Who, when, where
Mumbai Indians v Gujarat Titans, 3pm BST, Friday 12 May 2023, Mumbai
Talking points
This match will position the most successful team in the history of the IPL against the reigning champions. Mumbai have a record five titles, while the Titans won the competition in their maiden season in 2022.
Mumbai will have to play this match and the rest of the tournament without England fast bowler Jofra Archer. He has been sidelined by injury again. His absence is a big boost for the Titans, who can capitalise against a weakened Mumbai bowling attack.
The Titans have won four of their last five matches. They are in fine form. Their only recent defeat was to the Delhi Capitals. Mumbai would like to find the weaknesses Gujarat weathered in that loss and exploit them again here.
South African batsman David Miller has had a relatively quiet IPL campaign this season. He was instrumental to Titan’s title-winning campaign last year. It’s likely just a matter of time before Miller explodes again. Conditions in Mumbai could suit him.
Head-to-head
Mumbai and Gujarat have a brief head-to-head history. They have beaten each other once. In their earlier meeting in 2023, the Titans won comfortably.
Stars to watch
Mumbai now don’t have Archer and fellow fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Both are absent due to injury. This leaves plenty of onus on the other seamers. Australian pace ace Jason Behrendorff should come more into play than previously.
Shubman Gill is a big performer for the Titans at the top of the order. He struck 94 not out against the Lucknow Super Giants recently and will be looking to continue that fine form against a weakened Mumbai bowling attack.
Prediction
Gujarat are looking good for a third successive win here. Mumbai’s bowling ranks lack depth and, without Archer, this will probably be exposed even more.
Suggested bets
Gujarat Titans to beat Mumbai Indians
David Miller to be top batsman for Gujarat
Piyush Chawla to be top bowler for Mumbai
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