IPL 2025 Match Preview: Punjab Kings vs. Gujarat Titans – 5th Match Who will win
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 heats up with its fifth match as Punjab Kings (PBKS) take on Gujarat Titans (GT) on March 25, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Scheduled to commence at 7:30 PM IST, this clash marks the season opener for both teams, setting the stage for an intriguing battle between two sides eager to rebound from lackluster 2024 campaigns. With new captains, refreshed squads, and a high-stakes venue, expect a thrilling contest under the Ahmedabad lights.
The Stakes and Subplots Punjab Kings vs Gujrat Titans
Both Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans are looking to kickstart IPL 2025 on a positive note after underwhelming performances last season—GT finished eighth, while PBKS ended ninth. GT, led by Shubman Gill, aims to reclaim their 2022 championship glory, bolstered by a potent mix of experience and youth. Meanwhile, PBKS, under new captain Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting, seek their maiden IPL title with a revamped lineup featuring big-hitting overseas stars. The narrative of redemption and the clash of leadership styles—Iyer’s proven title-winning pedigree against Gill’s emerging captaincy—adds spice to this encounter.
Head-to-Head Stats Punjab Kings vs Gujrat Titans
Matches Played: 5
Gujarat Titans Wins: 3
Punjab Kings Wins: 2
Highest Total (GT): 199/4 (2024, Ahmedabad)
Highest Total (PBKS): 200/7 (2024, Ahmedabad – successful chase)
-Lowest Total (GT): 189/9 (2022, Mumbai)
Lowest Total (PBKS):142/10 (2024, Mullanpur)
GT holds a slight edge in their head-to-head record, but PBKS pulled off a memorable 200-run chase against GT at this very venue last season, signaling their potential to upset the home side.
Team Overview: Punjab Kings
PBKS have undergone a massive overhaul, retaining only Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh from their 2024 squad. Shreyas Iyer, fresh off leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the 2024 title, anchors a batting lineup featuring Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Josh Inglis. The bowling unit, with Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Marco Jansen, offers variety and experience. However, their lack of recent cohesion as a unit could be a hurdle against GT’s home advantage.
Probable XI: Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Glenn Maxwell, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Impact Player Options: Priyansh Arya, Lockie Ferguson.
Team Overview: Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings
GT, captained by Shubman Gill, blend consistency with fresh talent. Retained stars like Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, and Rashid Khan form the core, while new signings Jos Buttler, Kagiso Rabada, and Mohammed Siraj add firepower. Their batting, led by Gill and Buttler, looks formidable, and the bowling attack—featuring Rabada, Siraj, and Khan—could exploit any early-season rustiness in PBKS’s lineup. Playing at home, GT will fancy their chances.
Probable XI: Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sai Sudharsan, Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
Impact Player Options: Mahipal Lomror, R Sai Kishore.
Pitch and Conditions Punjab Kings vs Gunjrat Titans
The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch is a batsman’s delight, with an average first-innings score of around 180-200 in IPL matches. Last season, it witnessed high-scoring thrillers, including PBKS’s 200-run chase against GT. The surface offers early bounce for pacers, but as the game progresses, it slows down, favoring spinners like Rashid Khan and Yuzvendra Chahal. Dew is expected to play a role in the second innings, likely influencing the toss winner to bowl first. Weather-wise, Ahmedabad will be warm at 35-38°C with high humidity (60-70%) and no rain forecast, ensuring uninterrupted play.
Key Battles Punjab Kings vs Gujrat Titans
Shubman Gill vs. Arshdeep Singh: Gill’s ability to anchor innings will be tested by Arshdeep’s swing in the powerplay.
Glenn Maxwell vs. Rashid Khan: Maxwell’s aggression against spin meets Rashid’s mastery— expect fireworks or a quick dismissal.
Jos Buttler vs. Yuzvendra Chahal: Former teammates collide, with Chahal’s guile challenging Buttler’s attacking intent.
Live Streaming Details Punjab Kings vs Gujrat Titans
TV Broadcast (India): Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1 HD/SD, regional language options).
Live Streaming (India): JioCinema app and website (free access).
International: Available on regional broadcasters like Sky Sports (UK), Willow TV (USA), and Fox Sports (Australia).
Match Timing:Punjab Kings vs Gujrat Titans 5th match IPL 2025
7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM GMT), with the toss at 7:00 PM IST.
Prediction Punjab Kings vs Gunjrat Titans 5th match IPL5
Gujarat Titans hold a slight edge due to their home advantage, familiarity with conditions, and a balanced squad. Gill’s form, Buttler’s explosiveness, and a bowling attack led by Rabada and Rashid could prove too much for PBKS. However, Gujrat Titans’s batting firepower—Maxwell, Stoinis, and Iyer—could turn the game if they fire in unison. Given the pitch’s batting-friendly nature and GT’s stronger bowling, expect GT to clinch a close victory, possibly defending a total in the 190-200 range.
Final Word Punjab Kings vs Gunjrat Titans
The Narendra Modi Stadium is set to witness a cracker of a contest as PBKS and GT vie for early momentum in IPL 2025. Will GT’s home dominance prevail, or can PBKS’s new-look side spoil the party? Tune in on March 25 to find out!
