Marcus Stoinis To Open? Shreyas Iyer At 3; PBKS' Probable Playing XI Vs GT



Punjab Kings to face Gujarat Titans next in IPL 2025 [Source: @PunjabKingsIPL/X.com]Punjab Kings to face Gujarat Titans next in IPL 2025 [Source: @PunjabKingsIPL/X.com]

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Punjab Kings (PBKS) will face Gujarat Titans (GT) in the fifth game of the IPL 2025 league. The game will take place on March 25 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from 7.30 PM IST.

PBKS made significant moves in the IPL 2025 mega auction, acquiring star players like Shreyas Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, and Marcus Stoinis. 

With a revamped squad, PBKS is set to field a formidable playing XI when they face Gujarat Titans on Tuesday. 

Josh Inglis Likely To Open, Shreyas Iyer Might Come At No.3

Prabhsimran Singh, whom Punjab retained ahead of the mega auction, will open the innings for his team. However, the conundrum will be around his partner at the other end. While Marcus Stoinis is capable of causing destruction in the powerplay, Punjab will need his experience in the middle order in case things go south at the top. Hence, Josh Inglis is the most ideal alternative for PBKS. 

Batting Position
Innings
Runs
Average
Strike Rate
Opening
1948126.72121.16
No.3 51144430.72127.00
No.43696635.78128.63
No.5
620668.67146.10
No.633015.00111.11

[Table - Shreyas Iyer Numbers In IPL By Position]

After that, skipper Shreyas Iyer is likely to place himself at no.3. Iyer is naturally a no.4 batter. Hence, he can switch his batting position with Marcus Stoinis according to the match’s situation.

Maxwell, Shashank To Add Fire To Lower Middle Order

PBKS’s core strength in the lower middle order. Glenn Maxwell and Shashank Singh are both quality finishers and can accelerate in death overs. 

Batting position
Innings
Runs
Average
Strike Rate
Opening56412.80120.75
No.32361530.75188.65
No.461150126.80153.63
No.53254321.72147.15
No.6 8
488.00111.63

[Table - Glenn Maxwell Numbers In IPL By Position]

Azmatullah Omarzai is another all-rounder who is in sublime form, but he won't make the cut due to overseas player limit. Apart from the experienced players, uncapped player Nehal Wadhera is likely to bat at no.6 or 7, adding depth to PBKS’ firepower batting lineup.

Marco Jansen, And Arshdeep Singh Lead Pacers

The bowling unit will likely comprise three pacers and one spinner. Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh and Yash Thakur will likely lead the charge with the new ball. 

IPL Season
Matches
Wickets
Average
Economy
2024151830.339.41
2023142120.578.17
2022172719.517.75

[Table - Yuzvendra Chahal Wickets In Last 3 IPL Seasons]

In the spin department, PBKS have a trump card in Yuzvendra Chahal. Moreover, the team can call in Harpreet Brar as an impact player to bring support for Chahal in the spin lineup.

PBKS Probable Playing XI vs GT

Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Josh Inglis, Shreyas Iyer (c), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Yash Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact: Harpreet Brar, Kuldeep Sen, Suryansh Shedge (If Batting First)

Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Josh Inglis, Shreyas Iyer (c), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Yash Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact: Nehal Wadhera, Kuldeep Sen, Suryansh Shedge (If Bowling First)