The IPL 2025 toss ceremonies continue to provide entertaining moments as former India coach Ravi Shastri created another memorable incident during the Gujarat Titans versus Punjab Kings match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Shastri, serving as the toss presenter, accidentally asked Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer to spin the coin instead of Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill, despite the match being played at GT’s home venue. The unexpected request left Iyer visibly puzzled as he questioned, “I will spin the coin?” before Shastri quickly acknowledged his error and redirected the responsibility to the rightful home captain.
With the confusion cleared, Gill proceeded to spin the coin, and Iyer called “tails.” The toss landed with “heads” showing, giving GT the advantage of choosing to bowl first in conditions expected to favor the chasing team.
After winning the toss, Gill explained his decision, highlighting the strategic considerations at play. “We will bowl first. It is a good cricketing wicket. There is some dew here, and big targets can be chased down. Preparation has been amazing, and we have our bases covered with a solid bowling attack,” Gill stated confidently.
Iyer, despite losing the toss, maintained a positive outlook about batting first. “I love a chase, but we are up for the challenge. We have so many familiar faces around, including Ricky (Ponting). Our team is well-balanced with all-rounders, and we are spoiled for choices,” the PBKS captain remarked.
This amusing toss incident follows another lighthearted exchange between Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel the previous evening, continuing the IPL’s tradition of providing entertainment both on and off the field.
The match holds significant importance for both teams early in the IPL 2025 campaign. Gujarat Titans, champions in their debut season and runners-up in 2023, are looking to establish momentum under Gill’s leadership. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings, with new captain Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting, aim to improve their historical performance in the tournament.
Playing XIs:
Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Sai Sudharsan, David Miller, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Umesh Yadav, Joshua Little, Mohammed Shami
Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer (c), Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh