IPL 2023 | GT vs MI: Talking Points & Who Said What?

image-lgwnwlqzNoor Ahmed and Rashid Khan celebrating after picking up a wicket (AP Photo)

The game number 35 of the IPL 2023 was a highly anticipated one as the defending champions, Gujarat Titans were up against five-time champions, Mumbai Indians at the largest cricket stadium in the world, Narendra Modi Stadium. However the game turned out to be a one-sided contest as Hardik Pandya and his boys completely outclassed Mumbai Indians to hand them a humiliating 55-run defeat. This is MI's biggest defeat since 2017 in terms of runs margin.

Let us now look at the Talking Points of GT vs MI Clash 

MI Bowlers Clueless in Death Overs Yet Again 

Mumbai Indians bowling attack was always supposed to be their major problem in IPL 2023 with lack of quality options especially at the death and that is exactly what is happening now. They were plundered for 109 runs in last 6 overs with the ball against Punjab Kings and once again against GT, their bowlers were carted all over the park for 94 runs in last six overs. The trio of Miller, Abhinav Manohar and Rahul Tewatia together scored 108 runs in just 48 balls amd powered GT to a huge total.

Afghan Duo Deliver Double-Strike to Break MI's Backbone

Rashid Khan is a match-winner and everyone knows that this Afghan is just unmatchable when it comes to delivering under pressure for his team. However, GT has got a new Afghan Jewel in their arsenal now, the 18-year-old Noor Ahmad. The left-arm wrist spinner seem to be walking into Rashid Khan's steps swiftly and both Rashid and Noor picked two wickets in their respective one over to shatter MI's hopes in this game.

Rashid Khan picked Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma in the 8th over while Noor Ahmed got rid of both Cameron Green and Tim David in the same over to announce his arrival on the big stage. 

Hardik Pandya Wins the Battle of Skippers

Rohit Sharma is India's current captain and Hardik Pandya his deputy in ODI format. Also, Hardik is leading India's T20 side since the debacle of 2022 T20 World Cup and there has been a lot of talk about him replacing Rohit Sharma as a permanent T20 skipper.

So, this battle between the two was always going to be interesting and it is Hardik Pandya who came out on top. Pandya showed better cricketing nous than Rohit Sharma and used his resources brilliantly to outclass five-time champion skipper both with his cricketing skills and tactics. Hardik also showed a lot of heart when he opened the bowling alongside Shami and got rid of Rohit Sharma in the second over of the innings to win the psychological battle between the two captains.

Who Said What?

Rohit Sharma (Mumbai Indians Skipper)

 "That's really disappointing. We had pretty much control of the game till about 15 overs and then the last few overs went for way too many runs. Just about execution. We need to execute what's right on that pitch, who are the batsmen, that kind of a thing and we failed to do that which is why in the end they got way too many runs."

Abhinav Manohar (Player of the Match) 

"Yes, I am lucky to be in this franchise. We get a lot of time in the nets and gives me the self confidence to succeed. I think I have been gifted to hit the ball long and now to play it like that is amazing. It is a dream come true." 

Hardik Pandya (Gujarat Titans Captain)

"That has always been the motto. The captaincy has taken call at situation rather than plan as couple of sixes can change your plan as well. Captaincy is something where I back my instincts and it has worked for me so far."