'We are not sure who opens yet': Punjab Kings coach ahead of IPL 2025 opener vs Gujarat Titans

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As the Punjab Kings prepare for their IPL 2025 opener against Gujarat Titans, the team is still deciding on its opening combination. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and guidance of Ricky Ponting, they focus on a cohesive and dynamic unit. Assistant coach Brad Haddin remains optimistic and praises Iyer’s leadership, emphasizing readiness and team culture.

As the Punjab Kings gear up for their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 opener against Gujarat Titans on Tuesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium, uncertainty looms over the team’s opening combination.

Despite an intense preparation camp and a strong squad under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, assistant coach Brad Haddin admitted that the franchise is still evaluating its options for the opening pair.

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Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Haddin acknowledged the challenge of finalising the ideal opening combination.

“We are not sure who opens yet. We have got guys like Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis who have done it well in the past as well. So we have to make sure that we get the right combination,” Haddin stated, leaving fans guessing as to who will walk out to face the formidable pace attack of Gujarat Titans led by Kagiso Rabada and Mohammad Siraj.

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Despite the uncertainty, Haddin remained optimistic about the team’s overall preparation and readiness for the season.

“I think the key focus for us since we’ve got here is to get our players ready for the season. We had a good camp in Dharamsala, where we got to know a lot of our Indian players, and we’re very excited about the talent we have. They’re very athletic, they’re going to be a brave, brave cricket team,” he said.

With Ricky Ponting as head coach and Iyer at the helm, Punjab Kings have placed a strong emphasis on building a cohesive and dynamic unit. Haddin noted that the team possesses the flexibility to adapt to various match situations, thanks to a versatile lineup.

“We want to make sure that they play brave cricket and as per the situation in front of them. This is a new group. We have players in every position we needed who can adapt to play in different roles. I think we’ve got experience right through,” he added.

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Haddin also praised the leadership of captain Shreyas Iyer, crediting him for fostering a culture of unity and commitment within the team.

“I think the culture is driven from our leaders. We have a very driven captain in Shreyas Iyer who has had a lot of success in this format of the game. He has brought everyone together. The staff is on the same page as the players. We are a really tight group, but it’s been led by the standards and the habits that the captain sets,” Haddin said.

Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, and IPL live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Find out how to watch IPL 2025 in Canada and the USA.

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