IPL2025 : Gujarat Titans outplayed Mumbai Indians with strong show by their bowling attack

 

Gujarat Titans finally opened their account in IPL 2025 with a convincing 36-run victory over Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad. Playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Gujarat bounced back strongly after losing their first match of the season. Despite Hardik Pandya’s return to Mumbai’s camp, the five-time champions failed to secure their first win, suffering back-to-back defeats. Sai Sudharsan’s brilliant knock and Mohammed Siraj’s early breakthroughs powered Shubman Gill’s side to a dominant victory.

Mumbai's Struggles in Ahmedabad Continue

This was the fourth encounter between the two teams at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, and Mumbai’s losing streak at the venue continued. Having lost their previous three matches here, Mumbai was hoping to break the jinx under Hardik Pandya’s leadership. However, Gujarat Titans had other plans and delivered an all-round performance to outclass their opposition.

Gujarat's Top Order Fires in Powerplay

After losing the toss, Gujarat Titans were put in to bat first. The opening duo of Shubman Gill (38) and Sai Sudharsan (63) made a flying start, putting up 66 runs in the powerplay. Mumbai got their first breakthrough in the 10th over when Hardik Pandya dismissed Gill at a score of 78. Following Gill’s departure, Sudharsan and Jos Buttler (39) added another 51 runs at a brisk pace. Sudharsan then built small but crucial partnerships with Shahrukh Khan and Sherfane Rutherford. Although Mumbai made a late comeback by taking three quick wickets in the 18th and 19th overs, Gujarat still managed to post a formidable total of 196 runs. Hardik Pandya was Mumbai’s standout bowler, delivering an effective spell.

Siraj’s Early Blows Put Mumbai on Backfoot

Gujarat’s strong start with the bat was complemented by a solid performance with the ball. Though Mohammed Siraj conceded two boundaries in his first over, he made an immediate impact by bowling out Rohit Sharma (8). He struck again in the fifth over, removing Ryan Rickelton and reducing Mumbai to 48/2 at the end of the powerplay. From there, Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav stitched a 62-run stand, but Varma (39) struggled to accelerate and eventually fell to Prasidh Krishna while trying to increase the scoring rate.

Prasidh Krishna Derails Suryakumar’s Fightback

Suryakumar Yadav (48), who had been struggling for form in recent months, showed glimpses of his old brilliance with some exquisite shots. However, he lacked support from the other end. Prasidh Krishna, who had an expensive outing in the last match, redeemed himself with an economical spell (2/18), applying pressure in the middle overs. His decisive moment came in the 16th over when he dismissed Suryakumar, all but sealing Mumbai’s defeat.

Mumbai skipper Hardik Pandya had a forgettable outing with the bat, scoring just 11 runs off 17 balls. In the final phase, Naman Dhir and Mitchell Santner added 36 runs to reduce the margin of defeat, but it was too little too late. Mumbai Indians finished with 160/6 in 20 overs. Siraj and Prasidh were the pick of the bowlers for Gujarat, both claiming two wickets each.

With this commanding victory, Gujarat Titans have gained momentum in IPL 2025, while Mumbai Indians find themselves in early trouble with two consecutive losses.