GT vs PBKS Preview, IPL 2025: Shreyas Iyer leads Punjab Kings against Gujarat Titans in season opener | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Gujarat Titans on Tuesday, with Shreyas Iyer leading the charge in his first match as captain. The franchise, still searching for its elusive maiden title after 18 years, hopes Iyer’s proven leadership will inspire a turnaround. Iyer previously guided Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title and took Delhi Capitals to the final in 2020, making him an ideal candidate to revitalise Punjab’s fortunes.
Punjab Kings have struggled to make an impact in recent seasons, failing to break into the top five in the last four editions. Their best performances came in 2014, when they finished as runners-up, and in 2018, reaching the semifinals. The franchise’s decision to appoint Iyer as captain marks a fresh approach, complemented by a reunion with coach Ricky Ponting, with whom Iyer has shared past successes.
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Both captains come into the match in excellent form following their performances in India’s recent Champions Trophy victory in Dubai. Iyer topped the run-scoring charts with 243 runs in five matches, while Gujarat Titans’ skipper Shubman Gill showcased his prowess with a century against Bangladesh.
Gujarat Titans, who won the IPL title in 2022 and finished as runners-up in 2023, struggled under Gill’s captaincy last season, finishing eighth. Determined to bounce back, the Titans have assembled a formidable lineup, with Gill and Jos Buttler opening the batting and a solid middle order comprising Sherfane Rutherford, Sai Sudharsan, and Masood Shahrukh Khan. The all-round strength of Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, and Mahipal Lomror adds depth to their squad.
The Titans’ bowling attack looks potent with Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Gerald Coetzee and Ishant Sharma in the pace department. Spin duties will be shouldered by Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore.
Punjab Kings, on the other hand, will rely on Iyer, Josh Inglis, Prabhsimran Singh, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell to anchor their batting. The team’s all-round depth includes Azmatullah Omarzai, Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Shahank Singh, and Musheer Khan. Arshdeep Singh will spearhead the pace attack, supported by Lockie Ferguson, Kuldeep Sen, and Yash Thakur. Spin responsibilities rest on Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar.
This season opener represents a crucial opportunity for both teams to set the tone for their campaigns. Punjab Kings will aim to overcome their historical struggles, while Gujarat Titans look to make a strong statement after last year’s disappointing finish.
Teams (from):
- Gujarat Giants: Shubman Gill (c), Anuj Rawat, Jos Buttler, Kumar Kushagra, Sherfane Rutherford, Sai Sudharsan, M Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Karim Janat, Mahipal Lomror, Glenn Phillips, Nishant Sindhu, Manav Suthar, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Arshad Khan, Gerald Coetzee, Gurnoor Brar, Kulwant Khejroliya, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kagiso Rabada, Sai Kishore, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav.
- Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer (c), Priyansh Arya, Pyla Avinash, Harnoor Singh, Josh Inglis, Prabhsimran Singh, Vishnu Vinod, Nehal Wadhera, Azmatullah Omarzai, Aaron Hardie, Marco Jansen, Glenn Maxwell, Musheer Khan, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Suryansh Shedge, Arshdeep Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Yuzvendra Chahal, Praveen Dubey, Lockie Ferguson, Harpreet Brar, Kuldeep Sen, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur.
Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, and IPL live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Find out how to watch IPL 2025 in Canada and the USA.
