The Indian Premier League (IPL) has a rich history of rivalries, ranging from historical rivalries that date back decades to rivalries that unfold fast through exciting contests and contrasting team ideologies. The matches between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT) have been defined by their fast-paced, exciting matches, twists, and the displayed contrasting power balance thus far through a compelling timeline of rivalry. As a new franchise in 2022, GT has provided its share of drama, turning points, and an unusual balance of power through competitive matches. From nail-biters to dominating displays, the PBKS vs GT rivalry reinforces the thrills that IPL provides with such unpredictability – it’s remarkable how quickly a new rivalry develops and gains momentum in the white-ball format. Having said that, let us take a look at the Punjab Kings Vs Gujarat Titans Timeline in the IPL.
IPL 2022 – Coming of the Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans made their IPL debut in 2022, as an expansion franchise, and shocked everyone by not simply being competitive, but being a dominant competitive team. Gujarat Titans won the trophy on the first try, a tremendous accomplishment, which set the team up as a gelled force to be reckoned with. On the other hand, Punjab Kings, a franchise from the beginning, has always struggled to make the playoffs, but has a very good team, one that always seemed to be one step away from a change in its fortune. The team’s first games in IPL 2022 made it look like they would be in a surprisingly equal contest.
Match 1: 8 April 2022, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
Both teams opened their season in scintillating fashion; both sides chased runs to the very last ball. Punjab Kings batted first and set a daunting total of 189 runs for 9 wickets, mainly thanks to Liam Livingstone’s spectacular 64 runs off just 27 balls. Then it was Shubman Gill’s turn. The INR 8 crore opening batsman for the Gujarat Titans had a terrific 96 runs off 59 balls in an innings that got his team close to the finish line. The Gujarat Titans then looked to themselves, fumbling the chase right to the last; somehow, they managed to win off the last ball of the match with 6 wickets to spare. This match also quickly made a point to everyone not to underestimate GT, and that every time they met PBKS, we would witness a cliffhanger.
Match 2: 3 May 2022, Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Just over a month after that game, these two teams squared off again, and this time, Punjab definitely got the last laugh. After winning the coin toss and batting first, the Gujarat Titans put up a pretty disappointing 143 for 8, knowing full well that just wouldn’t cut it. Kagiso Rabada was absolutely fantastic for PBKS, grabbing 4 wickets for just 33 runs. Then, when it was Punjab’s turn to bat, it was as easy as pie. They chased down the runs for the win with 8 wickets still in hand (and even had 4 overs left!). This was a classic example of how PBKS can bounce back big time and just wipe out teams when their bowlers are on fire. It really showed what Punjab can bring to the table and hinted at a cool rivalry brewing.
IPL 2023 – Equal Dominance
The Gujarat Titans entered the 2023 IPL by having one trophy in hand, which they won in their debut season. They ended their previous season on a high note, and every team knew that they would be unstoppable this season too. Gujarat Titans ended up as the runner-up, as Chennai Super Kings won the title this season, but they gave tough competition throughout the season. Conversely, for Punjab Kings, the year was a roller coaster experience – one moment thrilling and the other moment exciting. Whenever these two teams met this season, it was a thrill and entertainment on the ground.
Match 1: 13 April 2023, Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
The first match of the season between the two teams was on a bit of slow ground at the Punjab Kings’ home stadium. Gujarat Titans asked Punjab Kings to bat first, who scored 153/8. The highlight of the game was the innings of Shubman Gill, who scored 67 off 49 balls. Gill, with the help of his fellow players, went on to win the first match of the season between the two teams by 6 wickets (1 ball remaining).
Special credit to Mohit Sharma, since he was declared the man of the match that evening for his brilliant bowling effort. He conceded only 18 runs and picked up 2 wickets. Furthermore, his fielding performance was perfect that day, which kept PBKS distant from making a huge run. Let’s just say that this match merely showed why the Gujarat Titans are one of the best teams in IPL today.
IPL 2024 & IPL 2025 – The Dominance Of The Punjab Kings
Ever since IPL 2024, the Punjab Kings have been giving their everything, particularly when they have played against the Gujarat Titans. It has been thrilling to see them perform wonderfully under pressure and win key matches, not only against the Gujarat Titans but against any team.
IPL 2024: Season Of Close Finishes
In IPL 2024, both matches that were contested between these two sides went to nail-biting and narrow-margin victories; one was won by the Punjab Kings by 3 wickets, and the second match was won by the Gujarat Titans, once again, by 3 wickets. So, you see, in 2024, it was all about close encounters between these two sides.
- April 4, 2024, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad: In the first game of the season between the two teams, Punjab Kings asked Gujarat Titans to bat first. They scored a battling 199/4 on the board, which was chased quite comfortably by the Punjab Kings (they scored 200/7 with 1 ball left). Punjab Kings remained calm under pressure and won this crucial game. Also, Man of the Match was given to Shashank Singh.
- April 21, 2024, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur: How can’t the Gujarat Titans make a comeback? The second match between these two sides in 2024 was dominated by the Gujarat Titans as they won by 3 wickets (5 balls remaining). The Punjab Kings scored 142, giving a target of 143. This target was smoothly chased by Shubman and his team (they scored 146/7). Also, Sai Kishore was awarded the man of the match for his brilliant performance in the match (he picked up 4 wickets by giving off just 33 runs)
IPL 2025: Dominance Of The Punjab Kings
IPL 2025 saw only one match being played between these two teams, which the Punjab Kings won. In addition, the Punjab Kings were already ruling the season. Discussing the Gujarat Titans, they performed like they do in every other season, only fate was not supportive of them. Let’s discuss more details.
March 25, 2025, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (IPL 2025, Match 5): Punjab Kings fully dominated the match. It was a total one-sided match. Gujarat Titans won the toss and invited Punjab Kings to bat first, who scored a huge 243/5, giving a target of 244 runs to the opponents. Gujarat Titans could not chase the score, and they managed to score 232/5, and the Punjab Kings won the match by 11 runs, silky and ruthless. Priyansh Arya got the golden chance to prove himself, and Shashank Singh made the winning runs. Also, Shreyas Iyer was given the man of the match award for his brilliant knock of 97* runs off 42 balls. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill on the Gujarat side played well but were unable to chase the target.
Key Players and Thematic Threads
While there have been many individual records and performances in this timeline, some players have always managed to steal the show with their outstanding bowling and batting, leaving a mark on the history of this tournament.
- Shubman Gill (GT): The first name on the list is Shubman Gill, who has always showcased his powerful batting, especially against the Punjab Kings. He somehow manages to find his rhythm against the Punjab Kings. How can we forget that knock, which was so close to 100? Overall, he has registered a huge 521 runs against the Punjab Kings in the IPL. He is a threat to the Punjab Kings.
- Kagiso Rabada (PBKS): This South African fast bowler is a nightmare for the Gujarat Titans’ batters. He’s the one with the most wickets for Punjab Kings against GT (he has dismissed GT’s batters 9 times). He’s practically won them many matches all by himself because of his incredible form, and is truly a force to be reckoned with.
- Rashid Khan (GT): This Afghan spin bowler is an important player of the Gujarat Titans’ bowling line-up. He always manages to get crucial wickets with his bowling style, putting a break on runs. He has taken a total of 7 wickets in this rivalry, showcasing his versatility and power bowling.
- Sai Sudharsan (GT): When you have to score runs in the middle order, Sai Sudharsan can be counted on. He is known for batting calmly under pressure and securing extra runs for his team, leading to a win. Also, let’s be real, his extra runs do save the Gujarat Titans many times. He is the second-most run-scorer against the Punjab Kings (he has scored a total of 257 runs). You see, you can always rely on him.
- Shashank Singh & Ashutosh Sharma (PBKS): Whenever we talk about a clutch player in the Punjab Kings, the names that come to our mind are Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma. They have made their team win so many times. Who can forget that inning of Shashank Singh where he scored 52 runs off 25 balls? He completely flipped that game and snatched victory from his opponents
- Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): The Sarpanch Saab of the Punjab Kings, i.e., Shreyas Iyer, both with his bat and leadership in 2025, has always proven why he is a great deal. He took the team to the finals and ended up as a runner-up in the very first year of captaincy – it is not a joke. He has showcased a brilliant performance and dedication this year.
Punjab Kings Vs Gujarat Titans Head-To-Head Record
| Total Matches | 6 |
| Punjab Won | 3 |
| Gujarat Won | 3 |
| Punjab Lost | 3 |
| Gujarat Lost | 3 |
| No Result | 0 |
Conclusion
The Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans Timeline is a classic example of the unpredictable nature of the Twenty-Twenty Internationals (T20I). The Gujarat Titans, from their very first season (in which they lifted their maiden title), have been dominant against all teams, especially the Punjab Kings. The team has some real power hitters and bowlers, who perform their job beautifully and make their team win some crucial matches. GT’s wins are nothing but pure teamwork. On the other hand, the Punjab Kings, under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, evolved beautifully with both bat and ball, securing important wins and ending up as a runner-up in IPL 2025.
The rivalry between the Gujarat Titans and the Punjab Kings is set to experience many more such instances over time, and we truly can’t wait to see what’s in store for all of us next season. Well, for all these questions to get answered, we have to wait for the next IPL season to kick off.
Must Read:
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