Rutherford, Arshad Khan Out, Phillips, Washington Sundar In; GT's Probable XI vs MI

Soumyajit Dutta

Gujarat Titans [Source: @gujarattitans/X]Gujarat Titans [Source: @gujarattitans/X]

Gujarat Titans are set to face Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians for the first time in IPL 2025 on March 29 at Ahmedabad. Both Mumbai and Gujarat didn't have their dream openings to their campaign as they were belted with a loss in their campaign opener.

However, Gujarat Titans will aim to bounce back stronger against a team they defeated in their one-time face-off in IPL 2024. As they get ready with their arsenal against Mumbai, let's see how they can frame the best lineup against the five-time defending champions in the match.

GT's XI In Last Match vs PBKS

Before proceeding, let's have a look at GT's playing XI for the opening encounter against PBKS. 

Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Arshad Khan, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Sherfane Rutherford

Expected Changes In GT's XI

Arshad Out, Washington Sundar In!

For the unaware, Punjab Kings racked up a massive 243 against GT while batting first. Now, as the score mirrors GT bowlers' failure, it won't be surprising if they bring in some changes in the squad.

Of the most beat bowlers was Arshad Khan. The left-arm pacer and all-rounder was hooked for 21 runs in just an over. With Washington Sundar sitting on the bench, this could be a nice opportunity for someone who has proven himself as a performer in the national jersey as well.

Criterion
Data
Innings145
Wickets113
Economy Rate6.98
Strike Rate24.4
Best Figure3/10

Table - Washington Sundar Bowling stats in T20s

Also, Ahmedabad offers some spin, hence, bringing in a spin-dominating lineup won't hurt in the middle overs where GT can effectively stifle the run flow.

Glenn Phillips Replaces Struggling Rutherford 

Sherfane Rutherford has been in pretty decent form with the bat in the match against Punjab Kings where he hit 46 off 28 deliveries. That sounds fine but he was struggling with the outside off deliveries pitched by Punjab Kings pacers. To add to the technical woes, Rutherford's numbers aren't great in death overs.

Glenn Phillips might just be the man who can replace Rutherford as an impact player or also in the playing XI and work up as an all-rounder. Phillips' death over batting is remarkable and his recent form with the bat is also impressive.

Criterion
Data
Innings62
Runs1,163
Average28.4
Strike Rate195.1
Dot%25.5%

Table - Glenn Phillips Stats In Death Overs In T20s

With perfection in all three departments including fielding, Phillips can be an asset in place of Rutherford in the overs where matches can be turned on their heads. With that being said. Let's take a look at the probable XI of GT against MI.

GT's Probable XI vs MI

Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Shahrukh Khan, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna 

Impact players: Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Ishant Sharma, Gerald Coetzee, Kumar Kushagra