Gujarat Titans (GT) vs Punjab Kings (PBKS) Playing 11: The addition of Jos Buttler is expected to stabilise the opening slot in Gujarat Titans' XI
Gujarat Titans (GT) vs Punjab Kings (PBKS) Playing 11 prediction: Jos Buttler is set to open with Gill in GT's Playing 11 while Inglish will join Prabhsimran in PBKS XI at the top
The Narendra Modi Stadium tends to favour teams batting second, as seen from the 36 IPL matches played there - teams chasing have won 20 times compared to the 15 victories for teams batting first
The last time these two teams faced off, Gujarat Titans edged past Punjab Kings by three wickets in a last-over finish
CSK, with nine appearances, have played the most number of opening matches in IPL history
Among the biggest deals, Shreyas Iyer became the second-most expensive player in IPL history, with Lucknow Super Giants shelling out a whopping Rs 27 crore for Rishabh Pant.
The immediate target is to end their title draught in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but head coach Ricky Ponting has also set the goal of becoming the best-ever Punjab Kings team. With Ponting taking over as the head coach and last year's IPL winning captain Shreyas Iyer becoming the skipper, Punjab Kings hope for a strong turnaround in their fortunes as they hunt for a maiden title win. Punjab Kings will take on Gujarat Titans in their opening match on March 25 in Ahmedabad. The overall vision for this team is to win the IPL. I told the guys on the very first day when I joined the camp in Dharamshala that we were going to create and become the greatest Punjab Kings team that's played, Ponting was quoted as saying in a release from the franchise. That's the journey that we're on and that doesn't happen overnight. You've got to create that, he said. The Australian batting legend emphasised on developing a winning attitude, adding that he doesn't want the opposition to take anyth
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Devdutt Padikkal was in excellent form ahead of the season opener, smashing a blistering 82 off 48 balls in an intra-squad match.
He fought perceptions about a so-called technical shortcoming, was "typecast", and had his contract torn up within months of being a World Cup hero but Shreyas Iyer was indefatigable through it all, trusting his sincerity and uncomplicated mind to steer him through. The result of the perseverance has been pleasing, to put it mildly. The 30-year-old has built himself into one of India's most consistent number four batters in recent times and was declared a "silent hero" by his captain Rohit Sharma after the team's Champions Trophy triumph a few days ago. "Maybe, the perception was created or maybe I was typecast. But I always knew my strengths, my abilities and (there was also) the belief (that) I had in myself," Iyer told PTI in an interview when asked about his perceived lack of ability to play the short ball that became a talking point in the last couple of years. The numbers back him. In the last eight ODIs, including the home games against England and the subsequent Champions ..
While Jio customers need to recharge with 299 or more to watch the IPL 2025 matches live in India, fans who have the subscription of JioHostar can watch the cricketing action unfolds on the app
IPL captains' meet usually take place in the city, hosting opening match. This time, the event is being held at BCCI office, indicating that it might involve more than just the standard review
Despite captaining KKR to an IPL title in 2024, Shreyas was not retained by the franchise for IPL 2025
There are 12 double-headers to be played during Indian Premier League 2025. On the double-header days, afternoon matches will begin at 3:30 PM IST while the evening matches begins at 7:30 AM IST.
Hyderabad will host Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator, while Qualifier 2 and the grand final will take place in Kolkata, according to media reports
In addition to these senior players, Ponting expressed his faith in PBKS's younger Indian talent, retaining uncapped players like Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh.
When Shreyas takes the field as the PBKS skipper for the first time, he will be creating history by becoming the first captain to lead three IPL teams in his career.
IPL 2025 auction saw Rs 639.15 crore spent on 182 players in Jeddah. Rishabh Pant led with Rs 27 crore, followed by Shreyas Iyer at Rs 26.75 crore, as teams focused on top Indian talent.
RCB have acquired the services of Tim David while CSK get hold of Deepak Hooda for Rs 1.70 Crore.
Check PBKS' full players' list, players' salary, most costliest player, list of retained players ahead of IPL 2025 here
Check Punjab Kings' full squad, players' salary, most expensive player, list of retained players ahead of IPL 2025 here