As the Tata IPL 2025 playoffs heat up, Gujarat Titans (GT) find themselves at a crucial juncture. Finishing third in the league stage, they now face five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the high-stakes Eliminator in New Chandigarh on Friday. This match is vital – the winner moves to Qualifier 2 and stays in the title hunt, while the loser bows out. With a major change in their top order, Tata IPL 2025 match predictions are now tilting as GT face a critical test without their star opener Jos Buttler. Sign Up Winexch to follow all the latest updates, streaming, and expert predictions on this knockout clash.

Before the tournament began, there were already concerns about GT’s middle order. While their top three – Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler – had delivered consistently, the middle-order depth was questioned. However, as the league progressed, GT managed to ride on strong top-order performances. On occasions when early wickets fell, Sherfane Rutherford and M Shahrukh Khan stepped up, showing the middle order was capable of handling pressure.

However, GT’s momentum suffered in the final stretch of the league stage. They were in the race for a top-two finish but lost their last two games and slipped to third. The bigger blow came with Buttler leaving for national duty. His replacement, Kusal Mendis, is talented but lacks IPL experience and hasn’t played competitive cricket for over a month. Mendis’ struggle against Mitchell Santner in T20s could also be a tactical concern, having been dismissed four times in 39 balls.

GT were known for building their strategy around their bowling attack, but that too seems to be faltering. Mohammed Siraj’s form has declined and Rashid Khan, once their bowling mainstay, has had a below-par season. In their last three matches, GT’s bowling unit conceded 199, 235, and 230 – numbers that don’t inspire confidence ahead of a knockout clash.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians arrive with a mixed bag of form. Despite being a team full of stars, their performances have been inconsistent. Suryakumar Yadav leads their batting chart with 640 runs, but the next best, Ryan Rickelton (388), is unavailable for the playoffs. Rohit Sharma has contributed 329 runs, but overall, MI’s top-order lacks the same depth.

Fortunately for MI, Jonny Bairstow is replacing Rickelton – a seasoned IPL performer with recent good form in red-ball cricket. While Will Jacks' absence doesn’t create a huge gap, the choice between Charith Asalanka and Bevon Jacobs could influence their balance. Asalanka’s offspin might give him the edge on a slow New Chandigarh pitch.

GT, however, will be motivated by their league-stage dominance over MI, having beaten them twice. MI also haven’t beaten any of the other playoff teams this season. Though they had a six-match winning streak, recent losses have exposed vulnerabilities.

Two key players will be under the spotlight: Rashid Khan and Jasprit Bumrah. Rashid is enduring his worst IPL season – only nine wickets in 14 games, an economy of 9.47, and 31 sixes conceded. Bumrah, in contrast, is in red-hot form with 17 wickets at an economy of 6.33, despite missing four games due to injury.

In terms of pitch, New Chandigarh has been unpredictable. Scores have ranged from 111 to 235, and in Qualifier 1, PBKS were bowled out for just 101. The Eliminator will be played on a fresh surface, with conditions expected to assist both seamers and spinners. Weather should remain dry, though cloudy.

Probable XIs:

GT: Gill (c), Sudharsan, Mendis (wk), Rutherford, Shahrukh, Tewatia, Rashid, Coetzee, Arshad Khan, Sai Kishore, Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
MI: Rohit, Bairstow (wk), Tilak, Suryakumar, Asalanka/Jacobs, Hardik (c), Dhir, Santner, Chahar, Boult, Bumrah, Karn Sharma.

With Buttler gone and Rashid out of rhythm, GT have big questions to answer. MI, despite inconsistencies, look more balanced. Still, past results favor GT. This promises to be a thrilling encounter. Tata IPL 2025 match predictions and live action, don’t miss out – Sign Up Winexch now!