Punjab Kings (PBKS) return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with unfinished business as they take on the Gujarat Titans (GT) in a high-stakes opener in Mullanpur. After falling agonisingly short by just six runs in the IPL 2025 final, captain Shreyas Iyer will be determined to lead PBKS one step further this season. Adding intrigue to the contest is the face-off between Iyer and Shubman Gill, both of whom are looking to re-establish themselves in India’s T20I setup after missing out recently.

Gill, leading the Gujarat Titans, will be keen to make a strong statement in his first T20 outing since the T20 World Cup. Both teams have largely retained their core squads, ensuring continuity in team combinations. Punjab have made a notable addition in Cooper Connolly, who replaces Josh Inglis and is expected to slot in as a specialist batter. Meanwhile, GT will rely on a settled top order featuring Gill, Jos Buttler, and Sai Sudharsan.

PBKS boast a powerful batting lineup featuring Prabhsimran Singh, Marcus Stoinis, and Shashank Singh, all of whom were instrumental in their run to the final last season. The batting-friendly Mullanpur surface is expected to favour stroke-makers, although seamers could find early movement if there is grass on offer.

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Historically, the rivalry has been evenly matched, with both teams winning three games each in six encounters. Their last meeting in IPL 2025 was a run-fest, where PBKS posted 243, only for GT to fall narrowly short by 11 runs. With both sides evenly poised and packed with match-winners, this IPL 2026 clash promises to be a thrilling contest right from the start.

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

PBKS’ opening pair of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh promises aggression at the top, both arriving in solid domestic form. Captain Shreyas Iyer anchors the middle order, bringing composure and consistency, while Marcus Stoinis adds valuable all-round depth. This flexibility allows PBKS to adapt their batting approach depending on match situations.

With the ball, Marco Jansen spearheads the pace attack, using bounce and discipline to trouble batters. Yuzvendra Chahal leads the spin unit, offering a reliable wicket-taking option in the middle overs. Overall, PBKS look well-balanced and equipped to mount another serious title challenge.

Probable XI: Prabsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Yuzvendra Chahal

Gujarat Titans (GT)

Led by Shubman Gill, GT boast a dependable top order, with Sai Sudharsan providing stability alongside the skipper. The addition of Jos Buttler at No. 3 significantly strengthens their batting lineup, bringing both experience and attacking intent. Their pace attack stands out as a major strength, featuring Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Kagiso Rabada—a trio capable of delivering breakthroughs at key moments.

While their spin department remains an area to watch, GT’s overall balance of youth and experience makes them a formidable opponent. With both teams evenly matched on paper, this contest promises to be a closely fought battle in IPL 2026.

Probable XI: Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna