Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against the Gujarat Titans (GT) on March 25 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. After struggling for 18 years without a title, the franchise has appointed Shreyas Iyer as captain, hoping his leadership can spark a turnaround.
Having previously led the Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL victory and taken the Delhi Capitals to the finals in 2020, Iyer is seen as the perfect fit to lead the Kings in their quest for silverware. The contract he signed, worth INR 26.75 crores, is a testament to both his skills and the franchise’s aspirations. The Punjab Kings have faced difficulties in previous seasons, failing to secure a spot in the top five for the last four editions of the tournament, with their best performances being second place in 2014 and reaching the semifinals in 2018.
In preparation for the upcoming season, the Kings made significant changes to their roster during the IPL 2025 mega auction. They brought in several key players, including Yuzvendra Chahal, Marcus Stoinis, and Glenn Maxwell, while retaining Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh. The arrival of legendary Australian captain Ricky Ponting as head coach adds a wealth of experience and leadership to the squad. Ponting's vision aims to elevate PBKS into one of the cgreatest teams of all time,d as echoed by assistant coach Brad Haddin.
Both Iyer and Gill, captain of the Gujarat Titans, come into the opener in excellent form. Iyer topped the run-scoring charts with 243 runs in five matches during India’s recent Champions Trophy triumph in Dubai, while Gill scored a century against Bangladesh in the same tournament. This season opener presents a crucial opportunity for both teams to set their campaign tone. With the Titans having won the IPL title in 2022 and finishing as runners-up in 2023, they are eager to return to form after last year’s disappointing eighth-place finish.
The Titans boast a strong lineup featuring batsmen Jos Buttler and Sherfane Rutherford, supported by an all-round group spearheaded by Rashid Khan and Mohammed Siraj. Their bowling attack will likely test the Punjab Kings' batting. For PBKS, the batting order includes Iyer, Josh Inglis, Stoinis, and Maxwell, aiming to anchor their chase or set competitive totals.
Punjab Kings will contest 14 matches during the league stage of IPL 2025, with seven at home and seven away. Their league matches will kick off with the game on March 25 and conclude with the final league match against the Rajasthan Royals on May 16 in Jaipur. They hope that this season will be different, moving past their previous performances.
As the excitement builds for IPL 2025, all eyes will be on the Punjab Kings and their quest to clinch their first title. With a blend of young talent and experienced players, the Kings aim not only to compete but also to establish a winning legacy. The reuniting of Iyer with former captain Ponting signifies a fresh start, as they both aim to instill a winning culture.
