GT vs MI Predicted Playing XI: At least 2 overseas IPL debuts confirmed as reinforcements arrive for Elminiator clash

Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) don't have momentum on their side. Shubman Gill-led GT have lost two of their previous matches which led to them settling for a spot in the eliminator instead of Qualifier 1. MI had a typical season where they made a comeback and sneaked into playoffs but they were beaten comprehensively by Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their last league stage game. With few players leaving the respective camps for national duties, changes are expected in both sides. 

GT have lost the services of their star England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler and South African pacer Kagiso Rabada. While Gerald Coetzee can replace Rabada, the temporary replacement Kusal Mendis can walk into the side at no.3. Also Coetzee's presence also stretches GT's batting lineup. This season, Rahul Tewatia has not been in the best of forms. But, GT may not replace him with either Washington Sundar, Anuj Rawat or Mahpal Lomror.

GT's Predicted Playing XI plus impact player -

Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Kusal Mendis (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Gerald Coetzee, Arshad Khan, R Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

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On the other hand, Hardik Pandya's MI have lost the services of their two star overseas players. Ryan Rickelton, Will Jacks and Corbin Bosch have left for national duties. Jonny Bairstow is expected to open with Rohit whereas Charith Asalanka will replace Jacks. Considering the conditions in Mullanpur, Mitchell Santner is expected to retain his place. Tilak may get a promotion up the order and Asalanka may bat in the middle order to provide more balance. Once again, there will be a toss-up between left-arm pacer Ashwani Kumar and leg-spinner Karn Sharma. 

MI's Predicted Playing XI plus impact player -

Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Charith Asalanka,  Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashwani Kumar/Karn Sharma

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GT vs MI Pitch Report -

The Mullanpur pitch has not bee consistent. It has produced high-scoring and very low-scoring games, with most recent one being Qualifier 1 where PBKS were bowled out for 101. There is enough help for pacers. The top order batters may resort to cautious approach early on the innings.

GT vs MI Full Squads:

GT Squad: Shubman Gill(c), Sai Sudharsan, Kusal Mendis(w), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Gerald Coetzee, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Anuj Rawat, Mahipal Lomror, Ishant Sharma, Washington Sundar, Jayant Yadav, Dasun Shanaka, Karim Janat, Kulwant Khejroliya, Manav Suthar, Kumar Kushagra, Gurnoor Brar, Nishant Sindhu

MI Squad: ohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Charith Asalanka, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya(c), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Ashwani Kumar, Karn Sharma, Raj Bawa, Satyanarayana Raju, Bevon Jacobs, Robin Minz, Arjun Tendulkar, Raghu Sharma, Krishnan Shrijith, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Richard Gleeson, Reece Topley