After yet another disappointing IPL campaign last year, PBKS have undergone a complete overhaul — retaining only two uncapped players, Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh, while bringing back Arshdeep Singh and Harpreet Brar at the auction. The biggest shake-up? Ricky Ponting stepping in as head coach, determined to turn things around.
Ponting has set lofty goals, vowing to make this “the greatest Punjab Kings team”. On paper, the squad looks promising. New captain Shreyas Iyer reunites with Ponting, after their successful stint together at Delhi Capitals and comes in fresh off leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the title last year. The middle order is stacked with Australian firepower — Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis — while Lockie Ferguson and Yuzvendra Chahal add experience to the bowling attack. Yet, for all their past star-studded squads, PBKS remain without a trophy. Will 2025 be any different?
Unlike Punjab, Gujarat Titans have opted for stability. Shubman Gill retains the captaincy, Rashid Khan continues to be their talisman and Rahul Tewatia remains their designated miracle man. But they have also made some high-profile additions, including Jos Buttler, who strengthens the top order. The bowling unit has received a major revamp, featuring Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
Pitch Report
Ahmedabad’s pitches were unpredictable in IPL 2024. Titans themselves were bowled out for just 89 against Delhi Capitals, while Sunrisers Hyderabad struggled to cross 160 in two separate matches. Yet, the same venue also saw high-scoring chases, including PBKS gunning down a 199-run target. Overall, chasing teams had the upper hand, winning six of eight matches played here last season.
Who will win GT vs PBKS clash? – AI predictions
According to Google Gemini, “Titans are clear favorites. Unless PBKS find some long-lost consistency, expect a straightforward GT victory.”
ChatGPT, on the other hand, said, “Gujarat Titans hold the edge with home advantage and a stronger squad. PBKS have the firepower but lack consistency. Unless they pull off something extraordinary, GT should win comfortably.”
Grok said, “GT to win. With better squad depth and home advantage, they should take it by 15-20 runs or 6 wickets. If Maxwell explodes, PBKS might make it interesting.”
Predicted Playing XIs
Gujarat Titans (Probable): Shubman Gill (Captain), Jos Buttler (WK), Sai Sudharsan, Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Punjab Kings (Probable): Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (WK), Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Glenn Maxwell, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
