The runners-up of IPL 2025, Punjab Kings, begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Gujarat Titans at home, in Mullanpur. Shreyas Iyer-led PBKS had one of the best seasons, barring the Indian Premier League trophy. This time, they would aim to go that distance. But Shubman Gill’s GT are no pushover. They have been consistent throughout and despite their heavy dependency on the Top 3, they have perhaps the best bowling attack to win games.
Match Details
- Teams: Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans
- Match: 4th T20, Indian Premier League 2026
- Date & Time: Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 7:30 PM IST (night match)
- Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar app and website
- TV Telecast: Star Sports Network
- Captains: Shreyas Iyer (PBKS), Shubman Gill (GT)
PBKS vs GT Match Preview
Even though teams win and lose together, both captains have points to prove. Shreyas Iyer, despite an excellent IPL 2025 season, failed to secure a T20 World Cup berth. Shubman Gill also had an excellent season. But he too was omitted from the T20 WC squad at the last minute. His strike rate was not something selectors were impressed with.
Now, Iyer has a chance to break that door down as India begin a new T20 WC cycle. At Punjab Kings, he will be slotted n at No 4, as confirmed earlier. If he succeeds at that spot, his team will also benefit. They will rely on explosive starts from openers and Iyer to deliver the goods before Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh can offer a strong finish. Their bowling, led by Arshdeep Singh, Marco Jansen, and Yuzvendra Chahal, offers an excellent pace-spin variety.
Gujarat Titans heavily depended on their Top 3 (Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler). With Sherfane Rutherford moving out, GT’s middle-order must take some responsibility. Gill will also look to improve his scoring rate in the powerplay to provide a fast start.
Their bowling attack looks strong with Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Rashid Khan, and Kagiso Rabada.
PBKS vs GT Head-to-Head Records
GT and PBKS have faced each other 6 times in the IPL, with the record perfectly even: 3 wins each. In fact, no team in this rivalry has won two consecutive games. If that trend persists, PBKS would be the favourite.
| Feature | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | Gujarat Titans (GT) |
| Total Matches | 6 | 6 |
| Matches Won | 3 | 3 |
| Highest Total | 243/5 (IPL 2025) | 232/5 (IPL 2025) |
| Lowest Total | 142 (IPL 2024) | 143/8 (IPL 2022) |
| Titles | 0 (Runners-up 2014, 2025) | 1 (Champions 2022) |
PBKS vs GT Match Prediction: Who will win?
Punjab Kings do not have an excellent record at home in Mullanpur. In 10 matches at the venue, PBKS have lost 7, winning only three. They also lost to GT the last time, when they hosted them in Mullanpur.
However, considering the squad strength Punjab have, it will be a close battle against Gujarat. If PBKS can ace the powerplay and hold their bowling well, they can topple Gujarat. GT’s balanced squad and experienced bowling attack make them dangerous. But only if the top order delivers.
Predicted Winner: Punjab Kings (55-45 in favour)
Mullanpur Pitch Report
The pitch at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, generally provides a balanced contest. It helps batsmen early on with good carry and bounce, enabling high scores (180-190 are often competitive; 200+ is breached in some 2025 games). It can slow down or become two-paced later, aiding spinners in gripping the ball during the middle overs.
The pitch offers early movement for fast bowlers, particularly under lights, and the quick outfield benefits batsmen. Dew in the second innings can make chasing the preferred option. Consequently, the venue typically favours teams possessing strong top-order batsmen and effective spin bowlers. Match totals in the 180-190 bracket are frequently competitive, being both defendable and chaseable.
Key match-ups to watch out for
- Shubman Gill (GT) vs Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): GT opener Gill, strong against pace, faces PBKS’s premier left-arm seamer, Arshdeep. Arshdeep’s new ball accuracy in Mullanpur is key. An early strike disrupts GT’s innings anchor.
- Jos Buttler (GT) vs Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS): Former RR teammates clash. T20 destroyer Buttler excels against spin, but PBKS leg-spinner Chahal, with a good record vs GT, may exploit Mullanpur’s grip in the middle overs.
- Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) vs Mohammed Siraj (GT): PBKS skipper Iyer faces GT quick Siraj. Their competitive history—Siraj has dismissed Iyer before—makes Iyer’s handling of Siraj’s pace and short ball crucial for PBKS’s stability.
Predicted Playing 11
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (capt), Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Vijaykumar Vyshak
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Shubman Gill (capt), B Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips/ Jason Holder, M Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, R Sai Kishore
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