Hardik Pandya Returns; Who Will Be Dropped? MI's Probable XI vs GT

Debashis Sarangi

MI will take on GT in match 9 [Source: AP]MI will take on GT in match 9 [Source: AP]

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On Saturday, Mumbai Indians (MI) will lock horns with Gujarat Titans (GT) in the ninth group-stage match of the IPL 2025. The much-awaited contest will be played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya missed the last game against CSK, as he was banned for one match due to an over-rate offence. However, the skipper is all set to return, which is why MI will make one or more changes in their playing XI. 

As they gear up for the riveting face-off against GT, let's see what could be their playing combination for this game. 

MI's XI In Last Match vs CSK

Ryan Rickelton (WK), Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, S Raju
Impact Player: Vignesh Puthur

Expected Changes In MI's XI

As Hardik Pandya is all set to make his comeback, he will likely replace either Naman Dhir or Robin Minz, with Rickelton, Rohit, Jacks, Suryakumar and Tilak retaining their places. 

While Naman Dhir contributed 17 runs and looked sharp with the ball, Robin Minz was a complete failure, managing three runs off nine deliveries. Also, considering Naman Dhir offers MI a decent bowling option, the five-time champions will likely prefer him over Minz in their playing XI. 

A Place In The XI For Vignesh Puthur?

Vignesh Puthur was magnificent with the ball against CSK, registering clinical bowling figures of three for 32 in four overs. So, with Hardik Pandya returning, MI could get him straight in the playing XI, swapping him with S Raju. 

In this manner, MI can empower themselves with three seam bowling options, including Pandya, and two potent spin bowling weapons, Mitchell Santner and Vignesh Puthur. 

The rest of MI's playing combination will likely be similar to what they had for the last game. 

MI's Probable XI vs GT

Ryan Rickelton (WK), Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Vignesh Puthur
Impact Players: S Raju, Corbin Bosch, Raj Bawa, Karn Sharma, Ashwani Kumar