Shreyas Iyer aims to end Punjab Kings' title drought
Shreyas Iyer will lead the Punjab Kings as they open the IPL 2025 season against the Gujarat Titans on March 25, 2025. Iyer is looking to end Punjab's long wait for their first IPL title, which has lasted 18 years. Iyer had a successful stint as captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders, winning the title last year and previously guiding the Delhi Capitals to the final in 2020. Despite multiple changes in leadership and team structure, Punjab has struggled in recent years, failing to reach the playoffs since 2018. This season, Iyer will be supported by coach Ricky Ponting. Together, they aim to revitalize the Punjab Kings. The team’s batting will include important players like Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, and Glenn Maxwell. On the opposing side, Shubman Gill leads the Gujarat Titans after a challenging season last year. The Titans will rely on Gill and Jos Buttler to get off to a strong start. Other key players include West Indian Sherfane Rutherford and all-rounders like Rashid Khan and Glenn Phillips. Both teams have strong bowling line-ups as well. Mohammed Siraj will lead Gujarat's pace attack, while Arshdeep Singh heads the Punjab bowling unit. Each team boasts talented spinners, with Rashid Khan for Gujarat and Yuzvendra Chahal for Punjab likely to play crucial roles. Fans are eager to see how Iyer’s leadership and team strategies will unfold in this exciting opening match of the IPL season.