NEW DELHI: The wait is finally over as Punjab Kings prepare to launch their IPL 2025 campaign against Gujarat Titans on Tuesday, marking the beginning of cricket’s most anticipated T20 league. All eyes will be on Shreyas Iyer who takes charge as Punjab’s new captain, tasked with changing the fortunes of a franchise still hunting for its first IPL title after 18 seasons.
Iyer brings an impressive leadership resume to Punjab, having guided Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL championship and previously taking Delhi Capitals to the final in 2020. His appointment signals Punjab’s determination to break their title drought with a proven winner at the helm.
“The responsibility of leading Punjab Kings is something I’m embracing wholeheartedly,” Iyer said at the pre-match press conference. “We’ve assembled a balanced squad capable of challenging for the title, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together.”
Punjab Kings have endured a difficult run in recent years, failing to qualify for the playoffs in the last four seasons. Their closest brush with glory came in 2014 when they finished as runners-up under George Bailey’s captaincy, and they also reached the semifinals in 2018. The franchise’s decision to appoint Iyer creates an intriguing reunion with coach Ricky Ponting, a partnership that previously yielded success at Delhi Capitals.
Both captains enter the season opener in spectacular form following their contributions to India’s Champions Trophy triumph in Dubai. Iyer was the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 243 runs across five matches, while Gujarat’s Shubman Gill demonstrated his class with a brilliant century against Bangladesh.
Gujarat Titans, champions in 2022 and finalists in 2023, endured a challenging 2024 season under Gill’s leadership, finishing eighth. The franchise has responded with strategic acquisitions to strengthen their squad. Their batting lineup now features the explosive Jos Buttler alongside Gill at the top, with Sherfane Rutherford, Sai Sudharsan, and Masood Shahrukh Khan forming a formidable middle order.
The Titans’ all-round department appears exceptionally well-rounded with Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, and Mahipal Lomror providing multiple options with both bat and ball.
Their bowling arsenal looks equally intimidating with the pace quartet of Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, and Gerald Coetzee, backed by the experienced Ishant Sharma. The spin department will be led by Afghanistan superstar Rashid Khan, with Sai Kishore offering the left-arm orthodox option.
Punjab Kings have assembled their own galaxy of talent, with Iyer anchoring a batting lineup featuring Josh Inglis, Prabhsimran Singh, Marcus Stoinis, and the destructive Glenn Maxwell. Their all-round options include Azmatullah Omarzai, Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Shahank Singh, and emerging talent Musheer Khan.
India’s Arshdeep Singh will spearhead their pace attack with support from New Zealand speedster Lockie Ferguson, alongside Kuldeep Sen and Yash Thakur. The spin department features the legendary Yuzvendra Chahal paired with the ever-improving Harpreet Brar.
The match will be played at Gujarat’s fortress, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where the Titans have built a formidable record. With both teams boasting world-class talent and captains in prime form, cricket fans can expect a thrilling contest to kickstart IPL 2025.
This opening fixture represents more than just two points on the table – for Punjab, it’s the beginning of another quest for an elusive title, while Gujarat aim to recapture the magic that made them champions in their debut season.
Teams (from):
Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler, Sai Sudharsan, Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, Mahipal Lomror, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Gerald Coetzee, Ishant Sharma, Sai Kishore, Abhinav Manohar, Vijay Shankar, Manav Suthar.
Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer (c), Josh Inglis, Prabhsimran Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Shashank Singh, Musheer Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar, Kuldeep Sen, Yash Thakur, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide.