Mumbai: Five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians booked a berth in Qualifier 2 with a 20-run win over Gujarat Titans in the eliminator match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, keeping their title hopes alive in the ongoing IPL 2025 season.
Mumbai’s commanding total of 228/5 proved too steep despite a valiant effort by Gujarat’s young batting mainstay Sai Sudharsan, who smashed 80 runs, and a spirited 48-run cameo from Washington Sundar. The defeat ends Gujarat’s campaign, while Mumbai gear up to face Punjab Kings for a shot at the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Mumbai’s Batting Blazes Through Gujarat Attack
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Hardik Pandya’s decision paid off as Mumbai’s top order fired in unison. Making his first appearance of the season, Jonny Bairstow returned to the playing XI in place of Ryan Rickelton and struck a ferocious 47 off 22 balls, anchoring a fiery 84-run opening stand with Rohit Sharma.
Rohit, reprieved twice early in his innings, capitalized on his luck to hammer 81 runs, showcasing his experience and punishing Gujarat’s bowling attack. His knock included clean strikes down the ground and authoritative pulls, keeping the scoreboard ticking at an explosive rate.
Following the dismissal of the openers, Suryakumar Yadav (33), Tilak Varma (25) and skipper Hardik Pandya (22 off 11)* sustained the momentum with aggressive cameos. Mumbai’s batsmen collectively launched 17 sixes, turning the heat on Gujarat bowlers, many of whom lacked rhythm or control under pressure.
Despite some resistance from Mohit Sharma and Rashid Khan, Gujarat bowlers struggled to stem the flow of runs. The final overs particularly saw Mumbai batters go after the attack, adding 65 runs in the last five overs to breach the 200-run mark convincingly.
Early Setbacks Derail Gujarat’s Chase
Chasing 229, Gujarat needed a strong foundation, but their innings started on a shaky note. Shubman Gill, the captain, was dismissed for a duck on the third ball, trapped leg-before by a sharp in-swinging delivery from Trent Boult. The early blow derailed the Titans’ start and created immediate pressure.
Kusal Mendis (20) briefly threatened but was undone in an unusual fashion—hit wicket—while attempting an aggressive shot. As wickets fell, Gujarat’s hopes rested on the form of Sai Sudharsan, who once again delivered with poise and confidence.
The 23-year-old left-hander, already the leading run-getter of the season, played with maturity. His sixth fifty of the tournament came under tense circumstances, and his aggressive yet calculated stroke play kept Gujarat’s chase within touching distance.
Sudharsan stitched a crucial stand with Washington Sundar, who rose to the occasion with a fearless knock, notably smashing Trent Boult for consecutive sixes, momentarily tilting momentum in Gujarat’s favour.
Bumrah and Gleeson Seal the Game
Just when Gujarat looked threatening, Hardik Pandya turned to his most reliable weapon — Jasprit Bumrah. The ace pacer delivered with clinical precision, producing a deadly yorker that beat Sundar and rattled his stumps, breaking the partnership and Mumbai’s pressure valve.
Sudharsan, fighting hard, was next to fall. Richard Gleeson, the English pacer who has been a standout addition this season, clean bowled the left-hander with a deceptive slower ball that exposed the stumps.
The twin dismissals left Gujarat’s middle and lower order with too much to do. Despite late efforts from Rahul Tewatia (18)* and Rashid Khan, the target remained elusive.
Mumbai Bowlers Hold Firm Under Pressure
Mumbai’s bowling attack, led by Bumrah’s control, Boult’s early breakthroughs, and Gleeson’s variations, remained disciplined. Pandya rotated his bowlers tactically, never allowing Gujarat to settle into a rhythm.
Although Gujarat managed 208/6, it was a chase that always seemed to be slipping away once key batters departed. Mumbai’s strategy to hold back Bumrah for the death overs paid off, as his spell decisively turned the tide.
Sudharsan’s Brilliance Ends in Vain
Sai Sudharsan’s 80 off 44 balls, decorated with elegant strokes and daring sixes, was another shining chapter in his breakthrough season. He consistently played under pressure and showcased his capability as a future leader for Gujarat. However, the lack of meaningful support beyond Sundar proved decisive.
His dismissal in the 17th over was a turning point that shut the doors on any miraculous chase. Mumbai’s bowlers seized the moment, exploiting the slowing pitch and rising required run rate to tighten their grip.
Mumbai’s Experience and Depth Show
The result underscored Mumbai Indians’ depth, particularly in high-stakes matches. With seasoned campaigners like Rohit, Pandya, Bumrah, and the resurgence of Bairstow, the side looks in strong contention for a sixth title.
They now turn their attention to Qualifier 2, where they face a resurgent Punjab Kings, who have shown unexpected consistency this season. Mumbai’s vast playoff experience could be a key differentiator, but Punjab have momentum and youth on their side.
A Familiar Finish for Gujarat Titans
After a title-winning debut in 2022 and a runner-up finish in 2023, Gujarat Titans bow out in the eliminator stage this year. Their season, marked by flashes of brilliance from Sudharsan and moments of promise from their younger talents, lacked the killer instinct that defined their earlier campaigns.
Shubman Gill’s leadership, though promising, struggled with consistency in high-pressure moments. Questions around the middle order and lack of bowling execution will likely be reviewed as they look ahead to IPL 2026.
Mumbai Indians now move within one step of the final. A win over Punjab Kings on Sunday will secure their spot in the grand finale against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a team they have historically enjoyed a healthy rivalry with.
The victory in the eliminator reinforces the belief that Mumbai’s seasoned core, mixed with timely cameos from new faces, can deliver when it matters the most. While Gujarat Titans depart with heads held high, it is Mumbai who march forward, their IPL dream still very much alive.
