Buttler vs Maxwell: Fireworks Expected as Titans Face Revamped PBKS Line-up

As Gujarat Titans prepare to open their IPL 2025 campaign at home, all eyes are on the high-voltage clash between Jos Buttler and Glenn Maxwell—two power-packed performers ready to light up the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Gujarat Titans, under the leadership of Shubman Gill, have made strategic additions to their pace attack by roping in Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna. While their bowling looks potent, questions linger over a relatively thin middle order.

Gill has declared the franchise's intent to "maximise the powerplay" this season, a shift from their sluggish starts in 2024. With Jos Buttler as his opening partner, Gill has the chance to change that narrative. Buttler enters IPL 2025 with red-hot form, averaging nearly 40 at a strike rate nearing 150 since 2024.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings—sporting a refreshed squad and a new head coach in Ricky Ponting—enter the season with cautious optimism. Shreyas Iyer takes over captaincy, reuniting with Ponting after a successful stint at Delhi Capitals. PBKS have added serious muscle in their middle order with Marcus Stoinis and Maxwell, while Yuzvendra Chahal and Lockie Ferguson bring depth to the bowling unit.

Maxwell returns to PBKS in superb touch after a stellar BBL, scoring 325 runs at a strike rate of 186.78. His explosive style could be key to PBKS breaking their trophy drought.

The pitch in Ahmedabad remains an unknown variable. In IPL 2024, the surface yielded both high-scoring chases and low collapses. With both teams carrying firepower and ambition, fans can expect a clash rich in intent and unpredictability.

Probable XIs:

Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (capt), Jos Buttler (wk), Sai Sudharsan, Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.

Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (capt), Glenn Maxwell, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.