Titans Tame Mumbai: Bowlers Shine as GT Stun MI at Wankhede

Mumbai : Gujarat Titans put on a clinical bowling performance to outclass Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in a key Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash. After winning the toss, GT captain Shubman Gill elected to bowl first — a decision that proved spot on as Mumbai struggled to get going and managed just 155/8 in 20 overs.

The Mumbai innings was derailed early as openers Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma fell cheaply. Rickelton was dismissed for 2, caught by Sai Sudharsan off Mohammed Siraj, while Rohit managed only 7 runs before edging one to Prasidh Krishna off Arshad Khan’s bowling.

The early wickets left Mumbai reeling, but Will Jacks and Suryakumar Yadav revived the innings with an attacking 72-run stand for the third wicket. Jacks smashed 53 off 35 balls, laced with 5 boundaries and 3 sixes. Suryakumar contributed a fluent 35 off 24 deliveries, hitting 5 crisp boundaries. Just as MI looked to shift gears, Sai Kishore broke the partnership by dismissing Suryakumar, and Rashid Khan quickly sent back Jacks, denting MI’s momentum.

The middle and lower order failed to build on the platform. Tilak Varma (7), Hardik Pandya (1), and Naman Dhir (7) all departed without much impact. Corbin Bosch added some late spark, scoring 27 off 22 balls with a four and two sixes, helping MI cross the 150-mark. He was run out in the final over while looking to push for quick runs.

Gujarat Titans’ bowling unit was well-balanced and disciplined. Sai Kishore took 2 wickets, while Siraj, Arshad Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Rashid Khan, and Gerald Coetzee picked one apiece. Rashid was particularly economical, giving away just 21 runs in his 4 overs while also claiming the key wicket of Will Jacks.

At the end of the powerplay, Mumbai were 56/2, but failed to accelerate in the middle overs, losing wickets at regular intervals.

GT’s playing XI included a notable change — Arshad Khan replaced Washington Sundar. At the toss, Shubman Gill explained, “We don’t expect much change in the pitch. We want to restrict them and then chase confidently. Rabada’s back but needs more game time to get into rhythm.”

Hardik Pandya, leading MI against his former team, said he was happy to bat first. “Conditions are tricky, but we’re confident. In IPL, one moment can shift a match. Discipline and focus will be key for 20 overs.”

The loss halted MI’s six-match winning streak and could prove costly in the playoff race. Though their bowling duo of Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah has been potent this season, it was the batting that let them down this time.

Meanwhile, GT’s bowling depth, led by Sai Kishore and Rashid Khan, once again proved why they remain a serious title contender despite recent form dips. The Titans now look to climb to the top of the table, overtaking Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Team Maverick.