MI vs GT, IPL 2025: Fans stunned by Kusal Mendis' 'strange' dismissal
In a dramatic and action-packed Eliminator match of IPL 2025, Mumbai Indians knocked Gujarat Titans out of the tournament with a 22-run victory. While Mumbai's batting brilliance stole the show, it was Kusal Mendis' bizarre dismissal that became one of the most talked-about moments of the game. Mumbai Indians, after winning the toss, chose to bat first and posted a mammoth total of 228 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. Gujarat Titans, in response, could only manage 206 for 6, ending their campaign in IPL 2025.
In Gujarat’s chase, captain Shubman Gill fell early for just 1 run, placing the team under immediate pressure. However, a solid partnership between Sai Sudharsan and Kusal Mendis brought Gujarat back into the game. The duo added 64 runs for the second wicket, reviving hopes of a comeback. Sai Sudharsan scored an impressive 80 off 50 balls, while Mendis looked in good touch with 20 off just 9 deliveries.
The turning point came in the 7th over when Mitchell Santner bowled a delivery that Mendis tried to play across the line. In an unusual twist, while attempting the shot, Mendis’ back foot slid too deep into the crease and struck the stumps. He was declared hit-wicket — a rare and strange dismissal in cricket. The moment stunned viewers and sparked reactions across social media platforms.
From Mumbai’s side, Rohit Sharma led the charge with a spectacular 81 off 50 balls, featuring 9 boundaries and 4 sixes. Jonny Bairstow supported with a fiery 47 off 22 balls, and Suryakumar Yadav added 33 off 20 to maintain momentum throughout the innings. Gujarat’s bowling effort saw Prasidh Krishna pick up 2 wickets for 53 runs in his 4 overs, while Sai Kishore also claimed 2 wickets. Mohammed Siraj took 1, but Gerald Coetzee was expensive, conceding 51 runs in just 3 overs. Washington Sundar contributed a vital 48 off 24 balls during Gujarat’s chase, but the efforts of the trio — Sudharsan, Mendis, and Sundar — fell short. Once they were dismissed, Gujarat’s challenge fizzled out.
Captain Hardik Pandya's strategic bowling changes and aggressive field placements ensured Mumbai Indians maintained pressure throughout the innings. With this win, MI progressed to Qualifier 2 and will now face Punjab Kings for a spot in the IPL 2025 final. As fans continue to replay the unforgettable moments from the match, Kusal Mendis’ hit-wicket dismissal remains a highlight — a reminder of how even the smallest misstep can shift the course of a game.