Punjab Kings (PBKS) are yet to truly establish a stronghold at their ‘home’ venue in New Chandigarh, and IPL 2026 is already moving quickly for them. With just one game played here so far, nearly a quarter of their home fixtures are already done, underlining how little time they have to turn familiarity into advantage. Historically, New Chandigarh hasn’t been a fortress for PBKS, with the team managing just six wins in 21 matches. It remains a venue they are still trying to understand rather than dominate.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), meanwhile, arrive with their own struggles around the idea of home comfort. Once known for their strong record in Hyderabad, SRH have managed only two wins in their last seven home matches across the previous two seasons. Now on the road, they find themselves in a situation similar to PBKS — adapting quickly and trying to make unfamiliar conditions work in their favour.

The importance of adapting to conditions was highlighted recently when Mohammed Shami, traded to Lucknow Super Giants, returned to Hyderabad and picked up key wickets using a slower ball he had developed just days earlier. That ability to adjust quickly is something SRH will need in New Chandigarh as well.

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In terms of familiarity, Abhishek Sharma could play a crucial role for SRH. Having strong roots in Punjab cricket, he is one player who understands these conditions better than most in the visiting side. His record against PBKS is impressive, averaging over 50 with a strike rate close to 200, making him a key figure at the top of the order.

SRH’s batting will heavily depend on Abhishek, especially in the absence of Pat Cummins and with Travis Head not replicating last season’s consistency. PBKS, on the other hand, will be eager to reclaim control at their home ground and make better use of conditions. The pitch in New Chandigarh is expected to be slightly dry and well rolled, making stroke play challenging as the ball gets older. With no dew expected in a day game, teams winning the toss could prefer to bat first and set a competitive total.

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Punjab Kings are still awaiting the arrival of Lockie Ferguson, while captain Shreyas Iyer appears to have recovered well after a hand injury scare in their opening match. However, Arshdeep Singh’s form remains a concern heading into this crucial IPL 2026 fixture. The left-arm pacer has struggled for impact, picking up just five Powerplay wickets in 15 games this year and averaging 57.60. In the ongoing season, he is yet to take a wicket, conceding 99 runs in 10 overs. That said, his strong record against key SRH batters like Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen offers some hope.

Probable XII: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Cooper Connolly, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Pat Cummins remains unavailable after flying back home for scans and is expected to return only in the latter half of the tournament. Brydon Carse is also recovering from a hand injury. Meanwhile, Harshal Patel and Jaydev Unadkat could be key, both enjoying favourable match-ups against Shreyas Iyer.

Probable XII: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan(w/c), Heinrich Klaasen, Liam Livingstone, Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga/David Payne/Brydon Carse