Key Points
Hardik returns after missing opener due to slow over rate ban
MI includes Mujeeb Ur Rahman in playing XI
Both teams coming off opening game losses
GT keeps unchanged lineup despite defeat
Both teams are coming off a defeat in their respective opening games, and a win for one of the two sides will help them open their account in the points table. Hardik had missed MI’s season opener against Chennai Super Kings due to a one-match ban he received for maintaining a slow over rate last year.
Apart from Hardik, spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman is also included in the playing eleven, with Robin Minz, Will Jacks, and Vignesh Puthur, who took 3-32 against CSK on debut, making way. “The simple reason is we don't know how the pitch will play, plus the dew factor. It's always better to bat second on the black-soil pitch. Only last year we played on black soil; otherwise, we have been playing on red soil. Last year, we had the game under wraps but couldn't finish it,” he explained.
“The prep has been fantastic, the boys are excited and we back each other, be there for each other. Very happy stage. I come back, and the others we are keeping the options open. Always about playing good cricket, planning right and enjoying the game,” Hardik added.
GT skipper Shubman Gill mentioned that he would have looked to bowl first as well, and that his playing eleven is unchanged. “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, and if we are chasing it is about how to get to that target.”
“Plenty of positives from the last game; we just got slow in the middle and that cost us, but still, we managed to score about 200 runs in 14 overs. We have got the same team; might see one change with the impact sub. We want to have a lefty-righty (opening) combination, and Jos has been playing at three for England, so nothing changes for him,” he added.
Playing XIs
Gujarat Titans:
- Shubman Gill (captain)
- B Sai Sudharsan
- Jos Buttler (wk)
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Rahul Tewatia
- Shahrukh Khan
- Rashid Khan
- R Sai Kishore
- Kagiso Rabada
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
Impact Substitutes:
- Washington Sundar
- Glenn Phillips
- Ishant Sharma
- Anuj Rawat
- Mahipal Lomror
Mumbai Indians:
- Rohit Sharma
- Ryan Rickelton (wk)
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Hardik Pandya (captain)
- Tilak Varma
- Naman Dhir
- Mitchell Santner
- Deepak Chahar
- Trent Boult
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Satyanarayana Raju
Impact Substitutes:
- Robin Minz
- Ashwani Kumar
- Raj Bawa
- Corbin Bosch
- Will Jacks
Comments:
Rahul K.
Great to see Hardik back in action! MI really missed his leadership in the first game. Hope he can turn things around for them today.
Priya M.
Not sure about MI's bowling strategy here... electing to bowl first with dew factor is risky but let's see how it plays out �
Vikram S.
Shubman Gill's captaincy will be tested today against his former mentor Hardik. Interesting dynamic between these two young leaders!
Ananya R.
Excited to see Mujeeb in action for MI! His spin could be the X-factor on this pitch. Hope he gets some early wickets.
Sanjay P.
MI's middle order still looks shaky to me. Too much pressure on SKY and Hardik. Need more consistency from others.
