The IPL 2025 season has started on a nightmarish note for Mumbai Indians (MI), as they suffered their second consecutive defeat, this time at the hands of Gujarat Titans (GT). In a high-voltage clash at Ahmedabad, MI crumbled to a 36-run loss, leaving them still winless in the tournament. The match was particularly humiliating for Hardik Pandya, who returned to Gujarat, only to face a crushing defeat against his former team.
GT’s Batting Blitz: Sai Sudharsan Leads the Charge
Batting first after being put in by MI captain Hardik Pandya, Gujarat Titans put up a solid 196/8 in 20 overs. The backbone of their innings was an exceptional 63-run knock by Sai Sudharsan off 41 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes.
GT skipper Shubman Gill also played a crucial hand, scoring 38 off 27 balls, forming a promising partnership with Sudharsan. Jos Buttler, another key player in the Titans’ lineup, provided an explosive start before falling to Mujeeb Ur Rahman after a quick 39 off 24 balls.
On the bowling front for MI, Hardik Pandya picked up two wickets, but his efforts weren’t enough to prevent Gujarat from setting a challenging target.
Mumbai Indians Collapse Under GT’s Bowling Onslaught
Chasing 197 for victory, MI’s batting lineup never quite settled. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj delivered fiery spells for GT, dismantling the Mumbai batting order early on.
The game started disastrously for MI as Siraj removed Rohit Sharma for just 8 runs in the first over and later dismissed Ryan Rickelton (6) in the fifth over. Although Tilak Varma (39 off 36) and Suryakumar Yadav (48 off 28) attempted to steady the ship, both failed to reach their half-centuries.
Prasidh Sharma, in a stunning spell, accounted for both batters, crushing any hopes of an MI comeback. Kagiso Rabada then delivered the final blow, dismissing Hardik Pandya for a sluggish 11 off 17 balls in the 17th over, sealing MI’s fate.
Hardik Pandya’s Tough Return to Gujarat
Much of the spotlight in this match was on Hardik Pandya, who returned to Gujarat as MI’s captain after leading GT to their maiden title in 2022 and another final in 2023. However, his comeback to Ahmedabad was anything but memorable. His bowling was ineffective, his batting lacked intent, and he failed to inspire his team to victory.
The once-dominant MI side now faces serious questions about their form as they remain without a win in IPL 2025.
What’s Next?
With two back-to-back defeats, Mumbai Indians are now in desperate need of a turnaround. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans continue to showcase their dominance, proving they are still a force to be reckoned with this season.
Will MI bounce back from this early slump? Or are they in for a long, tough season ahead? Only time will tell.