IPL 2026, Match 4: Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans Match Preview

Runners-up from last year, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) open their 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign in Match 4 against the Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, March 31. 

PBKS reached only their second-ever IPL final last season but suffered a narrow six-run defeat at the hands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the showpiece game in Ahmedabad. The Punjab-based outfit have rightfully not made any wholesale changes to their squad, which took them to the final in 2025. They only signed four players in the mini auction, including Cooper Connolly and Ben Dwarshuis. The side will once again rely on the brilliance of their captain, Shreyas Iyer, along with Arshdeep Singh, to come good and take them to yet another playoff spot.

GT, on the other hand, finished third last season but lost to the Mumbai Indians in the first Eliminator. The 2022 champions have a well-balanced squad with top-quality batters and bowlers who are in great form. Last season, GT’s squad saw the recipients of both Purple and Orange Caps in the form of Prasidh Krishna and Sai Sudharsan. 

As far as unavailable players are concerned, PBKS are expected to field their best XI in their opening game of the new season. The Iyer-led side will be without Lockie Ferguson for the early stages of the campaign as he is on parental leave. 

GT, meanwhile, have no players who are currently unavailable for selection. The Ahmedabad-based side have bolstered their overseas contingent at the mini auction by picking Luke Wood, Jason Holder, and Tom Banton. 

PBKS vs GT: Match Details

PBKS vs GT: Head-to-Head record

Pitch Report: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh 

The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium offers a mixed bag when it comes to conditions for a T20 game. Last year saw teams easily cross the 200-run mark, whilst sometimes also struggling to reach 120. The pitch at New Chandigarh’s stadium is expected to offer something for both batters and bowlers, with spin usually coming into play during the latter stages of the game.

The outfield at the ground is generally on the quicker side, which rewards batters for their well-timed shots. 

PBKS vs GT: Predicted Playing XI

Punjab Kings (PBKS):

Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (C), Mitchell Owen, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Ben Dwarshuis, Arshdeep Singh

Impact Player: Yuzvendra Chahal

Gujarat Titans (GT):

Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Jason Holder, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammad Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

Impact Player: Sai Kishore