Gujarat Titans Stunned by Kusal Mendis’ Bizarre Hit-Wicket Dismissal in IPL 2025 Eliminator – Watch
Welcome to a rollercoaster of emotions from the IPL 2025 Eliminator at Mullanpur, where Mumbai Indians clinched a thrilling 20-run victory over Gujarat Titans in a record-shattering clash. With a jaw-dropping 436 runs scored—the highest aggregate in any IPL playoff match—this game had everything: explosive batting, nail-biting tension, and a dismissal so bizarre it left fans and pundits alike in disbelief.
Chasing MI’s mammoth 228/5, Gujarat Titans’ hopes rested on the shoulders of Kusal Mendis and Sai Sudharsan after captain Shubman Gill’s early departure for a mere 7 runs. Mendis, the Sri Lankan dynamo, looked in sublime touch, smashing two sixes and a four in his brief 10-ball cameo. Alongside Sudharsan, he stitched together a promising 64-run partnership, taking GT to 67/2 in just 6.2 overs. The Titans were cruising—until disaster struck in the most unexpected way.
Facing Mumbai’s crafty left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, Mendis attempted an aggressive pull shot. In a split second, he lost his balance, stumbled backward, and accidentally trod on his own stumps. The stumps lit up, the crowd gasped, and Mendis was out hit-wicket for 20. The surreal moment—rare even in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket—shifted the momentum decisively. Replays of the incident went viral instantly, with fans flooding social media with reactions ranging from shock to humor. GT’s dugout, including coach Ashish Nehra, could only watch in stunned silence as their key batter walked off.
Despite the setback, Sai Sudharsan fought valiantly, notching up his sixth fifty of the season with a gritty 65 off 39 balls, laced with elegant drives and clever placement. Washington Sundar provided late fireworks with a spirited 48 off 28, but regular wickets derailed GT’s chase. Sudharsan’s dismissal in the 16th over, bowled by a pinpoint yorker from Richard Gleeson, proved the final nail in the coffin. MI’s bowlers, braving heavy dew, held their nerve in the death overs. Debutant Gleeson impressed with figures of 2/38, while Ashwani Kumar defended 24 runs in the final over to seal GT’s fate at 208/9.
Earlier in the day, Mumbai Indians set the tone with a commanding batting display. Rohit Sharma, in vintage form, crafted a majestic 81 off 54 balls, peppered with 10 fours and 3 sixes. Debutant Jonny Bairstow exploded with a fiery 47 off 28, giving MI a blistering start. Late cameos from Tilak Varma (33* off 18) and Hardik Pandya (29* off 14) propelled MI to their imposing total, with the final over yielding a staggering 22 runs off GT’s usually reliable Rashid Khan.
As the dust settles on this epic encounter, Gujarat Titans’ elimination feels symbolic of Mendis’ freak dismissal—a momentary lapse with game-changing consequences. Mumbai Indians, riding on their all-round brilliance, now advance to face Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2, inching closer to the IPL 2025 final. For GT fans, the sting of this defeat will linger, but the memories of Mendis’ unforgettable exit will undoubtedly dominate conversations for days to come. Stay tuned for the video of this bizarre moment that’s breaking the internet!