A heated Eliminator clash ensued at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Friday. A showdown that tested the might and resilience of all players from the Gujarat Titans and the Mumbai Indians. The tension went through the roof as for both teams, it was a mere matter of survival for the next phase of the tournament. After encountering countless instances of ebbs and flows, MI, under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, managed to secure a victory by 20 runs against the Gujarat Titans. 

See also: Top 3 reasons why Gujarat Titans Lost to Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 Eliminator

The five-time champions found themselves in a hell of a fight to secure their spot in Qualifier 2 against the Punjab Kings. Despite mounting a gigantic score of 228, MI were not out of the woods. GT tried to counterattack and on the back of a fighting 80 (490 from Sai Sudharsan, GT found themselves comfortably placed at 151-2 after 13. But Gleeson and Bumrah's tight bowling in the backend choked the life out of GT as they fell agonizingly short of their desired target by a margin of 20 runs.

As fate would have it, the win turned out to be a smooth afair for MI as they were successfully able to close out the game without facing major hiccups towards the end. But one has to admit, the game reached a point where the pendulum could have shifted in any which way. The partnership between Sundar and Sudharsan got the entire MI camp sweating, including their head coach, Mahela Jayawardene, who was frequently seen passing on instructions to the entire team, including Jasprit Bumrah at the boundary line.

Immediately after Jayawardene tried to intervene, Bumrah was spotted requesting the coach to relax and take it easy, appearing to disregard any advice he had to offer. The animated interaction between the duo sparked the imagination of Jatin Sapru, who was on air for the Hindi broadcast. He had to say the following:

"Bumrah is basically saying, 'Relax, I know my job well. I am here. You stay calm and just give me a chance."

Bumrah calms Mahela down:

pic.twitter.com/qzZegI5iII

— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) May 31, 2025

Rohit's whirlwind 81 (50) miraculously saved the day for MI as they live to fight another day. Their next big challenge awaits them in Ahmedabad, where they will take on a bruised PBKS in the Qualifier 2 match on June 1. 

In the IPL 2025 Eliminator, Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated the Gujarat Titans (GT) by 20 runs. MI posted a solid score of 228/5 in their allotted 20 overs, led by Rohit Sharma, who made 81 off 50 balls, and Jonny Bairstow 47 off 22, while Hardik Pandya chipped in 22* off 9 balls. GT's bowlers struggled to contain the MI batters. Sai Kishore took 2/42 in his 4 overs, and Prasidh Krishna took 2/53 in his 4 overs; Mohammed Siraj took the only other wicket with 1/37 in his 4 overs. 

GT chased 229 and managed 208/6 in their allotted 20 overs. The highest contributor was Sai Sudharsan with 80 off 49 balls and Washington Sundar’s 48 off 24. MI bowlers were led by Trent Boult with 2/56 in his 4 overs and Jasprit Bumrah with 1/27 in his 4 overs, with Sai Kishore and Prasidh Krishna contributing in the field. GT could not keep momentum going after Sudharsan was dismissed. While they made a good case, the total overstretched them. This victory for MI took them to Qualifier 2 against Punjab Kings (PBKS); GT’s IPL 2025 had a disappointing ending. Here are the key reasons that GT lost to MI.

1. Dropped Catches during Powerplay

Gujarat’s fielders cost the team by dropping three easy catches in the powerplay. The dropped catches off Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav allowed MI to get a start and build momentum. These dropped catches gave MI an ideal start and upset GT’s bowling plans. Such errors are costly in knockout matches.

Also Read: IPL 2025, Eliminator: Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans Full Match Highlights

2. Expensive Bowling in Crucial Phases

GT’s bowlers, particularly in the death overs, struggled to stem the run flow as MI made a massive total of 228/5. Both Prasidh Krishna (2/53) and Trent Boult (2/56) struggled with their line and length. They executed poor ball deliveries under pressure, and MI batters were able to get away for runs during the last overs due to ineffective bowling. The ability of the GT bowlers to defend important overs considerably tilted the match in MI’s favor.

3. Batting Collapse After Strong Start

After getting a solid 50-run stand from Sudharsan and Sundar, the innings lost its shape very quickly. The rare Kusal Mendis hit-wicket dismissal halted the momentum at a pivotal time. The lower middle order could not keep up with the run rate, which added pressure. Although there was a possibility of chasing down the runs, GT ended up losing by 20 runs.

In the IPL 2025 Eliminator at New PCA Stadium, Chandigarh, on May 30, 2025, Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) in an entertaining contest. MI scored 228/5 in 20 overs. GT fought but managed to get only 208/6 in 20 overs, falling short by 20 runs. MI won and advanced to Qualifier 2, while GT's campaign ended in this knockout stage. 

Mumbai Indians Innings

Mumbai Indians won the toss and decided to bat first. The team scored 228/5 in their 20 overs. Rohit Sharma was the star of the show with a stylish 81 off 50 balls, while national teammate Jonny Bairstow's quickfire 47 came off only 22 balls. Suryakumar Yadav added a decent 32 off 26 balls while MI took advantage of missed chances and sloppy fielding by GT. The Gujarat Titans bowlers made contributions by taking wickets as GT pulled wickets. GT Kolkata's Sai Kirshna and Prasidh Krishna took two wickets, while Mohammed Siraj picked up the last wicket for a total of six wickets in thirty overs.

Gujarat Titans Innings

GT's innings showed intent as they finished with a score of 208/6. Sai Sudharsan led the round with a good innings, scoring a classy 80 off 49 balls, while he was supported by Washington Sundar, who scored 48 off 24 deliveries. Kusal Mendis hit two sixes on debut before unfortunately being dismissed hit wicket for 20 runs, which is a very rare mode of dismissal in the history of IPL. Sherfane Rutherford played a part with 24 off 15. MI's Trent Boult, who finished with 2/56, and Jasprit Bumrah, who finished with 1/27, were economical for MI, and Mitchell Santner performed a role and removed the key hit wicket. MI advances to Qualifier 2 while ending the GT IPL 2025 year.

GT vs MI: Post Match Reactions

Rohit Sharma (Player of the Match): Rohit Sharma was pleased with his performance, particularly in an important knockout game. He acknowledged some luck with dropped catches but emphasized his goal to put a total on the board after he got in. Rohit was glad to be batting with Jonny Bairstow and also praised his aggressive approach, as well as the whole team effort to put a challenging score on the board.

Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians Captain): Hardik Pandya said the match could have gone either way, especially with the way the pitch was improving for batting in the second innings. Pandya was impressed by Jonny Bairstow's debut and enjoyed watching the "conscious effort" by Rohit Sharma to remain calm in his innings. He also credited Bumrah, Gleeson, and Ashwani in critical moments of the innings that helped them win.

Ashwani Kumar (Mumbai Indians): Ashwani Kumar said he wasn’t expecting to be used as an impact substitute, as the initial plan was to use a spinner. But he thanked his coaches Lasith Malinga and Paras Mhambrey for helping him focus on his strengths and sticking to the plan. He said when it came to those last three balls, all he was thinking about was not bowling any extras and trying to keep calm under pressure. 

Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans Captain): Shubman Gill said it was an exciting game for him, and "somehow nailing these small moments and getting results" is something "we didn't do" in the last few overs. Gill said that spilling three straightforward catches in the powerplay made it tough on the bowlers to build pressure. He credited Sai Sudharsan for his "consistently" good play and said that the team will take some positives from the match, despite losing. 

Also Read: [WATCH] Eliminator: Kusal Mendis falls Hit wicket in IPL 2025 as Gujarat Titans chase

Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians: Match Scorecard

Mumbai Indians – 228/5 (20 Overs)

Gujarat Titans – 208/6 (20 Overs)

In an incredibly dramatic moment during the IPL 2025 Eliminator at the New PCA Stadium in Chandigarh, Gujarat Titans’ (GT) wicket-keeper Kusal Mendis was dismissed hit wicket in the seventh over chasing a target against Mumbai Indians (MI). As Mendis faced off against a short delivery from Mitchell Santner, he moved back deep into his crease and inadvertently clipped the stumps with his back leg. He was dismissed for a quick 20 from 10 deliveries and became the third player in IPL history to be dismissed hit wicket.

Mendis was drafted into the squad as a replacement for Jos Buttler, who had to leave for national duty. He debuted for the franchise in this knockout encounter and endured a difficult day on field. First he dropped a catch each of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, highlighting his inefficiency behind the stumps. The dropped chances allowed MI to finish with a good score and put pressure on GT’s chase, knowing it was a do-or-die match.

At the crease, though, Mendis looked promising with the bat. When Shubman Gill fell first ball, he came in with Sai Sudharsan and attacked immediately. He hit two big sixes off Trent Boult and pushed momentum back into GT. The duo brought up a 50-run stand in just 28 deliveries, lifting GT's hopes before Mendis’ rare dismissal halted the surge.

Momentum with GT Despite Unusual Dismissal

Mendis' hit-wicket offered MI a brief opportunity to claw back into the game, but GT has continued to keep the scoreboard ticking. In-form Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sunder have now settled into the chase comfortably, exercising poise and power while MI continues to bear down on them.

Watch the video here

HITWICKET IN THE ELIMINATOR. 🤯

- Kusal Mendis just lost his wicket due to hitting the stumps. 😱pic.twitter.com/hwfMEqRdYT

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 30, 2025

Also Read: Armed Forces chiefs to miss IPL 2025 final honoring Operation Sindoor

At the latest update, Gujarat Titans are 108/2 in 10.2 overs. With wickets in hand and good batting depth, GT continues to be in a position to push for a place in Qualifier 2 and keep their IPL 2025 title hopes alive.

Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians got a strong start against the IPL 2022 champions Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator of the IPL 2025. GT fielders Sai Sudharsan and Gerald Coetzee teamed up for a stunning catch to bring the first wicket, as that catch dismissed dangerous MI opener Jonny Bairstow just before completion of his half-century. 

After Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya chose to bat first, Mumbai Indians openers Rohit Sharma and Jonny Bairstow provided a strong start with 79/0 at the end of the powerplay. They had an 84-run partnership for the first wicket, before Jonny Bairstow was dismissed in the eighth over after scoring 47 off 22 balls with the help of four fours and three sixes. 

WATCH: Brydon Carse took blinder catch off Shai Hope in ENG vs WI first ODI

Jonny Bairstow was dismissed after a superb work by Sai Sudharsan and Gerald Coetzee

Bairstow went for a reverse-sweep to the left-arm spinner Sai Kishore. Backward point fielder Sai Sudharsan, the Orange Cap holder, made a desperate dive to his left and pushed the ball towards the short third fielder Gerald Coetzee, who comfortably completed that catch to dismiss the English cricketer. It was a much-needed breakthrough for Gujarat Titans.  

Top teamwork 🫡

Sai Sudharsan 🤝 Gerald Coetzee

Jonny Bairstow departs after an entertaining 47(22).

Updates ▶ https://t.co/R4RTzjQfph #TATAIPL | #GTvMI | #Eliminator | #TheLastMile pic.twitter.com/Om1nYyNDAT

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 30, 2025

Mumbai Indians scored 228/5 

Mumbai Indians ultimately managed to score 228/5 in 20 overs. Rohit Sharma smashed 81 off 50 balls with the help of nine fours and four sixes. In-form Suryakumar Yadav managed another 25+ knock by scoring 33 off 20 balls (one four and three sixes), while Tilak Varma (25 off 11 balls; three sixes) and skipper Hardik Pandya (22 not out off nine balls; three sixes) played useful cameos to set up a big total in the Eliminator. 

As of the IPL 2025 playoffs on their way, Mumbai Indians (MI)  will be playing a crucial eliminator match in round 1 of the playoffs against the Gujarat Titans (GT) on 30 May 2025, Friday, at 7.30 PM IST. This is a crucial game, and pressure will be there. In an interview for Star Sports India, star Indian opener and MI's former captain, Rohit Sharma, elaborated on his mental preparations for this very important must-win match. The following highlights give us an insight into the mindset of a leading figure in cricket.

Rohit commented it was important to maintain a calm and focused approach, regardless of the stakes of the match. "Every game is important, but playoff games have something more to them," he said. "I try to keep it simple. I look at my recent performances, check for improvements, and look for strengths. It is simply a matter of being calm and trusting the process." This shows how Rohit handles pressure, which has been a hallmark of his leadership profile in cricket.

As part of his preparation for match day, Rohit described how he spends time reviewing his game. He stated that he watches the highlights of each match so he can review his dismissals and the deliveries he struggled against. "I always try to watch the highlights of every match," he said. "I can then see where I went wrong. Is it a delivery type, a bowler's plan, or my own mistake? I then noted where things went wrong and worked on them so I didn't repeat the same mistakes. It is about learning." Watching everything back in greater detail helps to improve his technique and execution.

Star Indian opener @ImRo45 opens up on how he analyzes his game ahead of the do-or-die #IPLPlayoffs clash vs #GT.

Will the #Hitman guide @mipaltan to victory? 💥🏏

Eliminator 👉 #GTvMI | 30 MAY, FRI, 6 PM on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/2vsQNQkcMy

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 30, 2025

Also read: RCB creates another record in IPL 2025 with unprecedented batting feat

Today's Match: GT vs MI

This match against GT carries greater emphasis. Both teams have been battling all season, where they both finished No. 3 and 4 and will be fighting in a knockout situation ahead of the final. Therefore, Rohit's invaluable experience and ability to direct or learn and subsequently adapt according to the exigencies of the match situation will be of great value to MI. Rohit's focus on building partnerships and rotating the strike at MI will be vital for MI meeting the challenge at the top of the order.

While fans and experts wait for the encounter with bated breath, Rohit's energetic preparation in his mind is a testament of strength and mental toughness. The eliminator match against GT is as much about grit as it is about talent - and Rohit Sharma's mindset may be the key that tips the scale in this pressure cooker.

Gujarat Titans (GT) play  Mumbai Indians  (MI) in the Eliminator of the IPL 2025 playoffs on May 30, 2025, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh. GT, finishing third, aims to use their well-rounded squad to move on to Qualifier 2, and MI, finishing fourth, seeks to overcome their poor historical record against GT to reach the final. The winner will move on to Qualifier 2, and the loser will be eliminated.

Mullanpur Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 10
• Batting 1st Won: 5
• Batting 2nd Won: 5
• Highest Total: 219/6 by Punjab Kings vs. Chennai Super Kings, 2025
• Lowest Total: 95 (Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings)
• Highest Run-chase: 177/6 in 19.2 overs by Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals in 2024
• Lowest total defended: 182/9 by SRH vs PBKS in 2024
• Average 1st Innings Score: 180
• Average 2nd Innings: 170

Also Read: IPL 2025: GT vs MI Eliminator - A Head to Head breakdown

Weather and Pitch Report

 The expected weather in Chandigarh on May 30, 2025, will be hot (28-32°C and 40-50% humidity), and no rain is expected. Dew may play a factor for the chasing side in the second innings because the ball may skid onto the batsman, and the bowlers may struggle for grip. The Mullanpur pitch will provide a balanced surface. It will be fair to the batters at the beginning and will assist the spinners later on, because it will probably be dry. Teams have preferred to chase, as three of four have been won by the team setting a target so far this season.

GT vs MI: Match Preview

GT approaches Eliminator 1 as a confident team. Having won three of their last five matches, including a 36-run victory over MI in Match 9, GT appears to have their batting lineup in a rhythm led by Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. They have gone above 180 in six of their matches this season, and they have a 66.67% win rate in those specific scenarios. There have at times been question marks surrounding GT's middle order. The loss of Jos Buttler for international duties may affect their top order. GT's bowling unit of Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj are still in good shape, although they will miss the all-round prowess of Gerald Coetzee, with Arshad Khan stepping in.

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Punjab Kings Lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1

MI also enters the encounter with three wins from their last five matches. MI has relied on their explosive batting lineup, which features Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, and they will be without Will Jacks for international duties, who scored a quickfire 50 in Match 56. MI's middle order has stepped up with the likes of Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma, but MI's batting faltered in some low-scoring games, which included their 155/8 against GT. MI's bowling has done a great job, led by Jasprit Bumrah and D. Chahar, who have been relatively economical at an 8.1-run average in powerplay overs. Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner have been Control bowlers.

On May 30, Gujarat Titans (GT) will take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2025 Eliminator in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. GT will depend on Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan because of the absence of Buttler. I have momentum after an earlier six-match winning streak, supported by veterans Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah. The victor of the match will advance to Qualifier 2, while the loser will be eliminated from the tournament.

Head-to-Head Record

• Total Matches: 7
• GT Wins: 5
• MI Wins: 2
• No Result: 0

Win %: GT leads with a 71.43% win percentage (5/7), while MI has a 28.57% win percentage (2/7)

GT vs MI: Key Matches

IPL 2025, Match 9 - March 29, 2025, Ahmedabad

• GT: 196/8 (20 Overs)
• MI: 160/6 (20 Overs)
• Result: GT won by 36 runs.

GT scored 196/8 due to Sai Sudharsan's 63 off 41 balls and some support from Shubman Gill (38) and Jos Buttler (39). MI innings rolled despite Suryakumar Yadav hitting a nice 48. Prasidh Krishna (2/18) and Mohammed Siraj (2/34) lead the way for GT. Prasidh Krishna was awarded the Player of the Match for his magical spell of bowling. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: GT vs MI Eliminator - Mullanpur stadium stats and preview

IPL 2025, Match 56, May 6, 2025, Mumbai

• MI: 155/8 (20 Overs).
• GT: 147/7 (19 Overs,t: 147, DLS method.)
• Result: GT won by 3 wickets.

MI scored 155/8, with Will Jacks hitting a half-century. Rain intervened during GT innings, requiring a DLS target of 147 in 19 overs. Rahul Tewatia (4) and Gerald Coetzee (6) played key roles in the last over, with Arshad Khan scoring the winning run on the last ball of the last over. Shubman Gill was awarded Player of the Match for his captaincy and contribution to runs. 

IPL 2023, Qualifier 2 - May 26, 2023, Ahmedabad

• GT: 233/3 (20 Overs)
• MI: 171/10 (18.2 Overs)
• Result: GT won by 62 runs.

GT set a daunting 233/3 with Shubman Gill hitting 129 off 60 balls. MI succumbed to 171 all out, with Mohit Sharma dismantling MI with 5/10. Shubman Gill was awarded Player of the Match for his match-defining century.

Mumbai Indians (MI) batting stalwart Suryakumar Yadav expressed heartfelt gratitude to his father, thanking him for everything he has done for him and his family. In a recent video, which has gone viral on social media, Suryakumar was mesmerized when his father's video was shown to a group of audience who had turned up in numbers to get a glimpse of him. Mr 360 highlighted how his father played an instrumental role in shaping his career from an early age. 

See also: IPL 2025: GT vs MI Prediction– Eliminator, Who will win today?

From preparing lunch to dropping him off at school, his father took utmost care of him, assisting him in every little aspect of his life. What he admired most was his father's ability to treat everyone equally, a trait that helped him instill a unique perspective about life. He further commented on his father's incredible singing talent, which made the audience chuckle for a brief moment. At the end of the video, Surya concluded by wishing him well for his life beyond his professional life. 

Watch the video here:

Suryakumar Yadav Giving beautiful speech on his father retirement day.🩵 pic.twitter.com/hl345SPMZq

— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) May 29, 2025

A background on Surya's father

Suryakumar Yadav's father, Ashok Kumar Yadav, has retired from his position as an electrical engineer at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) in Mumbai. He previously served as the chief engineer at BARC.

Ashok hails from Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, and moved to Mumbai for his job at BARC. His son, Suryakumar, began his cricketing journey in Mumbai, where he was enrolled in a cricket camp at the BARC colony in Anushakti Nagar at the age of 10 

As per emerging reports, India's newly appointed red-ball skipper Shubman Gill is all set to miss out on India A's second warm-up game, which is scheduled to take place on June 6 in Northampton. Prior to the start of India's red-ball tour to England, India A will face England Lions for a two-match series, starting on May 30. GT have officially made it to the playoffs and are slated to play their Eliminator match against MI on May 30. Should their road to the final summit end on that day, then it is quite plausible that we could see Gill feature in the second warm-up game. 

But if that were not to happen and GT progressed to the final, which would be played on June 3, embarking on a trip to England in the next two days could prove quite challenging. 

See also: IPL 2025: PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Prediction Qualifier 1 Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

BCCI's stance on Shubman Gill's participation in the warm-up series

According to a report published by the Indian Express, the Indian think tank has opted to provide Gill some rest prior to the start of the five-match Test series. The report highlighted that Gill may not reach England on time for the second game if his team qualifies for the final, hence the decision to give up some rest.

"India's new Test captain, Shubman Gill, is likely to miss the second warm-up game at Northampton, which will be played on June 6. Gill is currently leading the Gujarat Titans for the IPL, which has qualified for the qualifiers. The final is scheduled on June 3, and if his team qualifies, it could be a scramble to reach England in two days' time. So the team management has decided to give him some rest before the 46-day tour starts."

India will have a new leader in place for the upcoming five-match Test series in England. They will be without the services of two of their most experienced campaigners - Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli, both of whom announced their Test retirement leading up to the series. It will be a huge test for Gill as it will be his first series as a Test captain for Team India. 

His choice to emphasize strategic preparation rather than conventional practice reflects a deliberate strategy regarding the massive responsibility he now holds. The cricketing community will be observing intently to see how this preparation strategy translates to performance when India competes at Headingley on June 20.