Mumbai Indians have been all over the place in IPL 2026 and captain Hardik Pandya has been under immense pressure. With four defeats already, they are crouching at the bottom of the table. Known to be slow starters, MI still have a lot to play for when they take on Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday, April 20.
The Titans, meanwhile, are on a roll, having won three games on the trot. In fact, ever since Shubman Gill introduced his new beard look, the team seems to have found its groove. Titans, who are historically strong against MI, will want to take advantage about your opponent’s matches, with the aim of securing another victory and regaining a place in the top four.
WILL ROHIT SHARMA PLAY AGAINST GT?
Rohit Sharma missed the game against Punjab Kings with a hamstring injury but Mumbai Indians barely felt his absence as Quinton de Kock stepped in as Ryan Rickelton’s opening partner and smashed a brilliant century. The big question now is whether Rohit will return for the upcoming game against the Titans, though some uncertainty remains. Rohit resumes training in MI nets, but will he play the GT clash? (PTI photo)
According to the latest update, Rohit started batting in the nets again in Ahmedabad and is being closely monitored by the medical team along with head coach Mahela Jayawardene. The final call on its availability has yet to take place.
If Rohit returns, Rickelton could be the one to make way, especially after de Kock won the match last night. Meanwhile, Will Jacks is also expected to join the team soon, adding more options to the lineup.
CAN BUMRAH STOP HIS DECLINE?
While MI are sweating over Rohit’s fitness, they have other pressing concerns. Jasprit Bumrah endures rare rough patch, still claims lone wicket in IPL 2026. After 114 deliveries, the quick has looked well below his best this season for the five-time champions. Will Bumrah finally take his first wicket in IPL 2026? (PTI photo)
MI’s bowling unit struggled throughout the tournament, with Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar scoring more than 13 runs per over. Only Mitchell Santner has kept an economy below 10 (9.28), underlining how tough it has been for MI in the bowling department.
Bumrah’s slump in form only compounded their problems. The team has staged back-to-the-wall comebacks in the past, but if they are to revive their campaign this season, Bumrah needs to rediscover his rhythm, and fast.
CAN GUJARAT MAKE IT 5-0 IN AHMEDABAD?
The Narendra Modi Stadium was not a happy hunting ground for Mumbai Indians as Gujarat Titans defeated them in all four encounters at the venue. The closest MI came to a win in Ahmedabad was in 2024 when they fell short by six runs while chasing 169. In the other three encounters, the Titans dominated comfortably.
However, GT are yet to hit top gear at home this season, with one win against KKR and a loss against Rajasthan Royals – both matches going into the final. Riding a hat-trick of wins, the Titans will be looking to avoid any slip-ups and take advantage against struggling teams.
AHMEDABAD: PITTING AND CONDITIONS
The pitch in Ahmedabad was favorable for the batsmen and teams needed around 200 runs to feel competitive. The average score from two matches on the ground in IPL 2026 is 195. In recent T20 matches here, the teams batting first have had an advantage, which may have made the captains shy away from the chase.
Hot weather is expected, temperatures around 37 degrees Celsius. No rain is forecast, with clear skies overhead and humidity levels likely to remain on the low side.
GT vs MI: HEAD-TO-HEAD
Mumbai Indians have won three of their eight matches against Gujarat Titans since 2022. However, they are still yet to beat GT in Ahmedabad as they have lost all four encounters at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
MI vs PBKS: Predicted XI
MI Predicted XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (c), Sherfane Rutherford, Naman Dhir, Mayank Rawat, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah
Impact Sub: AM Ghazanfar
GT Predicted XI: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ashok Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
Impact SubShah Rukh Khan
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
20 Apr 2026 09:38 IST
Tune in
