Punjab Kings kicked off their IPL 2025 campaign in style, securing a thrilling 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday. Skipper Shreyas Iyer led from the front with a scintillating 97 off just 42 balls*, propelling Punjab to a formidable total of 243/5 in 20 overs.
Young opener Priyansh Arya made a statement on his IPL debut, smashing a quickfire 47 off 23 balls, while Shashank Singh added the finishing touch with a blazing 44 off 16 balls, ensuring Punjab posted an imposing target.
Chasing 245, Gujarat Titans got off to a promising start, but Punjab’s bowling unit stepped up when it mattered most, restricting them to 232/5.
Shreyas Iyer’s Redemption Story
Shreyas Iyer, who lifted the IPL trophy with Kolkata Knight Riders last season, found himself back in the auction pool before being snapped up by Punjab Kings. Now leading a side that has historically struggled to clinch the title, Iyer is determined to change their fortunes.
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, who took over Gujarat Titans’ captaincy after a forgettable campaign last year, where they finished 8th following two successive final appearances in 2022 and 2023, will be looking to steer the franchise back to the top.
Squad Strengths & Key Players
Gujarat Titans boast a formidable batting lineup with Gill, Jos Buttler, Sherfane Rutherford, Sai Sudharsan, and Shahrukh Khan, alongside all-rounders like Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, and Mahipal Lomror. Their pace attack features big names such as Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Gerald Coetzee, and Ishant Sharma, with Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore leading the spin department.
Punjab Kings, on the other hand, are equally dangerous with a batting unit comprising Iyer, Josh Inglis, Prabhsimran Singh, Marcus Stoinis, and Glenn Maxwell. Their all-round depth is bolstered by Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Shashank Singh, and Musheer Khan. In the pace attack, they have Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, Kuldeep Sen, and Yash Thakur, with spin duties handled by Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar.
With this electrifying start to their season, Punjab Kings have sent a strong message to their rivals. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill, two captains with a point to prove.
Stay tuned for more IPL 2025 updates and exclusive insights!
Source: Indian Express
