in the early overs. However, it was Mohammed Siraj’s drop in the sixth over that truly tested Gill’s patience. Jacks flicked a short delivery from Siraj towards mid-wicket, where the fielder inexplicably dropped a straightforward catch, visibly frustrating the Gujarat captain. Gill closed his eyes in disbelief, clearly feeling the weight of the missed chances. The dropped catches in the powerplay, a total of three in the first six overs, put Gujarat Titans on the backfoot. Both Jacks and Suryakumar were allowed to settle, with the pair capitalizing on the lapses. Had those catches been taken, it’s likely that both of MI's top-order batters would have been back in the pavilion, leaving the Titans in a commanding position. With both Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans tied on 14 points in the standings, the result of this match held significant implications. Whoever emerged victorious would not only surpass Royal Challengers Bengaluru to claim the top spot but also put themselves in a prime position for the final phase of the league. Mumbai, with their impressive net run-rate, would be hoping to extend their dominance in the competition, aiming for another comprehensive win. The dropped catches, however, turned the momentum in MI's favour, providing them with a crucial lifeline as they pressed forward in their pursuit of the top spot. Teams: Mumbai Indians: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (capt), Naman Dhir, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (capt), Jos Buttler (wk), Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Arshad Khan, Gerald Coetzee, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

06 May,2025 09:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic: IPL/X

Is a GT defeat the best outcome for RCB’s top-two finish?

Mumbai Indians, currently placed third on the points table, will have their task cut out against a potent Gujarat Titans side led by the young Shubman Gill when the two teams take the field at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday. Boasting the best Net Run Rate in the competition, Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians need only two wins from their remaining three fixtures for a direct entry into the IPL 2025 playoffs. Adding to their advantage, two of these matches will be played at home, where MI have won four out of five games this season, a testament to their stronghold in familiar conditions.  Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans, sitting in fourth place, have four games remaining. Two of those will be hosted in Ahmedabad, where the Shubman Gill-led outfit has also enjoyed an impressive home record, claiming four wins from five outings. The equation is simple for GT, two more victories will likely seal their spot in the playoffs. Mumbai’s recent form has been formidable, with six consecutive wins. During this dominant run, they have not conceded a total above 200, whether playing at home or away, a clear warning sign for Gujarat, whose success has heavily relied on building massive first-innings totals. That said, GT’s chasing ability remains a potent weapon. They have won all three matches batting second this season, each by a significant margin, a fact MI will surely keep in mind. With both teams emerging as strong contenders for the playoffs, the outcome of this encounter could significantly shape the final league standings. MI vs GT: IPL 2025 playoff scenarios concerning RCB Tuesday’s high-stakes clash carries implications not just for the two teams involved, but also for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who currently sit atop the points table. If MI win against GT Should Mumbai Indians emerge victorious, they will climb to 16 points and overtake RCB to claim the top spot, thanks to their superior net run rate. However, despite losing the No. 1 position, RCB may actually benefit from an MI win. With GT losing ground, the race for a top-two finish would become a three-way battle between RCB, MI, and Punjab Kings, rather than four contenders. GT would still remain in the race mathematically, but their path to the top would become significantly more difficult due to fewer points and increasing pressure. If GT win against MI On the other hand, a victory for Gujarat Titans would also take them to 16 points. If the margin of victory is substantial, they could even leapfrog RCB to claim the number one spot. This outcome would intensify the competition for a top-two finish, as RCB would now have to contend with three direct rivals, GT, MI, and PBKS. The table would look extremely tight with GT and RCB at 16 points, PBKS at 15, and MI just behind with 14 points and a healthy net run rate. In short, while an MI victory would push RCB temporarily to second place, it would simplify their path to a top-two finish. A GT win, on the other hand, would complicate matters by making the race to the top far more congested. Therefore, RCB’s long-term interest may be better served if Mumbai secures the win tonight.

06 May,2025 08:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic: IPL/X

Gujarat Titans opt to bowl first against MI in key battle of playoff contenders

In a crucial IPL 2025 showdown on Tuesday, Gujarat Titans opted to field first against Mumbai Indians, aiming to neutralise the formidable MI batting unit and chase down the target with minimal pressure. With both teams emerging as strong contenders for the playoffs, the outcome of this encounter could significantly shape the final league standings. Mumbai Indians, currently placed third on the points table, boast the best Net Run Rate in the competition. With just two victories required from their remaining three fixtures, the five-time champions are well-positioned to secure a direct entry into the playoffs. Adding to their advantage, two of these matches will be played at home, where MI have won four out of five games this season, a testament to their stronghold in familiar conditions. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans, sitting in fourth place, have four games remaining. Two of those will be hosted in Ahmedabad, where the Shubman Gill-led outfit has also enjoyed an impressive home record, claiming four wins from five outings. The equation is simple for GT, two more victories will likely seal their spot in the playoffs. The Titans’ batting strength lies in their top-order trio: B Sai Sudharsan (504 runs), Jos Buttler (470), and skipper Shubman Gill (465), who have consistently powered the team to commanding totals. However, this match presents a stiff challenge, as they face what is arguably the tournament's most lethal bowling lineup. MI’s attack, spearheaded by Trent Boult (16 wickets), supported by Hardik Pandya (13), Jasprit Bumrah (11), and Deepak Chahar (9), has effectively stifled even the strongest batting sides. Mumbai’s recent form has been formidable, with six consecutive wins. During this dominant run, they have not conceded a total above 200, whether playing at home or away, a clear warning sign for Gujarat, whose success has heavily relied on building massive first-innings totals. That said, GT’s chasing ability remains a potent weapon. They have won all three matches batting second this season, each by a significant margin, a fact MI will surely keep in mind. Ironically, it was just three seasons ago that Hardik Pandya captained Gujarat to a title win in their debut season. Now, in a twist of fate, he leads a rejuvenated MI side that has bounced back from a rocky start, including an early defeat to GT. Pandya’s versatility, contributing 157 runs and taking 13 wickets, has been central to Mumbai's resurgence, underlining his status as one of the tournament’s premier all-rounders. MI vs GT, IPL 2025: Playing XIs Mumbai Indians: Ryan Rickelton(w), Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Arshad Khan, Gerald Coetzee, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

06 May,2025 07:26 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
AB de Villiers (Pic: File Pic)

AB de Villiers bypasses former team in IPL 2025 power rankings

Former cricketer AB de Villiers picked Gujarat Titans (GT) and Delhi Capitals (DC) as the standout teams in the ongoing IPL 2025, in an interaction with popular YouTube content creator Abhyudaya Mohan. "If I could play a match against any IPL team right now, it would probably be against the best team. I've always enjoyed a challenge. Top of the log are DC and GT. I think of DC with Mitchell Starc, Kuldeep Yadav, and some good bowlers there, so I'd pick them. Challenging myself against the best... that's always been my outlook," said De Villiers while interacting with Mohan on Threads. Further, he praised Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) middle-order by saying he is not worried about it. Also Read: Is a historic IPL final berth on the cards for Shreyas Iyer’s PBKS? "It seems that way. But the opening pair of any team are the two that face the most balls. And when they're in good form, they seem like they're carrying the bulk of the pressure and scoring the most runs. I don't feel worried about RCB's middle order. There's lots of firepower with Livingstone, David, Patidar, and others who can have a big impact," said De Villiers while interacting with Mohan on Threads. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batsman Dewald Brevis is often called 'Baby AB', considering that his batting style is similar to that of the former South African cricketer. Expressing his views on Brevis' nickname, the 41-year-old said, "He doesn't like that 'Baby AB' nickname, and rightfully so. He wants to play in a way that earns him his own nickname one day. And he's got the ability and potential to do that". AB de Villiers has played for Delhi Capitals (DC) and RCB in the league's history. He is the seventh-highest run-getter in league history, with 5,162 runs in 184 matches and 170 innings at an average of 39.70, with three tons and 40 fifties. His best score is unbeaten 133 runs. Currently, RCB is enjoying the top spot on the IPL 2025 points table with eight wins and three defeats. The Rajat Patidar-led side will clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their upcoming IPL 2025 encounter. (With ANI Inputs)

06 May,2025 07:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shimron Hetmyer. Pic/AFP

Shimron Hetmyer misses cut in WI squad for Ireland, England ODIs due to IPL 2025

Swashbuckling Shimron Hetmyer, who continues to ply his trade in the ongoing IPL 2025 for Rajasthan Royals (RR), was a notable absentee in West Indies' 15-member squad for the upcoming tour of Ireland and England. With Shai Hope stepping up as the ODI skipper, the side's top-order consists of the likes of Brandon King, Evin Lewis and Keacy Carty. Young star Jewel Andrew has also made the cut following the stunning performance in last year's Under-19 World Cup. Later in the month, the team will travel to Europe to engage in three ODIs against Ireland, starting from May 21 to 25. The Caribbean side will later lock horns with England from May 29 to June 3. Also Read: IPL 2025: MI's top guns to face GT's three pirates at Wankhede Stadium The WI squad has the nucleus of players who were successful during home series wins against England and Bangladesh at the end of 2024. Interestingly, this will be the first limited-overs tour, which will also provide them an opportunity to focus on their team building for the ODI World Cup 2027. "These matches form a critical component towards the 2027 World Cup and there are signs of the team building consistency following the series sweep against Bangladesh and the win over England late last year," head coach Daren Sammy said. “We expect the conditions to be challenging but we are creating a culture and mindset which emphasise playing the brand of cricket that is taking us closer to some of our overall objectives," he added. Cricket West Indies (CWI) also announced changes to the coaching staff for the tour. Former fast bowler and 2012 World Cup champion Ravi Rampaul replaced James Franklin as the team’s bowling coach. The side will also utilise the services of former Irish all-rounder Kevin O’Brien as part of the coaching staff during the Ireland leg of the tour. West Indies ODI squad: Shai Hope (c), Jewel Andrew, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Justin Greaves, Amir Jangoo, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd. (With IANS inputs)

06 May,2025 05:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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