IPL 2025, GT vs PBKS: Gujarat Titans (GT) lost to Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 11 runs in a high-scoring match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, March 25.
IPL 2025, GT vs PBKS: Shreyas Iyer Shines with Unbeaten 97 to Lead Punjab Kings to Victory
Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to field on a great batting pitch. Prabhsimran Singh was out early, but Priyansh Arya and captain Shreyas Iyer put together a quick 51-run partnership in just 21 balls. After Arya’s 47 off 23 balls, Azmatulla Omarzai, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis struggled to make an impact.
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Shreyas took charge and, with strong support from Shashank Singh, helped Punjab reach a huge total. The pair added an unbeaten 81 runs in just 28 balls. The last five overs produced 87 runs. Shashank finished unbeaten on 44 off 16 balls, while Shreyas scored 97* off 42 balls, breaking his IPL high score. R Sai Kishore was the best bowler for Gujarat, taking 3/30 in four overs.
IPL 2025, GT vs PBKS: Gujarat Titans’ Chasing Effort Falls Short Despite Strong Partnerships
Chasing 244, Gujarat needed a strong start from their openers, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. They did just that, putting on a 61-run partnership in the powerplay. However, Glenn Maxwell’s introduction brought success as he dismissed Shubman while attempting a big shot.
Jos Buttler joined Sudharsan, and they added 84 runs off 40 balls with a steady approach. Arshdeep Singh broke the partnership in the 13th over, sending Sudharsan back for a solid 74 off 41 balls. Sherfane Rutherford came in as the Impact Player and started well, while Buttler reached his half-century.
With 27 runs needed off the last over, Gujarat had seven wickets in hand but struggled against Arshdeep, who bowled tightly. Gujarat managed only 15 runs and lost two wickets, finishing on 232/5. Arshdeep took two wickets for 36 runs in his four overs. Maxwell and Marco Jansen also picked up one wicket each.
IPL 2025, GT vs PBKS: Shreyas Iyer On His 97-Run Knock
Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, Shreyas Iyer, who was also awarded Player of the Match for his unbeaten 97-run knock, said:
“Getting 97 not out in the opening game of the season for us is the icing on the cake. I got a four the first ball I faced and it got me going. That flick six off Rabada as well. 44 runs he (Shashank) scored off 16-17 off balls was pretty crucial for the team.”
“We set a benchmark that we had to go for it. With the dew coming it things could change and thankfully he performed.”
Iyer’s comments showed he wasn’t angry with Shashank Singh for preventing him from getting a century.
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When asked about the game-changing impact player Vijaykumar Vyshak, Shreyas Iyer described him as a funny character. He said:
“He is a funny character. He has got traits in him where he comes in with the right attitude. He bowled the yorkers straightaway. Kept his calm and composure.”
IPL 2025, GT vs PBKS: Iyer Shares His Thoughts on Arshdeep Singh’s Crucial Role and the Dew Effect
Shreyas Iyer also shared what Arshdeep Singh said about the saliva ban being lifted, which helped the pacer as the ball started reversing in the death overs. He explained:
“Arshdeep played an important role in that (the wide yorker plan). He came in and said the ball is actually reversing a bit so the saliva on the ball is helping the bowlers a bit I guess.
“He got Sai and that changed the momentum for us and then he came in and said let’s start the wide yorkers earlier than trying it too late. Before the season started we left no stone unturned. In our meetings everyone chipped in with what we can execute on the field and it wasn’t just me talking. We look to carry forward the momentum into the other games as well.”
IPL 2025, GT vs PBKS: Shubman Gill Praises Vijaykumar Vyshak’s Calm Under Pressure
Shubman Gill admitted that they gave away too many runs with the ball and weren’t great with the bat or in the field. However, he pointed out some positives and made a strange comment about having a “good start to the tournament.” Shubman Gill said:
“I think we got our chances when we were bowling and batting. Too many runs were given away. We let ourselves down on the field as well.”
“Those three overs in the middle when we scored 18 runs, that and the first three overs we didn’t score too many runs. That cost us the game. Many positives as well. Good start to the tournament I guess.”
Vijaykumar Vyshak became a game-changer for the Punjab Kings after being brought in as an Impact Player, causing problems for the Gujarat Titans batters. Speaking about him, Shubman Gill praised the pacer’s performance, saying that he did a good job. He added:
“Never easy for someone to come in as an Impact player and bowl those yorkers when you have been on the bench for 15 overs. Credit to them for bowling yorkers on the trot.”
“I mean it is always a good batting wicket here to bat on. You might score 240-250, but you have to restrict the opposition as well.”
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