The ninth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will take place on March 29 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, featuring a highly anticipated clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI). Both teams will be keen to register their first win of the season after disappointing starts in their respective opening matches. This game is expected to be a closely fought contest, with each side eager to make an early impact in the tournament.
Gujarat Titans: Seeking redemption after high-scoring defeat
Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, began their IPL 2025 campaign with a high-scoring encounter against the Punjab Kings, but unfortunately ended up on the losing side. Despite some positive individual performances, the team was unable to secure a victory, and they will be keen to turn things around against MI.
GT’s batting order, with the likes of Gill, Jos Buttler, and Shahrukh Khan, has the potential to deliver a strong performance. Buttler’s inclusion as the wicketkeeper adds firepower to the top order, while all-rounders like Rahul Tewatia and Sai Kishore provide balance. With Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, and Mohammed Siraj in the bowling attack, the Titans will be looking to make an impact with both bat and ball. This match is crucial for GT as they aim to get their first win of the season on the board.
Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya returns to strengthen the line-up
Mumbai Indians also had a rocky start to IPL 2025, suffering a defeat against their long-time rivals, Chennai Super Kings, in their opening game. However, the return of skipper Hardik Pandya, who missed the first match due to a suspension for a slow over-rate offence, is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the side. Pandya, who has proven his abilities as a game-changer with both bat and ball, will be looking to make a strong comeback and guide MI to their first win of the season.
MI’s squad, led by experienced players such as Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, will need to step up in this important fixture. With key players like Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar leading the bowling attack, MI will be hoping to capitalise on the conditions at Motera, which are likely to favour pace bowlers. The match offers MI an opportunity to address their opening-game weaknesses and put their season back on track.
Pitch report and conditions
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has been a batting-friendly venue so far this season, with bowlers struggling to contain runs in the previous high-scoring matches. Teams chasing have had a strong track record at this ground, with a winning percentage of around 60%. Captains may be inclined to bowl first if they win the toss, hoping to take advantage of the conditions later in the game.
Weather conditions on match day are expected to be overcast, with a temperature hovering around 28°C. While rain is not anticipated, the cloud cover could assist the pace bowlers, making it an exciting contest between bat and ball. Fans will be able to catch the action live on Star Sports, with streaming available on the JioHotstar app or website from 7:30 PM IST.
Head-to-head record: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians
The rivalry between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians has been an evenly matched one since GT’s debut in IPL. Out of the five matches played between the two sides, Gujarat Titans have won three, while Mumbai Indians have won two. Interestingly, MI have lost all three of their away games against Gujarat Titans, which could give GT an edge heading into this encounter.
The first-ever fixture between these two teams took place on May 6, 2022, while their most recent clash occurred on March 24, 2024. With both teams looking to get their first win of the 2025 season, this match promises to be an intense battle.
Key players to watch
Shubman Gill (GT): The Gujarat Titans captain has been in fine form against MI, amassing 440 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 149.65. His ability to anchor the innings while maintaining a healthy scoring rate will be crucial for GT’s success.
Jos Buttler (GT): As one of the most destructive openers in world cricket, Buttler will play a pivotal role in giving GT a strong start with the bat.
Suryakumar Yadav (MI): Known for his innovative stroke play, Suryakumar Yadav has had great success against GT’s Rashid Khan, scoring 86 runs off 58 balls without being dismissed. His performance in the middle order will be key for MI.
Trent Boult (MI): Boult’s prowess in the powerplay is unmatched, with 62 wickets in this phase across the IPL. His ability to strike early could swing the game in MI’s favour.
Hardik Pandya (MI): Making his return after missing the first match, Pandya’s all-round abilities will be crucial for MI’s chances in this match. As captain, he will also have to make key decisions to guide his team.
Deepak Chahar (MI): Chahar has a great record against GT’s Shubman Gill, dismissing him four times in 10 IPL meetings. His swing bowling in the powerplay will be crucial for MI.
Predicted playing XIs
Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Sherfane Rutherford.
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Hardik Pandya (c), Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Satyanarayan Raju.
What to look for
With both teams eager to secure their maiden win of IPL 2025, the match between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians is set to be a thrilling contest. The return of Hardik Pandya adds another layer of excitement to the fixture, and both sides will be looking to put their best foot forward as they seek to establish momentum in the early stages of the tournament.
Australia's Pat Cummins celebrates with the ICC Test Mace on the podium along with teammates after winning the World Test Championship final in 2023. (Photo: Reuters)
THE WINNERS of next month’s World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa will receive $3.6 million, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Thursday after raising the prize money.
The ICC has increased the prize pool significantly. In the previous WTC final held in 2023, Australia won $1.6 million after beating India, who took home $800,000 as runners-up.
The losing team in the upcoming June 11-15 match at Lord’s will receive $2.1 million – more than the winners earned in the past two finals.
"The increase in prize money exhibits the ICC's efforts to prioritise test cricket as it looks to build on the momentum of the first three cycles of the nine-team competition," the ICC said in a statement.
Australia captain Pat Cummins said the team was prepared to meet any challenge in order to defend their WTC title.
"We are enormously proud to have the opportunity to defend the World Test Championship, especially at Lord's," Cummins said.
"It's a testament to all those involved across the past two years who have worked incredibly hard to reach the final, which is a great honour for all of us."
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said the team was focused on winning their first ICC title.
"Everyone understands the importance of test cricket and the World Test Championship lends context to this vital format of the game.
"Lord's is a fitting venue for this mega fixture and all of us will be out there trying to give our best against Australia," Bavuma said.
England’s Jamie Overton (Chennai Super Kings) is among the players who will miss the latter part of the tournament, which is scheduled to end on June 3.
THE INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE (IPL) has announced that teams will now be allowed to bring in temporary replacements for the rest of the tournament, following the withdrawal of several overseas players.
The IPL resumes on Saturday after being paused due to the India-Pakistan conflict. The new schedule overlaps with international fixtures, leading to the unavailability of multiple players.
England’s Jamie Overton (Chennai Super Kings) and Australia’s Jake Fraser-McGurk (Delhi Capitals) are among the players who will miss the latter part of the tournament, which is scheduled to end on June 3.
"Given the non-availability of certain foreign players due to national commitments or personal reasons or any injury or illness, Temporary Replacement Players will be allowed until the conclusion of this tournament," the league said in a memo to franchises seen by AFP.
"This decision is subject to the condition that the Temporary Replacement players taken from this point forward will not be eligible for retention in the following year.
"Temporary Replacement players will have to register for the IPL Player Auction 2026."
Overton, a bowling all-rounder, will be part of England’s white-ball squad for the home series against West Indies, beginning with a three-match ODI series on May 29.
Fraser-McGurk has withdrawn citing "personal reasons". Delhi Capitals have signed Bangladesh left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman as his replacement.
Delhi are also awaiting the return of Australia’s left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc. The Capitals are monitoring the availability of South African players Faf du Plessis and Tristan Stubbs.
Stubbs is included in South Africa’s squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia, which begins on June 11 at Lord’s.
South Africa coach Shukri Conrad said on Tuesday that he expects players to join the national squad on May 26, a day after the IPL final was originally scheduled.
The tournament resumes with Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday, the first of 13 remaining regular-season matches.
(With inputs from AFP)
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Vendors pack their belongings as they leave Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium following the postponement of the Pakistan Super League match after the alleged shooting of a drone outside the stadium in Rawalpindi on May 8. (Photo: Getty Images)
THE Pakistan Super League (PSL) will resume on May 17 after being postponed last week due to attacks between India and Pakistan. Australian cricketer David Warner has confirmed he will return to play.
The match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, scheduled for May 8, was postponed after a drone attack occurred near the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
The PSL was initially expected to shift to the United Arab Emirates, but the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to postpone the tournament following the incident.
After both countries agreed to a ceasefire, the PCB announced that the league will continue from May 17.
“The PSL 2025 will resume on May 17, with the final on May 25. The League will pick up from where it left off, six teams with zero fear,” PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said in a post on X.
According to the PCB, the four remaining group-stage matches will take place in Rawalpindi, while the playoffs and final will be held in Lahore.
Thirty-seven overseas players are part of the PSL’s tenth edition, which began in Karachi on April 11.
Former Australian opener David Warner told the Sydney Morning Herald that he plans to rejoin Karachi Kings for the remaining games.
However, Pakistan media reported that eight New Zealand players, including former captain Kane Williamson, were hesitant to return, despite receiving security assurances.
The Indian Premier League, which was also suspended due to the conflict, is scheduled to restart on Saturday.
(With inputs from AFP)
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The other venues for the remaining league matches are Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
THE REMAINDER of the Indian Premier League will be held from May 17 to June 3 across six venues, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Monday.
The tournament was paused last week due to clashes between India and Pakistan. Following a ceasefire agreement, the BCCI has decided to conduct the 17 remaining matches.
"After extensive consultations with government and security agencies, and with all the key stakeholders, the board has decided to proceed with the remainder of the season," the BCCI said in a statement.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Saturday. One of two double-headers will be played the following day.
The other venues for the remaining league matches are Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
Venues for the four playoff matches, including the final on June 3, will be announced later.
Earlier, Hyderabad and Kolkata were scheduled to host the playoffs, with the final at Eden Gardens on May 25.
The first qualifier is now set for May 29, followed by the eliminator on May 30. The second qualifier will take place on June 1, with the final two days later.
India and Pakistan halted hostilities on Saturday.
The IPL was suspended last Friday, a day after a match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals was abandoned in Dharamsala, located less than 200 kilometres from Jammu, where explosions had been reported earlier.
A special train was arranged on Friday to take players to Delhi after the airspace was closed. Overseas players began returning home on Saturday.
India launched missile strikes on Wednesday morning in response to a deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir two weeks ago. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack.
Pakistan has denied involvement.
At least 60 people have been killed on both sides since Wednesday, AFP reported, in the worst violence in decades.
(With inputs from agencies)
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A fierce competitor who carried the fire of a whole generation
For over a decade, Virat Kohli stood at the heart of India’s Test revival, a fierce competitor who carried the fire of a whole generation. With every century, he silenced critics, broke records, and more than anything, gave fans reason to believe. His Test innings weren’t just runs on a scoreboard, they were moments of resolve, pride, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
As we reflect on his red-ball legacy, here are the Test knocks that truly defined his greatness, each one a story etched in the hearts of cricket fans.
1. 254* vs South Africa – Pune, 2019
In Pune, Kohli produced his career-best Test score, an unbeaten 254 that left fans in awe. It was a statement of class and control, where he batted with elegance, discipline, and authority. With India declaring on 601/5 and cruising to an innings win, this innings reminded the world why Kohli was more than just a limited-overs giant — he was the master of the long grind too.
2. 235 vs England – Mumbai, 2016
Batting on a turning track at Wankhede, Kohli crafted a majestic 235 — his third double century of the year. His ability to dismantle England’s attack with precision thrilled the crowd. With every run, the chants of “Kohli, Kohli” echoed louder, as India sealed the match and eventually the series. It was a masterclass that brought together patience and flair in equal measure.
3. 200 vs West Indies – North Sound, 2016
His first double hundred was long overdue, and it arrived in Antigua with authority. Kohli's 200 was not just personal success, but the beginning of a new chapter. It kickstarted a stretch of dominant overseas tours for India under his captaincy, and fans felt they were witnessing the rise of a truly all-format legend.
4. 169 vs Australia – Melbourne, 2014
Boxing Day at the MCG, a packed stadium, and Kohli rising to the occasion with a sublime 169. It wasn’t just the runs, it was the defiance. India needed leadership and grit, and Kohli, then standing in for MS Dhoni, gave both. His duel with the Australian attack had fans glued and proud, knowing their team had a lion at No. 4.
5. 141 & 115 vs Australia – Adelaide, 2014
This was the turning point. In his first Test as captain, Kohli scored centuries in both innings, an aggressive 115 followed by a fighting 141 while chasing a tricky target. India lost narrowly, but Kohli had won hearts. His intent, body language, and refusal to play for a draw were a breath of fresh air. It was the start of a new Indian Test mindset, bold, fearless, and driven.
6. 119 vs South Africa – Johannesburg, 2013
Johannesburg was Kohli’s true coming-of-age moment in Test cricket. On a spicy pitch, against Steyn, Morkel, and Philander, he scored a composed 119. It was technique and temperament rolled into one, and for fans, it confirmed what they hoped: this young man had the mettle to succeed overseas.
These innings are more than numbers in a scorebook; they are the memories that lit up living rooms, sparked celebrations in the streets, and gave millions of fans reason to smile. Virat Kohli didn’t just play Tests; he led them with his heart, his bat, and that unmistakable passion in his eyes.
As the dust settles on his Test career, one thing is clear — Kohli didn’t just play the game. He changed it.