The much-anticipated fifth match of IPL 2025 will see the Gujarat Titans (GT) take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST.
This match marks the start of the season for both teams, each looking to make a strong statement after disappointing campaigns last year.
Match Overview
- Fixture: Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings
- Date: March 25, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Live Streaming: JioCinema, Star Sports Network
Team Updates
Gujarat Titans (GT)
The Gujarat Titans enter IPL 2025 with a renewed focus after finishing eighth in the previous season.
Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, they aim to capitalize on their home advantage and improve their powerplay performance, which was the lowest in the league last year.
The team has bolstered its batting lineup with the exciting addition of Jos Buttler, who is expected to play a crucial role at the top.
Key players to watch:
- Shubman Gill: The captain and opener will be pivotal in setting the tone for the innings and utilizing powerplay opportunities.
- Jos Buttler: A dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman known for his explosive batting style, Buttler is expected to provide quick runs at the top of the order.
- Rashid Khan: The world-class spinner will be essential in controlling the middle overs and taking crucial wickets.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
The Punjab Kings are looking to turn their fortunes around after another disappointing season where they finished ninth.
With Shreyas Iyer now at the helm as captain, PBKS aims to leverage their newly assembled squad’s strengths and make a strong start to their campaign.
Key players to watch:
- Shreyas Iyer: The captain and middle-order batsman will need to lead from the front and anchor the innings effectively.
- Prabhsimran Singh: An emerging talent who has shown promise in previous seasons, Singh will be crucial for providing a solid start alongside Vishnu Vinod.
- Yuzvendra Chahal: The experienced spinner will play a key role in containing runs and taking wickets during critical phases of the game.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium is known for being batting-friendly with some assistance for spinners as the match progresses.
Teams batting first tend to have an advantage here.
- Average first innings score: ~170 runs
- Teams batting first win percentage: ~55%
Weather Conditions
The weather forecast for Ahmedabad indicates hot conditions with temperatures expected to remain above 30°C even after sunset.
Players may need to manage hydration levels effectively throughout the match.
Match Insights
Both teams bring unique strengths to this contest:
- GT will look to exploit their home advantage and aggressive batting lineup led by Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler.
- PBKS aims to utilize their new captain’s experience and depth in batting while relying on Yuzvendra Chahal’s spin bowling to control GT’s scoring rate.
With high stakes for an early-season victory and star players on both sides, fans can expect an exhilarating clash between these two teams in IPL 2025!