The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is already buzzing with high-voltage action, and the 5th match promises to be a cracker as Gujarat Titans (GT) lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS). Both teams are known for their aggressive gameplay and passionate fan bases. As anticipation builds, here’s a complete guide covering everything from the match schedule, venue, probable playing XIs, head-to-head stats, and how to watch the game live.
🗓 Match Schedule and Timing
The 5th match of IPL 2025, featuring Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings, is scheduled to take place on:
| Detail | Information |
| Match Number | 5th Match – IPL 2025 |
| Date | March 26, 2025 |
| Day | Wednesday |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Live Broadcast | Star Sports, JioHotstar (Live Stream) |
The match will be played under lights at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium – the world’s largest cricket stadium.
📍 Venue Details: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
The Narendra Modi Stadium, formerly known as the Motera Stadium, is the home ground of Gujarat Titans. It is one of the most advanced and largest stadiums globally, with a seating capacity of over 132,000 spectators.
Venue Stats (T20 Matches)
| Parameter | Detail |
| Location | Ahmedabad, Gujarat |
| Capacity | 132,000 |
| Average 1st Inn Score | 165-180 |
| Pitch Type | Balanced (assists pace & spin) |
| Dew Factor | Often plays a role in 2nd innings |
The pitch here usually provides a balanced contest between bat and ball, although chasing under lights is often an advantage due to dew.
👥 Head-to-Head Record: GT vs PBKS
Though Gujarat Titans are relatively new to the IPL (debuted in 2022), they’ve already developed competitive rivalries with traditional teams like Punjab Kings.
Head-to-Head Summary (as of 2024 season)
| Team | Wins vs Opponent |
| Gujarat Titans | 3 |
| Punjab Kings | 1 |
GT holds the edge over PBKS in their past encounters, but Punjab is known for their surprises and firepower.
🧢 Team Previews
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Led by their dynamic captain and backed by a strong core of Indian and international players, Gujarat Titans are among the consistent performers in recent IPL seasons.
Key Players to Watch:
- Shubman Gill (Captain): Elegant opener and a consistent run-scorer.
- Rashid Khan: Match-winning spinner and death-overs hitter.
- Sai Sudharsan: Young talent with reliable middle-order contributions.
- Mohammed Shami: Pace spearhead with early breakthroughs.
Predicted Playing XI – Gujarat Titans
| Player Name | Role |
| Shubman Gill (C) | Batsman |
| Wriddhiman Saha (WK) | Wicketkeeper/Batsman |
| Sai Sudharsan | Batsman |
| David Miller | Batsman |
| Rahul Tewatia | All-rounder |
| Rashid Khan | All-rounder/Spinner |
| Vijay Shankar | All-rounder |
| Mohammed Shami | Bowler |
| Joshua Little | Bowler (Overseas) |
| Noor Ahmad | Spinner |
| Mohit Sharma | Bowler |
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
| Player Name | Role |
| Shikhar Dhawan (C) | Batsman |
| Prabhsimran Singh (WK) | Wicketkeeper/Batsman |
| Liam Livingstone | All-rounder |
| Jitesh Sharma | Batsman |
| Sam Curran | All-rounder |
| Shahrukh Khan | Batsman |
| Rishi Dhawan | All-rounder |
| Rahul Chahar | Spinner |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler |
| Kagiso Rabada | Bowler (Overseas) |
| Harpreet Brar | Spinner |
🔑 Key Battles to Watch
A duel between class and pace. Rabada will look to dismiss Gill early before he settles in.
2. Rashid Khan vs Liam Livingstone
Two T20 superstars – Rashid’s spin wizardry against Livingstone’s brute strength.
3. Sam Curran vs Shami/Noor Ahmad
Curran’s finishing skills will be put to test against GT’s bowling depth in the death overs.
🧠 Match Prediction
Gujarat Titans start as favorites due to their better head-to-head record, home advantage, and a balanced lineup. However, PBKS’s unpredictability and power-hitters like Livingstone and Curran can change the game in a matter of overs.
Predicted Result:
Gujarat Titans win (narrow margin)
📺 Where to Watch
Fans can catch all the live action through the following platforms:
| Platform | Availability |
| TV Broadcast | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming | JioHotsar |
| International | Willow TV (USA), Sky Sports (UK) |
🔍 Fantasy Cricket Tips
For Dream11 or fantasy leagues, consider these picks:
| Category | Top Picks |
| Captain | Shubman Gill, Liam Livingstone |
| Vice-Captain | Rashid Khan, Sam Curran |
| Dark Horses | Sai Sudharsan, Jitesh Sharma |
| Bowlers to Watch | Shami, Arshdeep, Noor Ahmad |
📢 Final Thoughts
The 5th match of IPL 2025 – Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings is shaping up to be an enthralling contest between two power-packed teams. GT will look to build momentum at home, while PBKS aims to break the jinx and assert their presence in this season. With stars on both sides and an electric atmosphere in Ahmedabad, fans are in for a cricketing treat. Don’t miss out on the action – whether you’re watching from the stadium or tuning in from home, this one’s going to be a thriller!