Punjab Kings have been one of the most explosive batting units in IPL 2026, consistently dominating opposition with their fearless approach. Known for chasing down massive totals—including a record-breaking 265 earlier this season—their batting depth has been a major talking point. However, their momentum took a hit following a defeat to the Rajasthan Royals, and their clash against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad exposed some rare vulnerabilities.

Asked to bat first at the Narendra Modi Stadium, PBKS endured a nightmare start against a disciplined GT pace attack. Mohammed Siraj set the tone early with his precision, while Kagiso Rabada complemented him with raw pace and bounce. The early breakthroughs left Punjab reeling, putting pressure on their middle order to rebuild.

At a precarious 47/5, it was Suryansh Shedge who stepped up with a counterattacking knock. The young batter, who had struggled to make an impact in previous IPL outings, delivered when it mattered most. His aggressive half-century, stitched alongside Marcus Stoinis, briefly revived Punjab’s innings.

WATCH – Mohammed Siraj Strikes Twice In First Over, Priyansh Arya and Connolly Fall Early

Shedge’s standout moment came in the 14th over when he took on Manav Suthar, smashing 26 runs in a single over with a flurry of boundaries and sixes. The innings not only shifted momentum but also highlighted his ability to perform under pressure—something he had previously showcased in domestic cricket.

26 RUNS IN A SINGLE OVER BY SHEDGE 🤯👌 pic.twitter.com/jssJsA2Fhz

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 3, 2026

However, the Gujarat Titans regained control at a crucial juncture. Rabada, despite being hit for a six earlier in the over, bounced back strongly to dismiss Shedge, halting Punjab’s resurgence. The middle-order collapse that followed ensured PBKS could only manage 163—a total well below their usual high-scoring standards this season.

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While Siraj and Rabada provided early breakthroughs, it was Jason Holder who dismantled the middle order. His crucial strikes included key wickets of Shreyas Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Stoinis, and Xavier Bartlett, effectively breaking the backbone of Punjab’s innings.

Stoinis’ dismissal in the death overs proved to be a turning point, as he looked capable of pushing the total beyond a competitive mark. In the end, Gujarat’s disciplined bowling unit ensured Punjab fell short, delivering a rare low-scoring outing for one of the most destructive batting sides of IPL 2026.