Punjab Kings will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Gujarat Titans. Both teams had an underwhelming season last year. While Gujarat Titans won the title in 2022, Punjab has never clinched the IPL trophy. This time, Punjab will step onto the field with a new captain, aiming for a victorious start.
Shreyas Iyer Named Punjab Kings’ Captain
Punjab Kings appointed Shreyas Iyer as their captain. Iyer led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to the IPL title last season and is regarded as one of the most successful captains in the league. Before winning the trophy with KKR, he also guided Delhi Capitals to the final in the 2020 season. Now, his goal is to end Punjab’s 18-year-long wait for their maiden IPL trophy.
Punjab Still Searching for Their First IPL Title
Punjab Kings are among the few franchises that have come close to winning but never lifted the trophy. They reached the semi-finals in 2018 and made it to the final in 2014, only to lose to KKR. However, in the last four years, they haven’t even finished in the top five. Despite rebranding from Kings XI Punjab to Punjab Kings, their hunt for the first IPL title continues.
Gujarat Titans Must Learn from Past Mistakes
On the other hand, Gujarat Titans’ captain, Shubman Gill, had a tough season last year, as the team finished eighth in the points table. Gujarat won the title under Hardik Pandya’s leadership in 2022 and finished as runners-up in 2023. However, after appointing Gill as captain, the team struggled in 2024.
Gill vs Iyer: A Battle of Star Players
This match will see a thrilling contest between Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, who were both part of India’s squad for the Champions Trophy. Iyer was India’s highest run-scorer in the tournament with 243 runs, while Gill scored a century against Bangladesh. Both players are in excellent form and will now face each other as rivals.
Also Read- PBKS vs GT Head To Head Record IPL, Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans H2H Stats IPL History
Gill and Buttler to Open for Gujarat
Gujarat Titans boast a formidable opening pair in Shubman Gill and England’s Jos Buttler. Their middle order includes Sherfane Rutherford, Sai Sudharsan, and Masood Shahrukh Khan. All-rounders like Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, and Mahipal Lomror will provide crucial support. In the bowling department, Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack alongside Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Gerald Coetzee, and veteran Ishant Sharma. Rashid Khan will once again be Gujarat’s key spinner.
Iyer and Maxwell to Lead Punjab’s Batting
Punjab’s batting lineup will depend heavily on captain Shreyas Iyer, Josh Inglis, Prabhsimran Singh, Marcus Stoinis, and Glenn Maxwell. The team also has a strong set of all-rounders, including Azmatullah Omarzai, Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Shashank Singh, and Musheer Khan. In the pace department, Arshdeep Singh will lead the attack, supported by Lockie Ferguson, Kuldeep Sen, and Yash Thakur. The spin department will be in the hands of Yuzvendra Chahal and left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar.
Probable Playing XI for GT vs PBKS
Gujarat Titans:
- Shubman Gill (C)
- Jos Buttler (WK)
- Sai Sudharsan
- Glenn Phillips
- Rahul Tewatia
- Washington Sundar
- Rashid Khan
- Mohammed Siraj
- Sai Kishore
- Kagiso Rabada
- Prasidh Krishna
Punjab Kings:
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Josh Inglis (WK)
- Shreyas Iyer (C)
- Marcus Stoinis
- Glenn Maxwell
- Shashank Singh
- Nehal Wadhera
- Marco Jansen
- Harpreet Brar
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yuzvendra Chahal