3 Weaknesses Of GT That Hardik Pandya's RCB Can Expose In IPL 2025 Match 9

Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com]

The rivalry between Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans adds another intriguing chapter in IPL 2025, with both teams looking to bounce back from disappointing season openers. MI's defeat to Chennai Super Kings and GT's loss to Punjab Kings have set the stage for a crucial early-season encounter where neither team can afford another setback.

While GT posted an impressive 232 runs against Punjab Kings, it wasn't enough to secure victory, revealing critical vulnerabilities that a tactically astute MI side could exploit. For Mumbai Indians, who struggled to reach 155 against CSK, targeting these weaknesses could be the key to kickstarting their campaign.

1. Death Bowling Vulnerability

GT's bowling attack showed alarming fragility against Punjab Kings, leaking runs at an economy rate of 11.19. Even star bowler Rashid Khan was expensive, conceding 48 runs in his 4 overs at an economy of 12.00, while Kagiso Rabada went for 41 runs in 4 overs.

How MI Can Exploit This Weakness:

• Position power-hitters like Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma to target GT's bowling in the death overs
• Preserve wickets in the middle phase to launch an all-out assault in the final 5 overs
• Implement aggressive running between wickets to put pressure on GT's fielding unit

2. Over-Dependence on Top-Order Batting

GT's batting performance against Punjab revealed a heavy reliance on their top three batters, with Sai Sudharsan (74), Jos Buttler (54), and Sherfane Rutherford (46) scoring 174 of their 232 runs. If these key players are dismissed early, their middle order could struggle to maintain momentum.

How MI Can Exploit This Weakness:

• Deploy Vignesh Puthur (3/32 vs CSK) with specific plans against GT's top order
• Set attacking fields during the powerplay to disrupt GT's batting strategy
• Implement a spin-choke strategy in the middle overs if top batters are dismissed early

3. Field Placement Inefficiency

Despite achieving a reasonable dot ball percentage (31.75%) with the ball, GT still conceded 31 boundaries (22 fours, 16 sixes), indicating significant issues with their field placements and defensive plans. This disconnect between creating pressure and preventing boundaries could prove costly.

How MI Can Exploit This Weakness:

• Implement strategic shot selection targeting GT's boundary-rider positions
• Use Mumbai's experienced batting lineup to manipulate field placements through sweeps and paddle shots against spinners
• Focus on consistent strike rotation to force field changes
• Target Rashid Khan's bowling with right-handed batters like Surya Kumar Yadav who excel against spin

For Mumbai Indians, this match represents more than just an opportunity to open their account—it's a chance to expose the vulnerabilities in a GT side that, despite their batting firepower, showed critical weaknesses in their bowling strategy. If MI can dismiss GT's top order early and then capitalize on their death bowling issues, they could well inflict another defeat on their opponents and gain vital momentum in the early stages of IPL 2025.

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