IPL 2025, Match 5: Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings Match Preview

Franchises Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings will face off in the fifth match of IPL 2025. Notably, the match is scheduled for Tuesday, March 25, at the colossal Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Gujarat-based franchise, which was established in 2022, wasted no time in making history, becoming only the second team after Rajasthan Royals to win the IPL title in their debut season.

Titans have been one of the most consistent teams in the league, as they clinched the title in 2022 and nearly defended it in 2023 before losing a thrilling final to CSK. However, the 2024 season was a setback, as they failed to qualify for the final for the first time in their IPL history. Heading into the 18th edition of the league, GT will aim to reclaim their second title.

On the other hand, Punjab Kings are arguably one of the least successful teams in IPL history. They reached the semi-finals in 2008 and had their best campaign in 2014, finishing as runners-up. However, since then, PBKS have failed to qualify for the playoffs in any season. With a change in leadership and personnel, they will be eager to turn things around.

PBKS are now led by Shreyas Iyer and coached by Ricky Ponting, the same duo that guided Delhi Capitals to their first-ever IPL final in 2020. Meanwhile, GT, boasting a formidable squad, will be captained by Shubman Gill. Playing at their home ground in Ahmedabad, they will start as favourites, but PBKS, under new leadership, could prove to be unpredictable.

Pitch Report

Gujarat and Punjab will clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, which has seen two contrasting IPL seasons. In 2023, Ahmedabad provided some of the flattest pitches of the season, favouring batters. However, in 2024, the scenario changed significantly, with the wicket slowing down, bringing spinners into play.

Historically, the Ahmedabad pitch has leaned towards the slower side since its renovation. Dew will play a crucial role, and the surface may improve for batting as the match progresses. Expect a balanced contest between bat and ball.

Head-to-Head Record 

Predicted 11s:

Gujarat Titans (GT) - Shubman Gill (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Washington Sundar, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Ishant Sharma.

Impact Substitute: R Sai Kishore

Punjab Kings (PBKS) - Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Shreyas Iyer (C), Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Impact Substitute: Kuldeep Sen