Five-time champions Mumbai Indians are set to host reigning champions and runaway league leaders Gujarat Titans at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday. While the game in itself proposes to be a high-profile affair, there is a lot riding on the upcoming fixture for the teams fighting for a place in the final four of the competition.
Hardik Pandya's Gujarat Titans are the most in-form side of IPL 2023, heading into the game on the back of five victories in their last six matches. Meanwhile, hosts Mumbai Indians have rediscovered their imperious form at the business end of the tournament and will pose a tough challenge to the defending champions in their own backyard.
Talking about the consequences of the game, a victory for Gujarat Titans will solidify their place at the summit of the points table, guaranteeing them a place in the top two of the table. GT's victory will also boost Chennai Super Kings' chances of finishing in the top two places in the points table, as they are currently in second place with 15 points to their name.
Mumbai Indians' victory will trim down the hopes of teams below them in the points table
However, a victory for the home side will not only boost their chances of a playoff spot but will also seemingly end the hopes of Kolkata Knight Riders, who were handed a damaging loss by Rajasthan Royals in their previous outing. The two-time champions will be relying on other teams to do them a favour after Mumbai's victory. Furthermore, MI's win will also throw a curveball to Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore, who are also vying for a place in the top four.
The teams beneath the Mumbai-based franchise will be rooting for a victory for Gujarat Titans, especially Faf du Plessis's RCB, who will be hoping to face a much-changed Titans team, as they might rest their big players after sealing their spot in the top two, in their final league fixture.
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