IPL 2025 winners Punjab Kings and 2022 champions Gujarat Titans begin their IPL 2026 campaign in Mullanpur with more than just two points at stake, with both sides looking to set the tone early.
For the Punjabi kings, the challenge is verification. After reaching the finals last season, they will be keen to show that their success was not a one-off and that they can maintain this level across seasons.
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Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, come up with a slightly different story. On paper, they remain heavily reliant on their top order, although their fast-bowling core continues to be one of the most consistent units since their debut. Whether they can ease their reliance on the bat could define their campaign.
PBKS rode a wave of collective performances to reach only their second final, while Gujarat languished towards the business end to finish fourth before bowing out to Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator.
So this initial clash is more than just an initial impulse. It’s a chance for both teams to establish an identity and direction at the start of the new season.
WILL GILL AND IYER PROVE THEIR T20 VALUE?
At the heart of this competition are two captains, Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill, both of whom have a lot to prove in the T20 format despite their IPL success.
For Gill, IPL 2026 comes at a crucial stage in his career. Now established as India’s Test and ODI captain, his omission from the T20 World Cup squad remains a reminder that his place in the shortest format is still uncertain. While his IPL consistency has been elite, second only to Virat Kohli since 2023, the conversation around his game has shifted from accumulation to impact. Gill largely addressed that last season, scoring over 155 points compared to his career success rate of around 138, and will look to build on that progress.
Since Hardik Pandya’s exit after IPL 2023, Gill has grown into his leadership role and Gujarat Titans now firmly revolve around him. After a late slump cost them a top-two finish last season, IPL 2026 offers him a chance to show more control, both as a batsman and captain.
Iyer’s journey presents a similar contrast. Despite leading teams to several IPL finals and producing an outstanding 2025 season where he scored 604 runs at a strike rate of over 175, he remains out of India’s T20 set-up. He has not played a T20I since December 2023 and continues to be overlooked by the Ajit Agarkar-led panel, despite the strong domestic tournaments he has missed.
However, his leadership skills are well established and IPL 2026 provides another opportunity to strengthen his case as a complete T20 batsman and captain.
For both Gill and Iyer, this is more than just a season opener. It’s a chance to reassert their importance in the Indian T20 environment.
CAN PBKS BACK UP RUN 2025?
Punjab Kings enter the new season with renewed belief but also increased scrutiny after their run to the finals last year.
Their explosive opening pair of Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya have been central to this campaign, combining for over 1,000 runs at a remarkable rate of close to 169. However, both batsmen arrive this season on the back of a silent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, raising questions about their current form.
The bigger concern, however, lies in the middle order. Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh and Suryansh Shedge have struggled for consistency and a lack of stability risks PBKS once again being over-reliant on their top order. Against a strong spin attack led by Rashid Khan, their role becomes even more critical.
Punjab will also have a new face at No.3, with Australia’s Cooper Connolly replacing Josh Inglis, who was released ahead of IPL 2026 due to availability issues. Connolly is expected to feature as a batting specialist initially as Cricket Australia has advised him to avoid bowling while he recovers from a back problem.
Another area that Punjab will be concerned about is their home record. Despite reaching the final last season, they managed just two wins in five games at New Chandigarh, an inconsistency they cannot afford if they are to prove their run in 2025 was no anomaly.
CAN GT FIX THE MIDDLE ORDER?
Gujarat Titans’ biggest asset continues to be their top order, which has been one of the most reliable in the tournament for the past few seasons.
The opening combination of Gill and Sai Sudharsan offers both consistency and fluidity, while Jos Buttler at No.3 adds a layer of explosiveness that few teams can match.
Their bowling attack led by Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada provides both control and wicket-taking ability across phases.
However, the middle order remains a problem. Last season, the Nos. 4 to 7 GT cars struggled with consistency, often exposing the side when the top order failed to deliver. With no guaranteed solution yet, much will depend on how the likes of Glenn Phillips and Tom Banton adapt to those roles.
PBKS TEAM NEWS
Punjab Kings have retained most of their squad from last season, with Iyer continuing to lead a team that has a strong Indian core.
The addition of Cooper Connolly provides another option at No.3, while Azmatullah Omarzai adds balance as an all-round bowler. However, concerns remain around the middle order and the recent form of their opening pair.
Lockie Ferguson will miss the opening phase which could affect their momentum early in the tournament.
GT TEAM NEWS
Gujarat Titans enter IPL 2026 with continuity and depth, retaining a strong core from previous seasons.
Their top order remains unchanged, while additions like Jason Holder and Tom Banton give the team additional flexibility. However, the middle order remains an area that will need to provide more consistent service.
PBKS VS GT: MATCH DETAILS
The PBKS vs GT match will be played at Mullanpur, Chandigarh and is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM.
PBKS VS GT: MULLANPUR PITCH AND WEATHER REPORT
The Mullanpur pitch is expected to favor the batsmen, with a flat surface and good delivery likely to help the strokeplay throughout the innings. Teams who won the toss may prefer to bowl first to assess the conditions and chase under lights.
Weather conditions are expected to remain clear, with temperatures around 36C, low humidity and no rain forecast, ensuring uninterrupted play.
PBKS vs GT: PREDICTED XI AND SUBS IMPACT
Kings of Punjab: Shreyas Iyer (c), Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Impact Subs: Harpreet Brar, Vishal Nishad, Pravin Dubey
Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna
Impact Subs: Kumar Kushagra, Sai Kishore, Luke Wood
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
31 March 2026 06:00 IST
