IPL 2025 5th Match GT vs PBKS Preview: Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings Predictions
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is heating up, and the 5th match of the season promises an electrifying clash as Gujarat Titans (GT) take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This night game, kicking off at 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM GMT), pits two revamped teams against each other, each looking to assert early dominance in the tournament. Here’s an in-depth IPL 2025 Pre-Match Analysis packed with venue details, squad updates, player performances, predictions, and more.
Match Details
- Event: IPL 2025 5th Match GT vs PBKS
- Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM GMT)
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Teams: Gujarat Titans (GT) vs Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Venue Insights: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
The Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket arena, is known for its balanced pitches that offer something for everyone. In IPL 2024, it saw a mix of results—low scores like GT’s 89 against Delhi Capitals and high chases exceeding 199, with chasing teams winning six of eight games. The pitch typically assists pace bowlers early with bounce and swing, while spinners come into play in the middle overs. Dew is a significant factor in night games, often favoring the team batting second as the ball skids on, making it harder for bowlers to grip. Expect a competitive total around 170-180, with the chasing side likely to benefit from lights and dew.
Squad Information
Based on early IPL 2025 trends and ESPNcricinfo’s preview, here are the probable line-ups:
Gujarat Titans (GT):
- Probable XI: Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sai Sudharsan, Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj
- Key Reserves: Prasidh Krishna, Mahipal Lomror, Gerald Coetzee
- Form Guide: GT, under Shubman Gill’s leadership, boasts a top-heavy batting line-up with Buttler and Sudharsan, complemented by Rashid Khan’s world-class spin and a potent pace attack featuring Rabada and Siraj.
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
- Probable XI: Shreyas Iyer (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Prabhsimran Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sam Curran, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh
- Key Reserves: Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Vijay Shankar
- Form Guide: PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, blends experience (Dhawan, Maxwell) with emerging talent. Their bowling, with Chahal and Arshdeep, looks sharp, but consistency remains a question.
Player Performance and Form
Here’s a look at key players based on IPL 2024 stats and early 2025 glimpses:
- Shubman Gill (GT): Gill’s IPL 2024 yielded 426 runs at a strike rate of 147. His intent to maximize powerplays will be key. Shubman Gill performance could set the tone for GT.
- Jos Buttler (GT): Buttler smashed 359 runs in IPL 2024, including two tons, at a strike rate of 148. His Jos Buttler performance as an opener will be critical on Ahmedabad’s big ground.
- Rashid Khan (GT): With 27 wickets in IPL 2024, Rashid remains a game-changer. His death-overs economy (8.94) is elite.
- Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): Fresh off leading KKR to the 2024 title, Iyer’s captaincy and batting (351 runs in 2024) bring stability. Shreyas Iyer performance will anchor PBKS.
- Glenn Maxwell (PBKS): Maxwell’s recent BBL form (325 runs, strike rate 186.78) suggests a return to his best. His Glenn Maxwell performance could ignite the middle order.
- Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): Arshdeep’s 19 wickets in IPL 2024 highlight his death-bowling prowess, vital against GT’s finishers.
Predictions: Who Will Win?
GT holds a slight edge with a 3-2 head-to-head record against PBKS in past IPL clashes. Their bowling, featuring Rashid, Rabada, and Siraj, looks more rounded, while Buttler and Gill could exploit Ahmedabad’s batting-friendly surface. PBKS, however, has firepower with Maxwell and Stoinis, and Chahal’s spin could trouble GT’s middle order. The dew factor tilts the advantage toward the chasing team, making the toss crucial. Prediction: Gujarat Titans to win if they chase; PBKS could upset if they set a 190+ target and defend with spin.
Player of the Match Contender
- Top Pick: Rashid Khan. His ability to control the middle overs and pick wickets (potentially 3/25) could dismantle PBKS’s batting, making him a strong candidate.
- Dark Horse: Glenn Maxwell. A quickfire 50+ or a couple of wickets could turn the game for PBKS.
Most Dismissable Bowler
- Likely Candidate: Lockie Ferguson (PBKS). Ferguson’s pace is an asset, but against GT’s aggressive top order (Buttler, Gill), he could leak runs or be targeted, especially if dew affects his control. Expect an economy above 10.
Ground and Conditions
- Pitch: Hard and bouncy early, flattening out later; spinners effective in the middle.
- Weather: Clear, 28-30°C, high humidity—dew likely post 9 PM IST.
- Boundary Dimensions: Massive (75-80m square), favoring big hitters and quick runners.
Toss and Tactical Advantage
The team winning the toss will likely bowl first to capitalize on early swing and chase under lights with dew aiding the batsmen. GT’s pace trio could benefit the first bowling side, but PBKS’s batting depth might thrive in a chase.
Key Battles to Watch
- Rashid Khan vs Glenn Maxwell: Spin mastery vs power-hitting—Rashid has dismissed Maxwell thrice in IPL.
- Jos Buttler vs Arshdeep Singh: Buttler’s aggression vs Arshdeep’s death-over skill.
- Shubman Gill vs Yuzvendra Chahal: Gill’s technique against Chahal’s guile.
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 5th Match GT vs PBKS at Narendra Modi Stadium is poised for a nail-biter. GT’s balanced attack gives them a slight edge, but PBKS’s new-look squad under Iyer could spring a surprise. Will Gill’s Titans dominate at home, or will Iyer’s Kings steal the show?