Can Gujarat Titans Handle the Heat Without Buttler? | Tata IPL 2025 Match Predictions

 The stakes couldn't be higher as Gujarat Titans (GT) take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Eliminator of Tata IPL 2025 at New Chandigarh. With a spot in Qualifier 2 on the line, all eyes are on how GT will cope without their star batter Jos Buttler. He has left for national duty, and the Titans must now navigate the playoffs without one of their most impactful players. As part of our Tata IPL 2025 Match Predictions, it’s clear this change could tilt the scales. Sign Up Winexch today to catch the action live and get all the latest updates.

Before the tournament began, Gujarat Titans looked slightly vulnerable in the middle order. Though their top three — Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler — had been consistent match-winners, their middle order was untested. However, GT managed a strong campaign, finishing third in the league stage. They frequently avoided middle-order exposure thanks to their top order playing deep into the innings. On rare occasions when early wickets fell, Sherfane Rutherford and M Shahrukh Khan stepped up to deliver.

But the end of the league stage wasn’t kind to GT. They seemed set for a top-two finish but lost their last two matches, dropping them to third place. Now, with Buttler unavailable, they turn to Kusal Mendis — a talented player, but one who lacks IPL experience. Mendis hasn’t played competitive cricket for over a month and faces a high-pressure debut against a strong MI lineup. His matchup with Mitchell Santner, who has dismissed him four times in T20s, is one to watch.

GT had built their squad with a strong focus on bowling, but their attack has started to falter. Mohammed Siraj’s dip in form and Rashid Khan’s underwhelming season have weakened their primary strength. GT’s bowling has conceded 199, 235, and 230 in their last three games — worrying signs ahead of a knockout clash.

In contrast, MI’s squad is filled with big names, though not all have delivered. Suryakumar Yadav leads with 640 runs this season, while the next best — Ryan Rickelton — is unavailable. Jonny Bairstow steps in as his replacement, a seasoned IPL campaigner who recently struck two fifties in red-ball cricket. With Will Jacks also gone, MI may choose between Charith Asalanka and Bevon Jacobs — Asalanka’s off-spin might give him the edge.

MI’s bowling looks more balanced at this stage. Jasprit Bumrah has been in top form, taking 17 wickets at a stunning economy of 6.33. Despite missing the first four games, he's among the top six wicket-takers. Bumrah’s battle with GT’s top order could define the match.

Despite the odds, GT will gain some comfort knowing they beat MI twice during the league phase. Moreover, MI have not managed to defeat any of the other playoff teams. While MI had a six-match winning streak, recent losses indicate they’re not invincible.

All eyes will be on Rashid Khan and Jasprit Bumrah. Rashid, known as one of T20's greatest spinners, has struggled this season — just nine wickets with an economy nearing 9.5. In contrast, Bumrah is delivering his best-ever IPL performance. Several player matchups could be decisive: Rashid has never dismissed Suryakumar Yadav, who has scored 117 runs off him, while Rashid has dominated Hardik Pandya in past encounters.

The pitch in New Chandigarh has shown mixed behavior. One match was won defending 111, while another was lost despite scoring 201. With a fresh surface being prepared for the Eliminator and no forecast of rain, expect an exciting battle.

GT may be down one superstar, but they aren’t out. Whether Mendis can fill the Buttler-sized gap and whether their bowlers rediscover their rhythm could decide their playoff fate. For more expert Tata IPL 2025 Match Predictions, player insights, and to catch the live action, Sign Up Winexch now.