Gujarat Titans will take on Punjab Kings in the fifth match of IPL 2025. Both teams are eager to turn their fortunes around after a disappointing 2024 season, where Gujarat finished eighth and Punjab ended ninth. As the tournament enters its 18th edition, both sides will be aiming for a fresh start.

Gujarat Titans made a sensational debut in the IPL, clinching the title in 2022 and finishing as runners-up in 2023. However, their campaign in 2024 fell short of expectations. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, the Titans are determined to make a strong comeback. 

They have retained their core squad while bolstering their lineup with the additions of Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, & Jos Buttler, With Rashid Khan also in the mix, their squad looks formidable. However, the team’s heavy reliance on top-order batters Gill, Sai Sudharsan, & Butler remains a potential concern.

Punjab Kings, on the other hand, are desperate to break their decade-long playoff drought, having last qualified in 2014. With a revamped squad and a new leadership duo—Shreyas Iyer as the captain and Ricky Ponting as head coach—the franchise is hopeful for a turnaround. 

Their batting lineup boasts power hitters like Iyer, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, and Josh Inglis, while their bowling attack, led by Arshdeep Singh, Lockie Ferguson, and Yuzvendra Chahal, could pose a serious challenge to Gujarat’s batting firepower.

Pitch & Weather Conditions 

The Narendra Modi Stadium is known for its batting-friendly conditions, often producing high-scoring thrillers. With an average first-innings total of around 200, the pitch offers good bounce, making stroke play easier. Pacers can extract early movement, but as the game progresses, the surface slows down, bringing spinners into play. The dry and hard nature of the pitch ensures a fair contest between batters and bowlers.

With clear skies and a temperature of around 36°C, conditions are set for an exciting match. Given the pitch’s tendency to slow down in the second innings, captains might prefer to chase. Early on, pacers will get some movement, but once the swing fades, batting will become easier. A total of around 190 could prove competitive, making the toss crucial in deciding the approach.

Top Players To Include in Your fantasy Eleven 

Sai Sudharsan (GT)

Sai Sudharsan has been exceptional at the venue, scoring 603 runs in 12 innings at an impressive average of 54.81 and 154.21 strike rate. His record includes three fifties and a hundred at this venue. However, he must be cautious against Jansen and Arshdeep, both of whom have dismissed him once. That said, he has performed well against most Punjab Kings bowlers. His Last five scores were 9, 103, 6, 84*, 65

Rashid Khan (GT)

The Afghan spinner has been a consistent wicket-taker in Ahmedabad, picking up 19 wickets in 16 innings at an average of 27.26 with a 19.26 strike rate. In IPL 2024, Rashid was more effective against left-handers, taking five wickets at a 21.80 average and a 7.52 economy rate. His Last five figures were  1/19, 2/33, 2/25, 1/24, 2/34. 

Mohammed Siraj (GT)

Mohammed Siraj has struggled in Ahmedabad, managing just four wickets in five innings at an average of 41.50. However, in IPL 2024, he was highly effective against right-handers, taking 11 wickets at a 19.72 average at 8.45 econonmy. His performance against left-handers was less impressive, with four wickets at a high average of 69.75. His Last five figures: 0/11, 0/27, 1/23, 0/25, 0/19

Glenn Maxwell (PBKS)

Maxwell’s all-round ability will be crucial for Punjab Kings. He has scored 49 runs at a strike rate of 140 in four innings in Ahmedabad and also has a wicket to his name. However, he has struggled against Kagiso Rabada and Rashid Khan, with both bowlers dismissing him three times each. 

With the ball, he has been more effective against right-handers in IPL 2024, taking five wickets while left-handers have played him comfortably. His Last five scores and bowling figures 28, 76*, 90, 58*, 20* and 0/3, 0/7, 0/11, 0/31, 1/12

Arshdeep Singh (PBKS)

Arshdeep Singh will be a key weapon with the new ball, as he has the ability to generate early swing in Ahmedabad. He has taken three wickets in three innings at this venue at an average of 25.33. In IPL 2024, he was more effective against right-handers, claiming 14 wickets whereas left-handers had more success against him. His last five figures: 1/35, 1/40, 2/17, 2/32, 1/47

Captain & vice Captain Picks 

Shreyas Iyer (PBKS)

Shreyas Iyer has played only one innings in Ahmedabad, scoring 58 runs.

He faces crucial battles against Mohammed Siraj and Rashid Khan, both of whom have dismissed him twice. He will need to navigate the new ball if an early wicket falls and then tackle Rashid in the middle overs. His Recent Scores: 16, 46, 5, 25, 20.

Shubman Gill (GT)

Shubman Gill has been exceptional in Ahmedabad, amassing 1,079 runs in 19 innings at an outstanding average of 71.93 and a strike rate of 163.23. He has recorded four fifties and four centuries at this venue.

His biggest challenge will be Yuzvendra Chahal, who has dismissed him three times in 51 balls. However, he has performed well against the rest of the PBKS bowling attack. His Recent Scores: 39, 34, 13, 58*, 66.

Marco Jansen (PBKS)

Marco Jansen offers value with both bat and ball, and his effectiveness as a bowler is expected to increase in Ahmedabad. He has played just one game at this venue, picking up a single wicket, but he is someone who can make an impact on the outcome of the game. His recent Bowling Figures: 2/39, 1/43, 1/31, 3/22, 0/25.

Final Predictions 

This promises to be a closely contested match. While Gujarat Titans have the advantage of playing at home, Punjab Kings boast a well-balanced squad with most areas covered. Shreyas Iyer will have a crucial role to play in shaping the outcome, especially against GT’s strong bowling attack. On paper, PBKS look slightly stronger and will aim to start their campaign with a victory.