IPL 2026 Preview: PBKS vs GT match predicted playing XI, pitch report, weather forecast and match prediction
Last year’s finalists Punjab Kings will look to go one better this year as they open their IPL 2026 campaign against the ever-consistent Gujarat Titans New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh on Tuesday. India’s white-ball mainstays Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer will headline a high-profile IPL 2026 opener, with both captains carrying added motivation to prove their credentials in the shortest format. Punjab Kings won’t need reminding of what their captain brings to the table.
Shreyas Iyer, last year, scored 604 runs at a strike-rate north of 175, the best among the tournament’s top 10 run-getters. But PBKS will need to ensure the rest of the batting fires with him. Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya were one of last season’s most destructive opening partnerships - 1,024 runs together at a strike-rate of nearly 169.
Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh and Suryansh Shedge give the middle order firepower. Australia’s Cooper Connolly is primed to come in as the new No. 3, replacing Josh Inglis, though Cricket Australia has asked him to avoid bowling while his back heals.
Since their title-winning debut in 2022, the Gujarat Titans have built a reputation for consistency, reaching the playoffs regularly. They enter the new season with a settled core, having retained the bulk of their squad, and will once again rely heavily on their strong top order. The opening combination of Gill and Sai Sudharsan remains a key pillar.
Sudharsan, last season’s leading run-getter with 759 runs, returns after recovering from a rib injury. His recent domestic form, including a century and multiple half-centuries, suggests he could pick up where he left off. Beyond the top order, Gujarat also have depth in reserve.
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