31-MAR-2026, 11:24 AM, Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans are set to begin their IPL 2026 campaigns with a clash at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, on Tuesday evening.
The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST and brings together last season’s runners-up Punjab Kings and a Gujarat Titans side looking to make a strong start to the new campaign.
Punjab Kings will be led by Shreyas Iyer, while Shubman Gill will captain Gujarat Titans.
Both teams have retained important players from their previous squads while making additions that could change their combinations during the season.
PBKS vs GT Match Details
- Match: Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans
- Tournament: IPL 2026
- Date: March 31, 2026
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
- PBKS captain: Shreyas Iyer
- GT captain: Shubman Gill
The match is the fourth game of the IPL 2026 season.
Punjab Kings Team News
Punjab Kings enter the season after finishing as runners-up in IPL 2025.
The team has retained a strong Indian core, with Shreyas Iyer continuing as captain. The squad also includes players such as Prabhsimran Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
One of the questions before the match was the composition of PBKS’s overseas players.
Reports also indicated that Lockie Ferguson would miss the initial phase, affecting the team’s pace-bowling options.
Gujarat Titans Team News
The Gujarat Titans have a strong top order led by captain Shubman Gill.
Gill is expected to be supported by Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler, while players such as Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, and Rashid Khan provide additional batting and bowling options.
The pace attack includes Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna, giving Gujarat considerable variety with the ball.
The middle order remains an area of interest for Gujarat, particularly because the team’s top three are expected to carry a significant share of the scoring responsibility.
PBKS Predicted Playing XI
Based on team news available before the match, Punjab Kings’ predicted XI was:
- Prabhsimran Singh (WK)
- Priyansh Arya
- Cooper Connolly
- Shreyas Iyer (C)
- Nehal Wadhera
- Shashank Singh
- Marcus Stoinis
- Marco Jansen
- Xavier Bartlett
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yuzvendra Chahal
Possible impact options included Harpreet Brar, Priyansh Arya, Praveen Dubey, Vishnu Vinod, and Suryansh Shedge.
The final XI would depend on the toss, conditions, and the team’s overseas combination.
GT Predicted Playing XI
Gujarat Titans’ predicted XI was:
- Shubman Gill (C)
- Sai Sudharsan
- Jos Buttler (WK)
- Washington Sundar
- Glenn Phillips
- Shahrukh Khan
- Rahul Tewatia
- Rashid Khan
- Kagiso Rabada
- Prasidh Krishna
- Mohammed Siraj
Potential impact options included Jason Holder, Prasidh Krishna, Jayant Yadav, Manav Suthar, and Kumar Kushagra.
Key Players to Watch
Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer is an important figure for Punjab Kings after leading the side to the IPL 2025 final.
His role at the top of the middle order will be important, particularly if PBKS lose an early wicket.
Shubman Gill
Gujarat’s batting will again revolve around Shubman Gill.
The GT captain will be expected to provide stability at the top while also setting the tempo during the powerplay.
Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler gives Gujarat another experienced top-order option.
His ability to score quickly can put pressure on opposing bowlers, particularly during the powerplay.
Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan remains one of Gujarat’s most important bowling options.
His ability to control the middle overs and take wickets makes him a key part of the team’s plans.
Arshdeep Singh
For Punjab Kings, Arshdeep Singh is expected to lead the Indian pace attack.
His role in the powerplay and at the death could be particularly important against Gujarat’s strong top order.
Mullanpur Pitch Report
The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur was expected to provide a good contest between bat and ball.
The surface was described as capable of offering good carry to batters, while the larger boundaries at the venue could make running between the wickets important.
India Today reported that the pitch was expected to favor batting, with teams potentially preferring to bowl first and chase under lights.
The weather forecast was also favourable, with clear conditions expected and no major rain threat reported before the game.
PBKS vs GT: Tactical Battle
Punjab Kings have several all-round options, which gives Shreyas Iyer flexibility when selecting the final combination.
The presence of Marcus Stoinis and Marco Jansen provides additional depth, while Chahal gives the team an experienced spin option.
Gujarat, meanwhile, has a strong combination of top-order batting and pace bowling.
The contest could therefore be decided by how effectively PBKS’s bowlers handle Gujarat’s top order and whether GT can contain Punjab’s middle-order hitters.
Why This Match Matters
The opening match of a season can influence momentum, although one result does not determine a team’s campaign.
For Punjab Kings, the priority will be to build on their run to the IPL 2025 final and start the new season on a positive note.
For Gujarat Titans, the objective will be to establish consistency early and make use of their experienced top order and bowling attack.
Both teams therefore have plenty to gain from a strong opening performance.
PBKS vs GT: What to Expect
The match brings together two sides with different strengths.
Punjab has a strong Indian core and several versatile all-rounders, while Gujarat has an experienced top order and a varied bowling attack.
The toss could also influence the tactical approach, particularly if dew becomes a factor during the second innings.
Final Word
Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans’ IPL 2026 opener in Mullanpur promises an interesting contest between two teams with strong ambitions for the season.
Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings will look to build on their previous campaign, while Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans will aim to start the tournament with a win.
With players such as Iyer, Gill, Buttler, Rashid Khan, Arshdeep Singh, and Chahal involved, the match has several key individual battles to watch.
The predicted XIs are based on team news available before the toss, so the final line-ups may differ.
Source: India Today, Wisden, and IPL match information.
