New Delhi, May 12 (Hindustan Times). The final match of the Rivalry Week in IPL 2023 will take place this evening between two teams from the west of India i.e. Mumbai Indians and defending champions Gujarat Titans.
Most of the teams are still in the race for the playoffs, making this edition of the IPL one of the most closely contested editions in the tournament’s 15-year history. The Rivalry Week kicked off on 6th May with one of the ‘Greatest Rivalries’ of the Tata IPL and will end with a high-profile clash between the five-time champions and the defending champions.
Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri believes it will be an emotional homecoming for Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya, who shot to stardom playing for MI at the Wankhede, but it is always difficult for visiting teams to beat the hosts.
Shastri said on Star Sports’ Cricket Live, “Hardik’s return home will be emotional. He will play an important match against a team at the ground with which he rose to stardom. Hardik will lead his team to victory.” Will want to prove a lot by going here. This match will be really interesting as it will not be easy for GT to beat MI at home and then MI will look to equalize the loss in Ahmedabad and take a strong step towards the playoffs.”
Former India spin bowler Harbhajan Singh has advised Mumbai Indians to bring their A-game against formidable Gujarat, who look to be a well-balanced and well-rounded bowling attack.
<
p style=”text-align: justify;”>Harbhajan said, “MI will have to bring their A-game against GT as GT’s bowling lineup is very strong. GT has Rashid, Shami and other quality bowlers. Mumbai’s bowling attack, on the other hand, is weak and they can’t score more than 200. More runs are leaking. Yes, MI have consistently chased 200-plus scores, which is a good thing. Also, the toss is going to be very important in this match.”
Former Indian cricketer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth believes that the match between these two legends will be interesting but the way Gujarat Titans management is taking care of the players, it makes them a different team.
Sreesanth said, “This match between MI and GT will be very exciting. MI are playing at Wankhede. They will go into this match with a big win. Hardik on the other hand is captaining GT brilliantly. Also The team management of GT prepares the team very well. This team lives in a family environment and it is easy to win in this situation.”
