Jasprit Bumrah backed to dismantle Gujarat Titans' in-form top order during MI vs GT clash

Former India player Mohammad Kaif believes Mumbai Indians (MI) have a slight edge over Gujarat Titans (GT) in their upcoming IPL 2025 clash. The former cricketer stated that GT rely heavily on three key batters—Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, and Shubman Gill, but Jasprit Bumrah can get the better of them.

Mumbai Indians will face Gujarat Titans in Match 56 of IPL 2025 at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday, May 6. Both teams are tied on 14 points, but MI is ranked third due to a better net run rate. GT, with one match less, is just below them in the standings. This clash is key for both teams' playoff aspirations.

It's Not Easy to Beat MI at Home - Mohammad Kaif

In a discussion on Star Sports' "Match Point," Mohammad Kaif shared his thoughts on the upcoming clash. He said that the Mumbai Indians are tough to beat at home and are currently in form, especially with the return of Jasprit Bumrah.

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"It's not easy to beat them (MI) at home. Now they are in very good form. When they lost earlier in the league phase, Bumrah wasn't there. Bumrah has returned, and they have won six of their last seven matches with Bumrah. They have become a good bowling team," he responded.

Mumbai Indians won their recent six matches. They defeated Rajasthan Royals (RR) by a huge margin of 100 runs in their most recent game. MI posted a total of 217/2 in their allotted 20 overs before dismissing RR for just 117 runs in 16.1 overs.

It Will Be a Battle Between Jasprit Bumrah and the Top Three - Mohammad Kaif

Kaif pointed out that the Gujarat Titans' batting relies on Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, and Shubman Gill. He added that MI has a slight advantage in this matchup because of Jasprit Bumrah's ability to get the better of them.

"There are three batters in the opposition - Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler and Shubman Gill. This team is dependent on three batters. It will be a battle between Bumrah and the top three, and Bumrah generally wins against good batters. That's why I consider Mumbai slightly ahead in this match," the former India batter added.

Sai Sudharsan has scored 504 runs from 10 innings at an average of 50.40 and a strike rate of 154.12. Shubman Gill has amassed 465 runs, including five half-centuries, while Buttler has added 490 runs with a strike rate of 169.06.

GT Haven't Needed Their Middle Order Thus Far - Deep Dasgupta

In the same discussion, Deep Dasgupta also picked MI as the favorites. He pointed out that while GT has been in strong form, the middle order hasn't been tested much.

"Considering the form Mumbai are in at the moment and the team they have, it's difficult to look beyond MI, although GT have been playing very good cricket. However, they have a slight dependence on the top three. GT haven't needed their middle order thus far, but this will be a good test," he said.

"From GT's point of view, you want such a test. The MI batters and bowlers are in form. On paper, they are one of the best teams in this tournament. So I feel it will be a very good test for GT, but it's going to be difficult to beat Mumbai at their home, considering the form they are in," Dasgupta observed.

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