In a surprising move ahead of the Gujarat Titans (GT) vs Mumbai Indians (MI) clash in IPL 2025, captain Hardik Pandya has opted to drop spinner Vignesh Puthur, despite his impressive performance in the previous match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) where he took three wickets.
This decision comes as Pandya returns to lead MI after serving a one-match suspension, and it reflects a strategic shift in the team’s composition.
Performance Recap
Vignesh Puthur made headlines during MI’s opening match against CSK, where he delivered a standout performance by claiming 3 wickets for 32 runs.
His efforts were crucial in keeping MI competitive in a match they ultimately lost.
However, despite this strong showing, Puthur was not included in the playing XI for the match against GT, nor was he listed as an Impact Player option.
Reasons for Dropping Puthur
The decision to drop Puthur seems to stem from several factors:
- Pandya’s Return: With Hardik Pandya back at the helm, MI’s lineup is expected to be more balanced and experienced. His presence allows for adjustments in the team structure, particularly in the bowling department. It is speculated that Pandya’s return necessitated changes that led to Puthur being sidelined.
- Team Dynamics: MI has opted to include an additional all-rounder or bowler who can contribute both with bat and ball, which may have influenced the decision to drop Puthur. The team dynamics may favor players who provide versatility in their roles, especially on a batting-friendly pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
- Pitch Conditions: The pitch at Ahmedabad is known for being conducive to batting, which might have prompted MI to prioritize pace bowlers over spinners. Given that Puthur is primarily a spinner, his exclusion could be a tactical decision aimed at bolstering the pace attack against GT’s strong batting lineup.
- Strategic Adjustments: The MI management may also be looking to experiment with their squad early in the tournament. Dropping Puthur might be part of a broader strategy to assess other players’ capabilities and find the right combination that can secure their first win of the season.
Impact on the Match
Puthur’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, especially given his recent form and potential impact as a young talent in the squad.
However, MI will look to capitalize on Pandya’s leadership and experience to navigate through this crucial match against GT. The team aims to bounce back after their loss against CSK and secure their first points of IPL 2025.
As both teams seek their first victory of the season, all eyes will be on how Pandya’s return influences MI’s performance and whether they can overcome GT’s formidable lineup without one of their standout performers from the previous match.
