Preview
As the IPL 2026 heat intensifies, the 2025 runners-up Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to host the formidable Gujarat Titans (GT) at Mullanpur on March 31. Under the tactical leadership of Shreyas Iyer, PBKS looks to maintain their dominant home form. Meanwhile, GT has bolstered their ranks with the explosive Jos Buttler to partner Shubman Gill. With both squads undergoing significant upgrades in the recent auction, expect a high-octane clash where tactical masterclasses meet raw power-hitting.
PBKS vs GT Match Details
| Category | Details |
| Match | Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans, Match 4, IPL 2026 |
| Venue | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur |
| Date & Time | Tuesday, March 31, 7:30 PM (IST) |
| Live Broadcast | 1.Vijaybet members enjoy free live streaming 2. Star Sports Channels, JioHotstar App and Website |
PBKS vs GT Chance of Winning
| Team | Punjab Kings | Gujarat Titans |
| Chance of Winning | 53% | 47% |
PBKS vs GT Today Match Prediction Cricket Betting Tips
Punjab Kings:
Entering IPL 2026, the Punjab Kings have emerged as a well-balanced and confident unit under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer. Retaining their core while adding the experience of Yuzvendra Chahal and the finishing power of Marcus Stoinis, PBKS have built a squad capable of competing across all phases of the game. Their strong carryover momentum from last season further strengthens their position.
Arshdeep Singh continues to be the backbone of their bowling attack, especially in the death overs where his yorkers are highly effective. The batting unit, featuring Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh, offers both aggression and stability. However, PBKS have historically struggled in high-pressure finishes, and their middle order could be tested against the spin threat of Rashid Khan. If they fail to manage that phase, posting a competitive total could become challenging.
Gujarat Titans：
The Gujarat Titans have built one of the most explosive top orders in IPL 2026, with Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler forming a formidable opening partnership. Their addition of Mohammed Siraj to complement Rashid Khan significantly strengthens their bowling unit, giving them a well-rounded attack.
GT’s biggest strength lies in their ability to chase under pressure, supported by a resilient mindset. Sai Sudharsan provides crucial stability at No.3, while Rahul Tewatia adds late-innings firepower. However, concerns remain around their middle-order depth if early wickets fall, as well as the consistency of Prasidh Krishna following his return from injury. For GT to gain the upper hand, Siraj’s new-ball spell will be key in breaking PBKS’s top order and disrupting their middle-overs momentum.
PBKS vs GT Head-to-Head Record
Punjab Kings
In recent encounters, the Punjab Kings have successfully moved beyond their former underdog status against the Gujarat Titans. During the 2025 season, PBKS dominated both home and away fixtures, executing well-defined strategies—particularly using Arshdeep Singh to contain Shubman Gill early in the innings.
Historically, PBKS have also been strong at Mullanpur, where the extra bounce has helped their bowlers challenge GT’s stroke-makers. The addition of Yuzvendra Chahal further strengthens their matchup advantage, given his proven success against several GT batters in past seasons.
Gujarat Titans
The Gujarat Titans, however, have built a reputation for dramatic turnarounds against PBKS, highlighted by memorable last-ball finishes from Rahul Tewatia. Despite their struggles in the previous season, the overall head-to-head record remains closely contested.
GT’s tactical flexibility has often been their biggest strength, allowing them to outmaneuver PBKS in high-pressure chases. With Jos Buttler now added to the lineup, they gain a batter with a strong track record against Punjab’s bowling. GT will aim to capitalize on any tactical lapses under PBKS’s relatively new leadership setup.
Cricket Teams Preview of the Match
Punjab Kings
Shreyas Iyer (C), Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Marcus Stoinis, Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Nehal Wadhera, Harpreet Brar, Xavier Bartlett, Priyansh Arya.
Gujarat Titans
Shubman Gill (C), Jos Buttler, Sai Sudharsan, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Tewatia, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Glenn Phillips.
Weather Conditions
－The forecast for Mullanpur is clear with a maximum temperature of 31°C and humidity around 43%.
－Dew Factor: Expect a significant amount of dew in the second innings. This will make it difficult for spinners to grip the ball, giving a massive advantage to the team batting second.
Venue and Pitch Conditions
－The Mullanpur Stadium pitch is known for its carry and bounce, favoring both genuine pacers and stroke-players who like the ball coming onto the bat.
－Recent matches suggest a first-innings average of 170-180. However, with the heavy hitters in both squads, a 190+ score is highly likely. The captain winning the toss will almost certainly choose to bowl first to avoid the dew later in the evening.
Conclusion
This Match 4 clash shapes up as a contest between Punjab Kings’ balanced consistency and Gujarat Titans’ individual brilliance. PBKS appear to hold a slight edge, thanks to their stronger bowling depth led by Yuzvendra Chahal and Arshdeep Singh.
However, the presence of Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler makes GT a highly dangerous side, capable of turning the game quickly. The outcome will likely hinge on the Powerplay phase—if PBKS can strike early and remove the openers, they should be well positioned to secure the win.