IPL 2024, GT Vs MI | Three Players Battles To Watch Out For

MI will be up against GT in their season opener [IPL.com]MI will be up against GT in their season opener [IPL.com]

In the battle of heavyweights, Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) will go head to head in the fifth match of the upcoming IPL 2024 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 24.

During the transfer window, MI acquired skipper Hardik Pandya from GT, marking his first encounter with his former team. Additionally, Hardik Pandya assumed the role of MI Captain, replacing Rohit Sharma, which disappointed many loyal MI fans. 

Hardik's departure and Mohammed Shami's injury have certainly left big voids to fill in the GT squad. On the other hand, with Pandya's return, MI is looking like a formidable unit capable of outclassing any opposition.

Few players from both teams will face each other for the first time, while most of the others have already played against each other. In a short time, many on-field rivalries are brewing, and here at OneCricket, we list out the top three battles to watch out for in the GT-MI clash.


Hardik Pandya vs Rashid Khan

All eyes will be on Hardik Pandya as he takes the field in Blue and Gold against his former team. GT fans would want to see the back of their ex-skipper early. However, Pandya's IPL record proves how good he is with the bat. 

GT will deploy Rashid to dismiss Pandya early. The wily leg-spinner has dismissed Pandya twice, with the latter's strike rate against him being only 73. 

These stats suggest that Pandya has his issues with Rashid. But having played a lot against him in the nets in the last two seasons, the MI skipper will be better prepared to tackle the spin maestro. 


Rohit Sharma vs Umesh Yadav

Although Umesh was not at his best last season, GT will heavily rely on him to deliver with the new ball, especially in the absence of Shami. With the new ball in hand, Umesh will look to dismiss his old nemesis, Rohit Sharma. 

Though at the fag end of his career, Rohit looks as dangerous as ever. But Umesh has dismissed him on five occasions in the IPL. The Hitman has scored runs at a strike rate of 140 against the GT pacer, making it an even battle and one to watch out for.


Shubman Gill vs Jasprit Bumrah

The new GT skipper will be nervous as he leads an IPL team for the first time. Since he is expected to open the innings, he'll have to counter the threat of Jasprit Bumrah. The MI pace spearhead looked at the peak of his powers in the England series. 

He's always a threat, whether the new or old ball. Bumrah will pose a challenge for Gill, whom he has dismissed just once but has managed to keep quiet, with Gill's strike rate being 108.