The North-Indian rivalry reignites as the Punjab Kings (PBKS) take on the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 4 of the TATA IPL 2026. This clash at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh promises high-octane drama, especially with both teams seeking an early-season psychological edge.
PBKS, coming off a heartbreaking loss in last year’s final, look more determined than ever under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill’s Titans are eager to reclaim their status as the league’s most clinical unit after a slightly inconsistent 2025 campaign.
Pitch Report: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, Mullanpur
The track in New Chandigarh has evolved into a balanced surface, though it slightly favors the teams batting first. Historically, out of the 11 IPL matches played here, teams setting a target have won 6 times.
- Pace vs. Spin: Pacers are expected to be the main protagonists, having accounted for roughly 67% of the wickets at this venue.
- Average Score: Expect a competitive total. The average first innings score hovers around 169-175, but with the explosive batting lineups on both sides, a 190+ score isn’t out of the question.
- Weather: The forecast is clear with temperatures dropping to the mid-teens by the second innings, meaning dew might play a minor role in the latter half of the match.
Head-to-Head Record
This is perhaps the most evenly matched rivalry in recent years. In their 6 previous encounters, the record is deadlocked:
- PBKS Wins: 3
- GT Wins: 3
The last time these two met, fans witnessed a run-fest where PBKS chased down a massive total, proving that no score is safe when these two heavyweights collide.
Probable Playing 11 for Today’s Match
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
The Kings have bolstered their middle order and boast a lethal bowling attack.
- Priyansh Arya
- Prabhsimran Singh (wk)
- Shreyas Iyer (C)
- Cooper Connolly
- Marcus Stoinis
- Shashank Singh
- Nehal Wadhera
- Marco Jansen
- Arshdeep Singh
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Yash Thakur
- Impact Player Options: Vyshak Vijaykumar / Harpreet Brar
Gujarat Titans (GT)
The Titans have a “pick-your-poison” batting lineup and the world’s best T20 spinner.
- Shubman Gill (C)
- Jos Buttler (wk)
- Sai Sudharsan
- Glenn Phillips
- Shahrukh Khan
- Rahul Tewatia
- Rashid Khan
- Mohammed Siraj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Sai Kishore
- Mohit Sharma
- Impact Player Options: Ashok Sharma / Sandeep Warrier
Key Matchups to Watch
- Shubman Gill vs. Arshdeep Singh: The battle for the powerplay. Arshdeep’s swing against Gill’s pristine timing will set the tone.
- Rashid Khan vs. Shreyas Iyer: Iyer is a great player of spin, but Rashid’s quick googlies have troubled him in the past.
- Jos Buttler vs. Marco Jansen: Jansen’s height and bounce could be a challenge for Buttler early in his innings.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
This is a tough one to call. Punjab Kings have the “home” advantage and a very settled look after their 2025 success. However, Gujarat Titans have the X-factor in Rashid Khan and the explosive Jos Buttler.
Our Prediction: Given the pitch history and PBKS’s recent consistency, Punjab Kings start as slight favorites (52%) to edge out the Titans in a high-scoring thriller.
The match between the Punjab Kings and the Gujarat Titans is expected to be closely contested. Punjab Kings have a slight advantage due to home conditions, but the Gujarat Titans’ strong bowling unit can change the game anytime.
The pitch at Mullanpur is balanced, supporting both batters and pacers. The average first innings score is around 170, and teams batting first have had slightly better success at this venue.
Both teams are likely to go with their strongest combinations. However, the final playing 11 will be confirmed after the toss, so it is important to check live updates before the match begins.
Top-order batters and all-rounders are the best captain choices as they contribute in multiple ways. Players in good recent form are ideal for maximising fantasy points.
Dew may play a role in the second innings, making batting easier and slightly affecting bowlers’ control. This is why teams often prefer to chase after winning the toss.
