GT vs MI | Today IPL Match Preview, Playing XI, Dream11 Fantasy Tips, Pitch Report, Weather Forecast, Winning Prediction

Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians 2025: Clash of Rivals in a High-Voltage IPL Encounter

The Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians 2025 fixture promises to be one of the most anticipated early-season clashes in IPL 2025, not just for the quality of players on both sides but for the emotional baggage it carries. Saturday’s match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will mark the return of Hardik Pandya to the city where his relationship with fans took a dramatic turn last year. Booed at this very venue after switching loyalties from GT to MI, Pandya now returns as India’s dual ICC trophy-winning hero.

While Pandya’s comeback will naturally grab headlines, the larger focus is on the cricket itself, as both GT and MI are yet to pick up their first points this season. With conditions favoring big scores and dew expected to play a crucial role, this match could very well be a run-fest.

IPL 2025 Match Preview: Redemption for MI, Momentum for GT

MI had a forgettable start to their IPL 2025 campaign, going down to Chennai Super Kings in a match where their bowling and middle-order looked out of sync. Now, with Hardik Pandya returning to lead and shore up the side's balance, MI will hope to correct their early missteps. Pandya’s all-round presence is likely to bolster both batting depth and bowling control.

On the other hand, Gujarat Titans narrowly missed pulling off what would have been the second-highest chase in IPL history against Punjab Kings. Their top-order fired well, but the lower middle-order fell short. The Titans look dangerous on paper, with Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, and Sherfane Rutherford providing aggressive intent, but they remain top-heavy a problem that exposed itself last season and may haunt them again if not addressed.

Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report & Weather Conditions

Expect a classic flat Ahmedabad track. The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch report suggests a batting-friendly wicket with true bounce and a fast outfield. Historically, teams chasing under lights have had the upper hand here. Dew plays a big factor during the second innings, often making it hard for bowlers to grip the ball and defend totals. That makes the toss critical, and both captains will be eager to bowl first.

The weather forecast is clear, with temperatures hovering around 38°C during the day but cooling to the mid-20s by match time. No rain interruptions are expected, setting the stage for a full 40-over contest.

Predicted Playing XI: MI and GT Squad Balance

Both sides appear to be sticking close to their core. GT’s playing XI is likely to feature Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, and Sai Sudharsan up top, with the power-hitting of Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan in the middle. Their bowling is spearheaded by Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada, with Rashid Khan and R Sai Kishore forming the spin duo. Washington Sundar could be rotated in depending on match-ups.

MI’s playing XI should welcome back Pandya in place of Robin Minz. With Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Tilak Varma in the middle order, their batting has depth. Their bowling attack includes the swing of Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar, with Vignesh Puthur expected to be used as an Impact Sub after a brilliant debut against CSK.

GT vs MI Dream11 Prediction: Fantasy Tips and Players to Watch

When it comes to GT vs MI Dream11 prediction, all eyes will be on Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav. Gill’s 33 off 14 against PBKS showed intent, and on a flat deck, he’s likely to carry that aggressive momentum. For MI, Suryakumar Yadav needs a return to form, and Ahmedabad might just offer him that chance with its consistent bounce and short boundaries.

Hardik Pandya is a must-pick all-rounder he’ll bowl key overs and bat in crunch situations. Rashid Khan remains dangerous even when expensive, especially against MI’s left-handers like Tilak Varma. For GT, Buttler might open or bat at No. 3, and given his strike rate from that position, he’s a key pick.

In bowling, Vignesh Puthur is MI’s wild card, having taken 3 for 32 in his debut. Trent Boult’s matchup with GT’s openers could prove decisive, as will Rabada and Siraj’s early spells against MI’s top three.

Score Prediction and Match Outlook

Given the nature of the surface and batting depth on both sides, a total above 190 should be considered competitive. However, with dew in play, teams might need 200+ to feel safe batting first. If MI bowl first and restrict GT under 190, their chances of chasing are high. Conversely, if GT chase, they’ve shown the firepower to pull off big totals.

This makes the toss a game-changer. Winning the toss and bowling first might tilt the game significantly, especially given that six of the last eight games at this venue have been won by the chasing side.

Predicted Score:
GT – 198/5 (if batting first)
MI – 194/6 (if chasing)

Winning Prediction:
Despite the emotional subplots and MI’s star power, the advantage lies with Gujarat Titans due to their familiarity with conditions and stronger bowling attack at home. If they win the toss, GT will be favorites.

Interesting Facts to Watch

There’s no shortage of subplots in this Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians 2025 clash. Hardik Pandya’s return to Ahmedabad is charged with narrative this is the stadium where he lifted the title with GT in 2022 and was booed just a year later. Rashid Khan, another GT stalwart, plays against a team owned by the same group that backs his SA20 and MLC franchises. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, now without captaincy duties, has the joint-second-most ducks in IPL history, and will be looking to reset his narrative.

Also noteworthy is Buttler’s rare appearance at No. 3 only his second in over 100 IPL games. How GT uses him tactically will be fascinating. Lastly, MI’s bowling rotation, particularly how they utilize Puthur and Santner against GT’s heavy top-order, could define the outcome.

As the lights shine bright over the Narendra Modi Stadium, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a league game. It’s a high-stakes, high-drama chapter in the ongoing saga of IPL 2025, and it could very well set the tone for the rest of the tournament for both teams.