The Gujarat Titans (GT) will take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 5 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on Tuesday, March 25, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Both teams are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2024 season, where GT finished 8th and PBKS ended in 9th place.
Match Details:
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Fixture: Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings, Match 5, IPL 2025
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Date & Time: Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 7:30 PM (IST)
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Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
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Live Broadcast & Streaming: Sports18/Star Sports Network, JioHotstar (app & website)
Team Overviews
Gujarat Titans (GT):
GT had a remarkable start to their IPL journey, winning the title in 2022 and finishing as runners-up in 2023. However, they struggled in 2024, finishing in 8th place. Led by Shubman Gill, the team has made key signings, including Jos Buttler, Mohammed Siraj, and Kagiso Rabada. The presence of Rashid Khan adds depth to their bowling attack. However, the team’s reliance on its top-order batters—Gill, Buttler, and Sai Sudharsan—could be a concern.
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
PBKS has not reached the playoffs since 2014. With Shreyas Iyer as captain and Ricky Ponting as head coach, the team is hoping for a turnaround. The batting unit, featuring Iyer, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Josh Inglis, looks strong, while the bowling attack includes Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Head-to-Head Record
GT and PBKS have faced each other five times in IPL history. Gujarat Titans have won three matches, while Punjab Kings have won two.
Probable Playing XIs
Gujarat Titans (GT):
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Shubman Gill (C)
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Jos Buttler (wk)
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Sai Sudharsan
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Glenn Phillips
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Rahul Tewatia
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Washington Sundar
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Rashid Khan
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Mohammed Siraj
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Sai Kishore
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Kagiso Rabada
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Prasidh Krishna
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
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Prabhsimran Singh
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Josh Inglis (wk)
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Shreyas Iyer (C)
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Marcus Stoinis
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Glenn Maxwell
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Shashank Singh
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Nehal Wadhera
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Marco Jansen
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Harpreet Brar
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Arshdeep Singh
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Yuzvendra Chahal
Pitch Report
The Narendra Modi Stadium offers a batting-friendly surface, leading to high-scoring matches. Pacers might get some swing early on, but as the match progresses, spinners could play a key role. Captains might prefer to chase, considering the dew factor and the pitch slowing down in the second innings.
Key Players to Watch
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Shubman Gill (GT): The captain will be crucial in providing a strong start. He scored 426 runs in the last season at a strike rate of 147.40.
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Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): The left-arm pacer took 19 wickets last season. His ability to swing the ball and deliver accurate yorkers makes him a key player for PBKS.
Match Predictions and Scenarios
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Scenario 1: If GT bowls first, they might restrict PBKS to around 190-200 and chase the target comfortably.
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Scenario 2: If PBKS bowls first, they could limit GT to 200-210 and successfully chase the target with their strong batting lineup.
With a batting-friendly pitch and explosive hitters in both squads, fans can expect a thrilling high-scoring encounter. The team batting second may have a slight advantage due to potential dew conditions.