The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has reached its boiling point, and the Eliminator match between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) is set to ignite the cricketing world. Scheduled for May 30, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST at Mullanpur, Chandigarh, this do-or-die clash is a make-or-break moment. One team will march toward Qualifier 2, while the other will see their championship dreams shattered. With GT’s recent dominance and MI’s storied legacy, this encounter promises to be a fiery spectacle that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
GT, under the dynamic leadership of Shubman Gill, has been a powerhouse this season, finishing third despite a late stumble with two consecutive losses. Their top order—Gill and Sai Sudharsan, has been a run-scoring machine, while their middle order, bolstered by Sherfane Rutherford and Shahrukh Khan, has plugged any gaps.
MI, led by Hardik Pandya, has had a rollercoaster season, finishing fourth. Despite their star-studded line-up, they’ve struggled against top teams, but their five IPL titles and knack for performing in clutch moments make them a dangerous opponent. This Eliminator is not just a match—it’s a war where only the strongest will survive.
The Do-or-Die Stakes
The Eliminator is the ultimate test of nerve, skill, and strategy. In this knockout fixture, there are no second chances. The winner advances to Qualifier 2 to face the loser of Qualifier 1 Punjab Kings, while the loser packs their bags and exits the tournament. For GT, this is a chance to reclaim their 2022 glory, when they won the IPL in their debut season.
For MI, it’s an opportunity to add a sixth title to their illustrious cabinet and prove their doubters wrong. The pressure is immense, and every run, wicket, and decision will be magnified under the bright lights of Mullanpur.
GT enters with a psychological edge, having dominated MI in recent encounters. However, MI’s history of rising to the occasion in knockout games—evidenced by their five championships—makes them a formidable foe. Hardik Pandya, returning as MI’s captain, will be eager to lead from the front, while Shubman Gill will look to steer GT with his calm yet aggressive approach. The team that handles the pressure cooker environment better will emerge victorious.
Previous Encounters: GT’s Upper Hand
The rivalry between GT and MI has been one-sided in recent times. In their seven IPL meetings, GT has triumphed in five, including both matches in the 2025 season. On March 29, 2025, GT chased down a target with ease in Match 9, showcasing their batting prowess. In Match 56 on May 6, they held their nerve in a tense chase at the Wankhede Stadium, with Gill earning Player of the Match.
Most notably, GT eliminated MI in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2023, a wound that still stings for the five-time champions. This history gives GT a clear mental advantage, but MI’s hunger for redemption could make this clash explosive.
Pitch and Weather Report
The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur is set to host this high-octane encounter. The pitch is known for favoring batters, offering good bounce and carry, which could lead to a run-fest. Pacers may find some early movement, while spinners, like GT’s Rashid Khan and MI’s Mitchell Santner, could come into play later as the pitch grips.
Historical data from the venue shows an average first-innings score of 167-173, with teams batting first winning 55.56% of matches (5 out of 9). Scores above 170 have proven defendable, but chasing is also viable, with four successful chases recorded.
The weather forecast is ideal for cricket, with mostly clear skies, temperatures ranging from 39°C during the day to 28°C at night, and a negligible 2% chance of rain during the day, dropping to 0% at night. This ensures a full, uninterrupted match, allowing both teams to focus solely on their game plans.
Head-to-Head Records
The head-to-head statistics paint a clear picture of GT’s dominance over MI:
| Matches Played | 7 |
| Won by Gujarat Titans | 5 |
| Won by Mumbai Indians | 2 |
| Tied | 00 |
| No Result | 00 |
| First-ever Fixture | May 06, 2022 |
| Most-recent Fixture | May 06, 2025 |
GT’s 5-2 record, including a clean sweep in 2025 and a playoff victory in 2023, gives them a significant edge. However, MI’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations cannot be underestimated, especially given their historical success in the IPL.
Eliminator Records
While specific eliminator records for these teams are limited, MI has a rich history in knockout games, having won multiple eliminators en route to their five titles. GT, despite being a newer franchise, has shown remarkable composure in high-stakes matches, reaching the finals in their first two seasons (2022 and 2023) and defeating MI in Qualifier 2 of 2023. This experience makes both teams well-equipped for the pressure of the Eliminator, but GT’s recent success against MI gives them a slight advantage.
Predicted Playing 11
Gujarat Titans (GT): Shubman Gill (captain), Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Gerald Coetzee, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Impact Player: Sai Sudharsan
Mumbai Indians (MI): Johny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Rohit Sharma, Charith Asalanka, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (captain), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah
Impact Player: Karn Sharma
Match-Winning Predictions
GT enters as the favorites, given their 5-2 head-to-head record and 2-0 sweep over MI in IPL 2025. MI’s struggles against top teams are concerning, with a 0% win rate against the top three sides (PBKS, RCB, GT) in the league stage (4 matches, 4 losses). However, MI’s playoff pedigree, with Hardik Pandya boasting a 60% win rate in knockout games (3 wins in 5 matches), makes them a threat.
The pitch favors batters, so the toss could be crucial, with teams batting first holding a slight edge. GT’s top-order consistency and bowling variety, led by Rashid Khan and Mohammed Siraj, give them a marginal advantage. However, if MI’s middle order, particularly Suryakumar Yadav, fires and Jasprit Bumrah delivers with the ball, they could pull off an upset. The match is likely to be a close contest, with GT’s recent form giving them a slight edge, but MI’s experience ensures nothing is certain.
The GT vs MI IPL 2025 Eliminator is poised to be a blockbuster. With GT’s dominance and MI’s resilience, this clash will test every ounce of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude. The Mullanpur crowd, with a stadium capacity of ~33,000, will be roaring as these two giants battle for supremacy.
Whether it’s Gill’s elegance, Pandya’s aggression, or a moment of brilliance from a lesser-known hero, this match will deliver drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. MI are slight favorites just by a whisker due to their sturdy bench strength.
Also Read: LSG vs RCB: Virat Kohli’s Historic 9,000 RCB Runs Define IPL 2025 Consistency