The Mumbai Indians (MI) have always been the team that shows up when it matters most. And though their 2025 season has been more patchy than polished, they have still managed to make the playoffs, setting up a high-octane Eliminator clash against the Gujarat Titans (GT). It’s a contest that MI fans will be hoping flips the trend, given MI have not managed a win over any of the other three playoff sides this season.
Under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy, MI have mixed brilliance with inconsistency. Suryakumar Yadav has been their batting linchpin with 640 runs, while Jasprit Bumrah — despite missing the first four matches — has been lethal, picking 17 wickets at an economy of 6.33, his best ever in an IPL season. MI’s bowling attack, with the experience of Trent Boult and the control of Mitchell Santner, looks steady. But it’s the top-order that faces alterations on the D-Day.
Bairstow & Asalanka to slot in, but MI face tricky rejig
With Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks departing for national duty, MI will welcome Jonny Bairstow and Charith Asalanka into their XI. Bairstow, a seasoned IPL campaigner, is a like-for-like replacement for Rickelton and is likely to open with Rohit Sharma. The Englishman recently struck back-to-back fifties in red-ball cricket and brings aggression to the top.
Asalanka, on the other hand, is competing with Bevon Jacobs for the middle-order spot vacated by Jacks. The Sri Lankan’s part-time offspin and experience might just give him the edge, especially in a high-pressure knockout game. However, the challenge for Mumbai is the timing. A new-look side, with Bairstow and Asalanka walking in cold, will have to get going immediately in an Eliminator. There’s no scope for easing in, with a clash against PBKS in Qualifier 2 up for grabs.
Mumbai Indians Predicted XI vs GT – IPL 2025 Eliminator
No.PlayerNote1Rohit Sharma329 runs this season, 3rd-highest for MI2Jonny Bairstow (wk)Replaces Rickelton at top; twin red-ball fifties last fortnight3Tilak VarmaNeed to find form4Suryakumar Yadav640 runs – MI’s highest scorer in IPL 20255Charith AsalankaCould by a hard-hitter in the middle6Hardik Pandya (c)Needs big performance as leader7Naman DhirX-Factor8Mitchell SantnerKey spin option in middle overs9Deepak ChaharPowerplay enforcer; needs to silence GT top-order10Trent BoultKey match-up vs GT openers11Jasprit Bumrah17 wickets at 14.64 avg & 6.33 econImpact Sub: Karn SharmaGT have had Mumbai’s number this season — winning both league encounters — and hold a 5-2 head-to-head lead. But if there’s one side capable of flipping the script when cornered, it’s the Mumbai Indians.
Cricket 19 mins IPL 2025 Eliminator tickets: GT vs MI Playoffs clash in Mullanpur – Booking details & price guide on May 30Predicted MI Playing XI vs GT, Eliminator: Pandya to make Bairstow open with Rohit Sharma Inside Sport India.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Predicted MI Playing XI vs GT, Eliminator: Pandya to make Bairstow open with Rohit Sharma )
Also on site :
- UEFA final : PSG vs Inter predictions , lineups and free online live stream
- PSG face Inter predictions , live streaming and lineups
- Friday’s state baseball results: University tops Resurrection Christian to advance to 3A finals