Ahmedabad: Gujarat Titans (GT) will look to make a strong start at home under the leadership of Shubman Gill as they take on a revamped Punjab Kings (PBKS) led by Shreyas Iyer in their IPL 2025 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Tuesday.
Gill, who has been instrumental in GT’s recent success, will aim to establish their home ground as a fortress after a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw them finish eighth. In contrast, Iyer, fresh off leading Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title last year, now takes charge of Punjab Kings, hoping to change their fortunes after a decade of underwhelming performances.
Gujarat boast a formidable lineup with an explosive opening pair in Gill and Jos Buttler. Their middle order, comprising Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, and Washington Sundar, will aim to provide stability, while Glenn Phillips and Rashid Khan will be crucial in the finishing role.
On the bowling front, Gujarat has bolstered its attack with Kagiso Rabada and Mohammad Siraj expected to make early inroads, while Rashid Khan and Washington Sundar will be vital in the middle overs. Mohammad Arshad Khan and Rahul Tewatia are likely to play supporting roles.
Punjab Kings, who have consistently struggled to make an impact in the tournament, will be banking on Iyer’s leadership to turn their fortunes around. PBKS will rely on Prabhsimran Singh and Vishnu Vinod to provide a solid start, while the middle order, comprising Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, and Glenn Maxwell, will be expected to guide the innings. Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, and Yuzvendra Chahal add depth to the squad in both batting and bowling.
With the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium known to offer good bounce and turn, spinners are expected to play a key role. The average first-innings score at the venue is around 170, and chasing teams have historically had an advantage, winning four out of the last five matches played here.
GT will go into the match as favourites, having a stronger squad and a good record at home. However, Punjab Kings will look to upset the odds and start their campaign on a positive note.
