The Gujarat Titans (GT) are set to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 25. As the IPL enters its latest chapter, both teams are eager to make a strong start, having faced mixed fortunes in recent seasons. GT, the champions of IPL 2022, struggled last year, finishing in the eighth spot.
The departure of Hardik Pandya to the Mumbai Indians saw Shubman Gill step into the captaincy role. Although his leadership saw flashes of promise with five wins and two draws, the Titans fell short of the playoffs. This season, Gill aims to lead the team to the playoffs and beyond, with the opening clash against PBKS being the perfect opportunity to set the tone.
Punjab Kings, on the other hand, faced a similarly challenging IPL 2024, ending in ninth place with five wins in 14 matches. The franchise moved significantly in the mega auction, securing Shreyas Iyer, the captain who led Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL glory last year. As they aim to reach their first final since 2014, the Kings are pinning their hopes on Iyer’s leadership and a blend of experienced players and dynamic newcomers.
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GT holds a slight advantage over PBKS in head-to-head contests, winning three out of their five IPL clashes. However, with both sides retooling their squads and adjusting strategies, this opening fixture promises to be a thrilling encounter. Here’s a look at some key player battles that could shape the game:
#1 Jos Buttler vs. Arshdeep Singh
Jos Buttler, one of the most destructive openers in world cricket, will be a vital asset for GT. His ability to dismantle bowling attacks in the powerplay makes him a dangerous prospect. However, PBKS have a weapon of their own—Arshdeep Singh, the ICC T20I Player of the Year. Known for his accuracy and sharp variations, Arshdeep’s battle against Buttler could set the tone for the match. If the left-arm pacer can dismiss Buttler early, PBKS will gain a crucial advantage.
#2 Shubman Gill vs. Marco Jansen
GT captain Shubman Gill will be looking to lead from the front and erase the memories of a lackluster season last year. Marco Jansen, with his height and bounce, will aim to challenge Gill’s technique early on. Jansen’s ability to generate awkward bounce and his knack for extracting movement could make it a tough outing for the GT captain.
#3 Shreyas Iyer vs. Rashid Khan
Shreyas Iyer’s clash against Rashid Khan is poised to be a defining moment. Iyer’s captaincy debut for PBKS and his current form as India’s top run-scorer in the Champions Trophy make him a significant threat. However, his track record against leg-spinners, particularly Rashid, isn’t promising. A strike rate of just 106.28 against leggies since IPL 2020 and two dismissals to Rashid indicate a potential weakness that GT will be eager to exploit.
