The Titans are coming off a 15-run loss to Chennai Super Kings in the first qualifier, while the Mumbai Indians defeated Lucknow Super Giants by 81 runs to enter the second qualifier.
While the Titans have been consistent, with 10 league stage wins for the second straight season, they were beaten in the first qualifier at Chepauk by Dhoni’s shrewd leadership.
The move to chase failed with starter Shubman Gill unable to get the necessary support from the middle-order hitters, with captain Hardik PandyaDavid Miller, Rahul Tewatia and Vijay Shankar all failing together.
The bowling unit also looked a bit clueless when wickets were elusive in Powerplay overs. Despite an intermission comeback by the spinners, they were unable to hold CSK to a chaseable total.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Indians have been going from strength to strength after an indifferent start to their campaign. The absence of leading pacemaker Jasprit Bumrah and the injury to Jofra Archer opened up opportunities for the likes of Akash Madhwal, who has risen to the occasion, and Chris Jordan.
IPL 2023 | IM against GT | Mumbai’s last showdown against Gujarat for a place in the final
Madhwal’s 5/5 is the best bowling figure in an IPL knockout clash, emulating Anil Kumble’s feat in 2009. Both teams have beaten each other once, with the Titans prevailing by 55 runs here and the Indians of Mumbai returning the favor at Wankhede for 27 runs. .
The stage is set for an intriguing clash. TOI breaks down the key matchups and factors at play:
Mumbai Opening vs. Shami
When the two teams met here, MI bowling coach Shane Bond said the Titans gave them a masterclass in bowling at the Powerplay. Shami and Pandya denied scoring chances and created pressure, resulting in wickets.
The spinners then kept up the momentum, contributing to an easy win. How Ishan Kishan and Captain Rohit Sharma take on Shami & co. could well decide the impulse.
Suryakumar vs. Rashid
Suryakumar Yadav’s form has been vital to MI’s resurgence. In the early phase of the IPL, SKY’s form was shaky, leading to indifferent results for this team.
Their best form has coincided with MI’s rise to the top four in the table. How he goes about his business against the Afghan duo could very well decide the middle ground.
Green vs. Mohit
Mohit Sharma’s ability to go about his job quietly has meant GT hasn’t missed out on the services of Lockie Ferguson, who left them ahead of this season’s mini-auction, and West Indian Alzarri Joseph, whose bowling game didn’t has been active. to the mark
The way in which Mohit bowls to the IM middle order, which comprises Green, Varma and Tim David, will tell which way the game is moving.
Gill vs. Madhwal
Gill and Saha have provided solid and steady starts, but the latter has failed to make a significant contribution. With Madhwal seizing the opportunity in the absence of Bumrah and GT not having played him, it will be a test for both batsmen against the IM bowlers.
Pandya vs. Chawla
Pandya’s hitting has been a bit off in recent games. He needs to raise the bar along with David Miller, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tewatia and Dasun Shanaka if GT is to reach its second straight final.
(AI image)
But it won’t be easy against the likes of Chawla, who sits third on the top wicket-taker list. He has 21 wickets in 15 matches at an economic rate of 7.75. Jordan and Green have provided the bowling weight, which was lacking at the start of the season.
Look IPL 2023 Qualifier 2: GT take on MI in virtual semi-final
