Shubman Gill To Open With? Gujarat Titans' Probable XI vs PBKS



Shubman Gill & Sai Sudharsan [Source: @iplt20.com]Shubman Gill & Sai Sudharsan [Source: @iplt20.com]

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Gujarat Titans are all set to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against the Punjab Kings in Match 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on March 25. Both sides will be desperate to start their season on a high and set the tone for what's to come.

For GT, it’s not just about starting well, it’s about redemption. After a dream debut in 2022, where they lifted the trophy and a strong runner-up finish in 2023, the Titans surprisingly nosedived in 2024 and failed to make it to the playoffs. Now, they are back with a point to prove and a squad that looks hungry for a comeback.

In this article, we take a detailed look into Gujarat Titans' probable playing XI for their opening clash against Punjab Kings and what each player brings to the table.

Gill, Buttler & Sudharsan To Form The Top 3

Stats
Shubman Gill
Jos Buttler
Sai Sudharsan
Innings878720
Runs14321612272
Average46.241.368.0
Strike-Rate128.7140.9115.3
4/6s188/30207/6532/5
Dot Ball %40.846.943.2

Table - Shubman Gill, Jost Buttler & Sai Sudharsan IPL Stats In Powerplay Overs (1-6)

GT’s top-order looks stacked. With Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, and Sai Sudharsan, the Titans have everything covered. Expect them to go hard in the powerplay and lay the foundation for big totals.

Gill is the anchor, the calm in the storm. He can pace the innings and then shift gears in no time. Buttler is the chaos. He comes out swinging and if he gets going, the match could be done in no time. Sudharsan is your banker at No.3. He doesn’t hog the limelight but always gets the job done.

Lomror, Shahrukh, Sundar & Tewatia To Power The Middle & Lower-Middler Order

Stats
Mahipal Lomror
Shahrukh Khan
Washington Sundar
Rahul Tewatia
Innings
35383865
Runs5275533781013
Average18.219.813.525.3
Strike-Rate141.3141.4116.3134.7
4/6s33/3035/3732/984/47
Dot Ball %32.237.936.636.4

Table - Mahipal Lomror, Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar & Rahul Tewatia IPL Stats

Lomror is explosive and fearless. The left-hander goes hard at spinners and can bat at No. 4 to keep the runs flowing in the middle overs. Shahrukh Khan is known for his brute strength. He treats pacers like throwdowns in the last 5 overs.

Sundar brings utility. He is quiet with the bat but very effective and offers a tidy 3-4 overs. On the other hand, Rahul Tewatia is the designated finisher. The player you trust when 40 are needed off 12.



Rashid, Siraj, Rabada & Coetzee To Fire With The Ball

Stats
Rashid Khan
Mohammed Siraj
Kagiso Rabada
Gerald Coetzee
Innings121938010
Wickets14993
11713
Economy6.828.64
8.4810.18
Average21.830.322.026.2
Strike-Rate19.221.015.515.5
4/6s Conceded217/127273/127244/10733/17
Dot Ball %39.749.645.347.8

Table - Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada & Gerald Coetzee IPL Stats

GT’s bowling unit is serious business. Rashid, Siraj, Rabada and Coetzee are all attacking options. While Rashid and Rabada bring control, Siraj and Coetzee bring mayhem. Together, they will be a nightmare.

Rashid is the trump card. Batters play him out or perish. There is rarely an in-between. Siraj thrives on early swing and energy. He is not afraid to go short, and he loves a battle.

Rabada brings the bounce, the pace, and the big-game temperament whereas Coetzee is the wild card. Pacey, unpredictable and loves a wicket or two even if it costs runs.

Impact Player – Prasidh Krishna

Stats
Prasidh Krishna
Matches51
Wickets49
Economy8.91
Average34.7
Strike-Rate23.4
4/6s Conceded196/56
Dot Ball %49.3

Table - Prasidh Krishna IPL Stats

GT have a clever trick up their sleeve. If they bowl first, they can rest Sudharsan and bring in Prasidh Krishna as an Impact Player. If they bat first, they can brink the lanky speedster in later.

Prasidh hits the deck hard. He i quick, tall and when on song, deadly with the new ball. He can be a bit erratic but when he’s in rhythm, batters are in for a tough time.

GT's Probable XI For PBKS Match

Shubman Gill (c) Jos Buttler (wk), Sai Sudharsan, Mahipal Lomror, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Gerald Coetzee