Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are two sides that could be expected to play in qualifying 1, but this has been an unpredictable season.

Both sides enter the eliminator in a weak shape. Gujarat Titans have lost their last two, quiet, Lucknow and Chennai matches. The Mumbai Indians They lost their last third game (against GT) in a thriller, and then lost to Punjab in their last match. Both teams have blown up the opportunity to make the first two separately.

Mumbai’s six -game invincible running saw them flowed into the play off, but two losses in their last three games were left in the eliminator. Importantly, they have not beaten GT (twice), Punjab or RCB this season. Their success has come from the confident distribution of the weaker parties this season.

Gujarat misss Jos Buttler now, to make up their other problems. Its loss is much more harmful than Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks combined. If they can dance from two losses against a team with an excellent play-off record remains to be seen.

Only one party won IPL from the eliminator – SRH in 2016 – and only one else made the completion – KKR in 2021 – so both teams have a long trip ahead.

Why can Gujarat win

Jos Buttler’s departure is a big blow to the side. GT were built on a high three prevailing three, and they produced wholesale running with repetitive durability. With successive losses now, it’s a bad time to lose the Englishman. Kusal Mendis will take his place – an explosive kick on his day – but someone inexperienced IPL. A medium order of Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia will be harsh in the event of early victories. Rashid Khan Lacon a very high place in this team, in seven.

But the biggest concern is their football. They have received 664 runs in three games from the beginning. Of the eight players used, only Prasidh Krishna has gone to under ten running (8.83). He has also taken more wicets than all other combined patriots. Kagiso Rabada is unavailable for play -off, though he – and Gerald Coetzee – have been expensive. Equally worrying is that Mohamed Siraj has come out of boiling. Rashid Khan is hitting by almost every player.

GT should find a way to rebalance their side – maybe playing Washington Sundar – but there is trade for any choice. Their best hopes stay in Sai Sairarsan and Shubman Gill. On the basis of this season, they could also do it.

Why can Mumbai win

Mi has an abundance of winning and experienced title players. They are not shooting with full capacity at the moment. Suryakumar Yadav has made history by marking 25+ runs in each of his 14 cases, but he is not receiving enough support from high order. The two best cases of Rohit Sharma this season came against pursuits from the weakest parties; Although consistency has never been his strong on IPL. Tilak Varma is going through a year down. This puts pressure on foreign imports.

However, Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks are not available for play -off. Instead comes Jonny Bairstow and Charith Asalanka. The Englishman has IPL experience, including one hundred last year, and played the Yorkshire county cricket. He is a wild card player. Sri Lankan has not yet played on IPL, and his general T20 record is delightful. They will also lose jacks as an out -of -rotation option.

Bowling is concentrated around Jasprit Bumrah, who can win a game on its own. This in itself makes me a side of fear in a knockout. Anna has used six to seven rods each game, which sometimes leads to unclear games changes. They may consider playing Karn Sharma instead of Ashwani Kumar. Both Krunal Pandya and Harpret Brar did well in the last match in Mullanpur, making Mitchell Santner important.

Place and conditions

Mullanpur has been waiting for four games this season. The first two saw 200+ results in the first protected beginnings. The third was the memorable low scorer between the NRC and the PBK. Fourth without RCB Chase Down 158 with seven balls to save.

They have not been expecting a game since April 20, so the nature of the field remains to be seen. It would be surprising if it were one with low results. The weather should be good.

Match statistics

• GT has a 5-2 record over MI.

• Shubman Gill and Sai Sairarsan have recorded 909 runs in 14 cases this season, on average 69.9. They are 31 less than breaking the season’s record all the time for a partnership – 939 jogging – held together by Kohli viral with FAF du Plesis and Kohli virals.

• Mohamed Siraj has only received two Wickets Powerplay in the last nine games, hitting at 69 with an economy of 9.52.

• Rashid Khan has only received nine wins in 14 matches this season, on average 53.66 with an economy of 9.47. This is his worst season in nine years.

• Jonny Bairstow vs left wing rhythm in T20S since 2024: 117 Finishes 64 balls, two holidays.

⁠ • Rohit Sharma recorded 316 Runs in IPL play-off in 21 cases, on average 15.8 at a 109 stroke rate.

• Naman Dhir has hit at 180.70 this season, scoring 206 runs 114 balls from low landing. This has included 17 four and 12 sixteen. He has also received 12 captures, making him an invaluable team player.

• Deepak Chahar and Trent Boult have eight wicks each in Powerplay this season, making them third and fourth best at this stage (after Khaleel Ahmed and Mohammed Siraj).