TheThe Indian Premier League (IPL) is renowned for its intense rivalries, spanning historic clashes and fast-emerging contests fueled by contrasting team strategies. One of the most exciting matchups in recent seasons has been between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT), characterized by thrilling encounters, unexpected twists, and a dynamic balance of power.
Since joining the IPL in 2022, the Gujarat Titans have made a remarkable impact, delivering dramatic moments, crucial turning points, and fiercely competitive matches against the Punjab Kings. From nail-biting finishes to commanding performances, the PBKS vs GT rivalry highlights the unpredictability and excitement that make the IPL a must-watch tournament.
With such rapid momentum, this rivalry has quickly become a highlight of the white-ball format. Let’s explore the Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans timeline and relive the key moments that have shaped this thrilling IPL contest.
IPL 2022 – Coming of the Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans entered the IPL in 2022 as an expansion franchise and immediately turned heads, not just by competing but by dominating the tournament. Winning the IPL trophy on their debut was a remarkable achievement, establishing the team as a cohesive and formidable force.
In contrast, Punjab Kings, one of the original IPL franchises, has historically struggled to secure playoff spots. Despite having a talented squad, they often appeared just a step away from transforming their fortunes. Their early encounters in IPL 2022 hinted at a surprisingly balanced and competitive contest between the two sides.
Match 1: 8 April 2022, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
Both Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans kicked off their IPL 2022 season in spectacular fashion, delivering a match that went down to the very last ball. Punjab Kings batted first, posting a challenging total of 189/9, fueled by Liam Livingstone’s explosive 64 off just 27 balls. The chase fell to Shubman Gill, the INR 8 crore Gujarat Titans opener, who played a sensational 96-run innings off 59 balls, bringing his team close to victory.
The Gujarat Titans held their nerve in a nail-biting finish, eventually clinching the win on the final ball with 6 wickets in hand. This thrilling encounter sent a clear message: never underestimate GT. Every PBKS vs GT match promised to be a high-stakes, edge-of-the-seat showdown.
Match 2: 3 May 2022, Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Just over a month later, Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans faced off again, and this time, Punjab Kings claimed the victory. Winning the toss and opting to field first, the Gujarat Titans managed a below-par 143/8, a total far short of what was needed. Kagiso Rabada starred for PBKS, taking 4 wickets for just 33 runs, putting his team firmly in control.
When Punjab Kings batted, the chase was effortless. They secured the win with 8 wickets in hand and 4 overs to spare, demonstrating their ability to bounce back strongly when their bowlers are firing. This match highlighted PBKS’s power and potential, setting the stage for a thrilling PBKS vs GT rivalry in the IPL.
IPL 2023 – Equal Dominance
Gujarat Titans entered the IPL 2023 season carrying the momentum of their debut triumph, having already secured a trophy in 2022. Their previous season’s success set high expectations, and every team knew GT would be a formidable contender. Although they finished as runner-up, with Chennai Super Kings taking the title, the Titans remained a dominant force, challenging opponents fiercely throughout the season.
For Punjab Kings, IPL 2023 was a roller-coaster ride, delivering moments of exhilaration and suspense in equal measure. Every PBKS vs GT encounter this season was packed with excitement, offering fans thrilling matches and unforgettable on-field action.
Match 1: 13 April 2023, Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
The first PBKS vs GT clash of the season took place on a slightly slow pitch at the Punjab Kings’ home ground. Gujarat Titans won the toss and elected to field, while Punjab Kings posted 153/8. The standout performance came from Shubman Gill, who played a brilliant 67-run innings off 49 balls, guiding GT to a thrilling 6-wicket victory with 1 ball to spare.
Mohit Sharma earned the Man of the Match award for his exceptional bowling, conceding just 18 runs and taking 2 crucial wickets. His sharp fielding further restricted PBKS, preventing them from scoring a big total. This match reinforced why the Gujarat Titans are considered one of the strongest and most consistent teams in the IPL today.
IPL 2024 & IPL 2025 – The Dominance Of The Punjab Kings
Since IPL 2024, the Punjab Kings have consistently raised their game, especially when facing the Gujarat Titans. Watching them perform under pressure and secure crucial victories has been nothing short of thrilling. Their resilience and determination shine not only in matches against GT but also against every other opponent in the tournament.
IPL 2024: Season Of Close IPL 2025: Dominance Of The Punjab Kings Finishes
The clashes between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT) were defined by nail-biting finishes and narrow-margin victories. Each team claimed one thrilling win by just 3 wickets, making the season a showcase of intense, closely fought encounters.
April 4, 2024 – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad: In the first face-off of the season, Punjab Kings chose to field first, allowing Gujarat Titans to set a competitive total of 199/4. However, PBKS kept their composure under pressure and chased it down with 200/7 in 49.5 overs, securing a dramatic 1-ball victory. Shashank Singh earned the Man of the Match award for his pivotal contribution in guiding PBKS to a successful chase.
April 21, 2024 – Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur: The second encounter saw the Gujarat Titans stage a strong comeback. After Punjab Kings posted 142, GT chased the target smoothly, finishing at 146/7 with 5 balls to spare, thanks to a stellar performance by Shubman Gill and his teammates. Sai Kishore claimed the Man of the Match award for his brilliant bowling, taking 4 wickets for just 33 runs, which proved crucial in restricting PBKS to a modest total.
These two matches in IPL 2024 highlighted the PBKS vs GT rivalry as one of the most thrilling contests in the tournament, marked by close finishes and edge-of-your-seat excitement.
IPL 2025: Dominance Of The Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT) faced off only once, with PBKS asserting their dominance. Heading into the match, the Punjab Kings were already leading the season, while the Titans, as always, showed fight but couldn’t find favor with luck.
March 25, 2025 – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (Match 5): This clash was a one-sided affair. Gujarat Titans won the toss and chose to field first, allowing Punjab Kings to post a massive 243/5, setting a challenging target of 244 runs. GT fought hard but fell short, finishing at 232/5, giving PBKS an 11-run victory.
Shreyas Iyer earned the Man of the Match award for his spectacular 97 off 42 balls*, while Shashank Singh played the crucial winning shot. For GT, Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill performed admirably but were unable to chase down the total. Rising talent Priyansh Arya also got a golden opportunity to showcase his skills in this high-pressure game.
This match reinforced Punjab Kings’ supremacy in IPL 2025 and added another chapter to the exciting PBKS vs GT rivalry.
Key Players and Thematic Threads
Throughout the PBKS vs GT rivalry, several players have consistently stolen the spotlight with remarkable performances, leaving an indelible mark on the IPL.
- Shubman Gill (GT): The Gujarat Titans’ opener has consistently showcased his powerful batting against the Punjab Kings. Gill seems to find a special rhythm against PBKS, highlighted by that near-century knock. Overall, he has accumulated 521 runs against the Punjab Kings in the IPL, making him a constant threat in this rivalry.
- Kagiso Rabada (PBKS): The South African fast bowler is a nightmare for the Gujarat Titans’ batters, holding the record for the most wickets for PBKS against GT with 9 dismissals. Rabada’s exceptional form has turned several matches in Punjab Kings’ favor, making him one of the most formidable bowlers in this contest.
- Rashid Khan (GT): The Afghan spin maestro is a crucial part of the Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack. Known for taking key wickets and controlling the run flow, Rashid has claimed 7 wickets in this rivalry, demonstrating his versatility and impact in high-pressure situations.
- Sai Sudharsan (GT): A dependable middle-order batsman, Sudharsan excels under pressure and often adds crucial runs that tilt the game in GT’s favor. With 257 runs against the Punjab Kings, he is the second-highest run-scorer in this rivalry and a reliable match-winner for the Gujarat Titans.
- Shashank Singh & Ashutosh Sharma (PBKS): When it comes to clutch performances for Punjab Kings, these two players stand out. Shashank Singh’s explosive 52 off 25 balls is a perfect example of turning a match on its head, consistently securing victories in critical moments.
- Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): As captain and star batsman in IPL 2025, Shreyas Iyer has exemplified leadership and skill. Taking Punjab Kings to the finals and finishing as runner-up in his first year of captaincy, Iyer’s brilliant performances and dedication have solidified his status as a cornerstone of the team.
These players have not only shaped the outcomes of individual matches but have also defined the PBKS vs GT rivalry as one of the most exciting and competitive contests in IPL history.
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 |
Memorable Highlights
- Hardik Pandya’s Unbeaten 82 (GT – 2023): A masterclass in all-round brilliance, Hardik’s 82* nearly single-handedly secured victory for Gujarat Titans, showcasing his ability to change a game under pressure.
- Shikhar Dhawan’s Consistency (PBKS): Over the years, Dhawan has been a constant threat for the Gujarat Titans, combining fluent stroke play with crucial big runs, making him a key player in the PBKS lineup.
- Rashid Khan’s Spin Magic (GT): The Afghan spinner continues to be a game-changer, consistently applying pressure on the Punjab Kings’ batting order with tight, wicket-taking spells.
- Nail-Biting Finishes: The PBKS vs GT rivalry has delivered some of the IPL’s closest contests, including the unforgettable 2023 Mohali clash, where the Gujarat Titans chased 166 runs with just 2 balls to spare, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Punjab Kings and the Gujarat Titans first face each other in the IPL?
Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans first met in the IPL 2022 season, marking the beginning of an exciting and fast-developing rivalry.
Which team has the upper hand in the PBKS vs GT rivalry?
The rivalry has been fairly balanced, with both teams winning crucial matches. PBKS and GT have delivered nail-biting finishes in multiple seasons, making it hard to pick a clear leader.
Who are the top run-scorers in PBKS vs GT matches?
Shubman Gill (GT) leads with 521 runs, while Sai Sudharsan (GT) and Shikhar Dhawan (PBKS) have also made significant contributions with the bat in this rivalry.
Which bowlers have been most impactful in this rivalry?
Kagiso Rabada (PBKS) and Rashid Khan (GT) have been standout performers, taking crucial wickets and often turning matches in their team’s favor.
What are some of the closest finishes between PBKS and GT?
Several matches have gone down to the last few balls, including GT’s chase of 166 in Mohali 2023 with just 2 balls to spare, and other encounters decided by narrow margins of 3 wickets.
Who holds the record for the highest individual score in PBKS vs GT matches?
Shubman Gill (GT) came closest to a century with a remarkable knock of 96 runs against the Punjab Kings in IPL 2022.
Which IPL seasons have seen the most thrilling PBKS vs GT encounters?
The 2022, 2023, and 2024 IPL seasons have delivered some of the most memorable matches, featuring nail-biting finishes and standout individual performances.
Conclusion
The Punjab Kings vs the Gujarat Titans timeline showcases one of the most thrilling and competitive rivalries in the Indian Premier League. From nail-biting finishes and record-breaking innings to standout bowling performances, these encounters have kept fans on the edge of their seats season after season. Players like Shubman Gill, Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan, Shreyas Iyer, and Sai Sudharsan have consistently left their mark, highlighting the talent and unpredictability that define this rivalry.