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Table-toppers Gujarat Titans and bottom-placed Mumbai Indians are set to face off in their next fixture in IPL 2022 at Brabourne Stadium on Friday (May 6).
In this clash of the two extremes, Gujarat Titans – who are sitting at the top of the table – will take on Mumbai Indians – who are reeling at the bottom. The two teams will face off for the first time ever in the match no. 52 of IPL 2022 at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Friday, May 6.
Hardik Pandya, who was released by Mumbai Indians ahead of the mega auction, has led Gujarat Titans brilliantly, winning eight out of 10 matches. They have 16 points and a net run-rate of 0.158. In their most recent fixture, Titans’ five-match winning streak came to an end at the hands of Punjab Kings at DY Patil Stadium on Tuesday.
Gujarat Titans’ big guns failed on the day as they could only reach 143/8 while batting first. Sai Sudarshan was the only positive, who scored 65 off 50 balls. Defending a small target, GT got an early wicket but then leaked runs to Shikhar Dhawan and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Liam Livingstone hammered Mohammed Shami for 27 runs in an over to finish the game off in 16th over.
Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, are most likely out of the race for playoffs after losing their first eight matches in the tournament. Rohit Sharma’s men finally broke the jinx in their last fixture, beating Rajasthan Royals by five wickets at DY Patil Stadium on April 30.
Riley Meredith was terrific with the ball, picking 2 for 24 while Kumar Kartikeya impressed everyone on his debut with 1 for 19 in four overs as Mumbai Indians restricted the Royals to 158/6. Chasing the target, Ishan Kishan returned to explosive intent with 26 off 18. Suryakumar Yadav was exceptional in his 39-ball 51 knock while Tilak Varma continued his good form with 35 off 30. MI did have a scare after losing two set batters but Tim David’s 9-ball 20* took them home.
Key Players
Rashid Khan is by far the best spinner in the world when it comes to T20 cricket. The Afghanistan leggie, however, hasn’t had a great time in IPL 2022, picking only 9 wickets in 10 matches at an economy of 6.92 and average of 30.8. His overall numbers in the league remain elite, having claimed 102 wickets in 86 innings at an economy of 6.40. Rashid has produced impactful performances with the bat in the ongoing season, scoring 71 runs at a strike rate of 192.
Suryakumar Yadav is living his best phase of the career and carrying immense aura and class every time takes guard. The right hander has scored 290 runs from seven innings in IPL 2022 at an average of 48 while striking at 147, including three fifties. SKY has been very consistent in recent years, amassing 2023 runs since 2018 at 34 average and 139 strike rate. He’s coming off a 51-run knock against the Royals and remains a key player for MI.
Shubman Gill and his potential has never been in doubt but the youngster has taken quite a while to crack the T20 format. He started IPL 2022 in sublime style, scoring 84 off 46 and 96 off 59 in the first three games. But since then his returns have been very disappointing. If Gujarat Titans are to go big in their title hunt, Shubman Gill has to fire. And Mumbai’s attack serves a good chance to get back in form.
Jasprit Bumrah is lethal, he’s the best fast bowler in the world. But what Mumbai Indians are missing from him this season are wickets. The speedster has taken only 5 wickets from nine games and even though he has conceded at only 7.47 rpo, he’s averaging 51.2 runs per wicket. The former champions need him to step up. In his IPL career, Bumrah has 135 wickets in 115 innings at 7.42 rpo and 24.1 average.
Prediction
Gujarat Titans’ batting was their weaker suit but so far the likes of David Miller and Rahul Tewatia have stepped up big time. Hardik Pandya has performed brilliantly in the first half but has failed in the last three. Shubman Gill’s form has been a major concern. The bowling department looks good on paper but lack the smarts and can be taken apart.
Mumbai Indians have tried plenty of options in the ongoing season. The return of Tim David down the order has strengthened them, with Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma already in good form. Their bowling unit still has major holes but looks slightly better than before. Lack of wickets from Jasprit Bumrah has hurt the team.
Gujarat Titans have form on their side. They also have rapid pace and Rashid Khan, two things Mumbai Indians haven’t done well in the past. Expect Gujarat Titans to come out on top in this fixture on Friday.
