Punjab Kings (PBKS) will likely open with Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, with Australian youngster Cooper Connolly slotting in at No. 3, when they host Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 4 of IPL 2026 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 7:30 PM IST.
Last season’s runners-up take on the 2022 champions in a clash between two playoff-quality sides. However, PBKS will miss express pacer Lockie Ferguson (paternity leave), while GT bring arguably the strongest bowling attack in IPL 2026 with Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Rashid Khan, and Jason Holder. As a result, this promises to be a fascinating battle between PBKS’s powerful batting and GT’s world-class bowling.
PBKS vs GT IPL 2026 Match 4: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Match 4, IPL 2026 |
| Teams | Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans |
| Date | Tuesday, March 31, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur |
| PBKS Captain | Shreyas Iyer |
| GT Captain | Shubman Gill |
| Head-to-Head | 3-3 (6 matches) |
Interestingly, GT carry mixed memories of this venue. They lost the IPL 2025 Eliminator at Mullanpur to Mumbai Indians. On the other hand, PBKS created one of IPL 2025’s most memorable moments here by defending just 112 against KKR.
Injury and Availability Updates for PBKS vs GT
Unlike most early IPL 2026 fixtures, both teams enter this match largely unaffected by the injury crisis. However, one key absence stands out for PBKS.
PBKS: Lockie Ferguson on Paternity Leave
Lockie Ferguson is unavailable for the opening matches due to paternity leave. The New Zealand express pacer was a vital death-overs weapon for PBKS in IPL 2025. In his absence, Australian quick Xavier Bartlett is expected to fill the overseas fast-bowling slot.
On the bright side, PBKS have no other significant injury concerns. Head coach Ricky Ponting confirmed the team has backup options for every position. He specifically noted, “We’ve got a back-up player for most of those players right the way down to our 25th player.”
GT: Full Strength Barring Minor Tweaks
GT enter the match with their full-strength squad available. All key overseas players, including Jos Buttler, Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan, and Jason Holder, have joined the squad. Additionally, new signing Glenn Phillips adds batting depth and off-spin options.
The only question mark revolves around team combination rather than injuries. GT must decide between R Sai Kishore‘s left-arm spin and Prasidh Krishna‘s extra pace, depending on how they read the Mullanpur surface.
PBKS Predicted Playing XI vs GT
PBKS’s core remains rock-solid from their IPL 2025 runner-up campaign. Therefore, the key changes only involve Cooper Connolly replacing Glenn Maxwell (who left the franchise) and Xavier Bartlett stepping in for the absent Ferguson.
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Priyansh Arya | Opener |
| 2 | Prabhsimran Singh (wk) | Opener / Wicketkeeper |
| 3 | Cooper Connolly | All-rounder |
| 4 | Shreyas Iyer (c) | Middle Order / Captain |
| 5 | Marcus Stoinis | All-rounder |
| 6 | Nehal Wadhera | Middle Order |
| 7 | Shashank Singh | Finisher |
| 8 | Marco Jansen | Pace All-rounder |
| 9 | Arshdeep Singh | Pace Bowler |
| 10 | Xavier Bartlett | Pace Bowler |
| 11 | Yuzvendra Chahal | Leg-spinner |
Impact Player Options: Azmatullah Omarzai, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Harpreet Brar
PBKS’s Explosive Top Order
The Priyansh Arya-Prabhsimran Singh opening pair scored nearly 1000 runs combined in IPL 2025. They provide one of the most aggressive starts in the league. In fact, Prabhsimran finished as PBKS’s top run-scorer with 549 runs last season.
At No. 3, Cooper Connolly steps in for the departed Glenn Maxwell. Ponting confirmed this position in the pre-match press conference. The Australian left-hander offers both batting and left-arm spin, though his T20 career strike rate of around 130 suggests he may need time to adjust to IPL pace.
Captain Shreyas Iyer drops to No. 4, where his ability to attack spinners becomes vital. He scored 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 in IPL 2025, including a stunning 97 not out off 42 balls against GT. Furthermore, Iyer will want to audition for India’s T20I squad after missing out in recent selections.
PBKS’s Bowling: Arshdeep and Chahal Lead
Arshdeep Singh leads the pace attack after picking up 21 wickets in IPL 2025. He is currently the most effective Indian seamer after Jasprit Bumrah. Alongside him, Marco Jansen‘s left-arm pace and Xavier Bartlett‘s Australian zip provide variety.
In the spin department, Yuzvendra Chahal remains IPL’s all-time highest wicket-taker. Although he is heading towards the twilight of his career, his leg-spin variations still trouble the best batters. Additionally, Connolly’s left-arm spin gives PBKS a second spin option when needed.
Some sources suggest Azmatullah Omarzai could play as the fourth overseas player instead of Bartlett. However, Sportskeeda’s match-day report favours Omarzai in the impact player role rather than the starting XI.
GT Predicted Playing XI vs PBKS
GT bring one of the most well-rounded squads in IPL 2026. Their batting and bowling balance is exceptional, and head coach Ashish Nehra has plenty of options to choose from.
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shubman Gill (c) | Opener / Captain |
| 2 | Sai Sudharsan | Opener |
| 3 | Jos Buttler (wk) | No. 3 / Wicketkeeper |
| 4 | Washington Sundar | All-rounder |
| 5 | Glenn Phillips | All-rounder |
| 6 | Shahrukh Khan | Middle Order |
| 7 | Rahul Tewatia | All-rounder |
| 8 | Jason Holder | Pace All-rounder |
| 9 | Rashid Khan | Leg-spinner |
| 10 | Prasidh Krishna | Pace Bowler |
| 11 | Mohammed Siraj | Pace Bowler |
Impact Player Options: Kagiso Rabada, R Sai Kishore, Manav Suthar
GT’s Star-Studded Top Order
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan form one of the most reliable opening pairs in IPL 2026. Sudharsan finished as the leading run-scorer in IPL 2025, while Gill offers consistency and class from the other end. Together, they give GT solid foundations in the powerplay.
At No. 3, Jos Buttler adds explosive power. The England legend’s inclusion creates one of the most dangerous top-three combinations in the tournament. Furthermore, Washington Sundar‘s batting at No. 4 provides left-hand variety and off-spin, making him a genuine all-round asset.
GT’s Bowling: The Deepest Attack in IPL 2026
GT’s bowling is where they truly stand apart. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna handle the new ball, while Jason Holder, signed for Rs 7 crore, provides all-phase pace and critical lower-order runs.
In the spin department, Rashid Khan continues to control the middle overs with his leg-spin mastery. He is one of the most economical spinners in IPL history. Washington Sundar‘s off-spin adds a second spin dimension.
Notably, Kagiso Rabada could come in as the impact player, replacing either Prasidh Krishna or Glenn Phillips depending on the match situation. If GT use Rabada alongside Siraj and Holder, they field three world-class overseas pace options. That is an attacking luxury very few IPL teams can afford.
Some sources, including one Sportskeeda report, suggest R Sai Kishore‘s left-arm spin could feature instead of Glenn Phillips if the pitch offers turn. However, the match-day Sportskeeda probable XI retains Phillips.
Alternate XI Scenarios: What Could Change?
Here are some Alternate Scenarios:
PBKS: The Fourth Overseas Player Debate
The main question for PBKS revolves around the fourth overseas slot. Azmatullah Omarzai‘s pace and power-hitting make him a tempting pick. However, that would mean dropping either Xavier Bartlett or Cooper Connolly. Since Ponting has confirmed Connolly at No. 3, Omarzai may serve as the impact player instead.
Additionally, Ben Dwarshuis, bought for Rs 4.4 crore, offers left-arm pace as another overseas bowling alternative. Meanwhile, Harpreet Brar‘s left-arm spin could replace Chahal if PBKS want two spinners, though that seems unlikely on this surface.
GT: Rabada in the Starting XI or as Impact?
GT face a luxury problem. They have five world-class overseas players but can only field four. The likely choice is between starting Kagiso Rabada and Glenn Phillips. If GT drop Phillips, Rabada joins Siraj and Holder in a fearsome three-man overseas pace attack. However, they lose batting depth in the middle order.
Alternatively, GT could drop Prasidh Krishna and play Rabada as the Indian-slot-saving third seamer. But Krishna’s bounce at Mullanpur could be very useful. Therefore, the most likely scenario keeps Rabada as the impact player, ready to bowl if GT need extra firepower.
Mullanpur Stadium Pitch Report for PBKS vs GT
The Mullanpur pitch is relatively new in IPL terms but has already shown distinct character. Unlike the flat decks at Wankhede and Chinnaswamy, this surface offers carry, bounce, and assistance for pacers under lights.
| Pitch Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Surface Type | Balanced; carry and bounce; favours pace early |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 170-173 in IPL matches at this venue |
| Teams Batting First Win % | Won 6 of 11 IPL matches |
| Dew Factor | Can play a role in second innings |
| Pace vs Spin | Pace dominates early; surface slows for cutters later |
What the Mullanpur Pitch Means Tonight
Pacers will enjoy the carry and bounce early in the innings. As a result, the new-ball battle between Arshdeep-Jansen for PBKS and Siraj-Holder for GT becomes crucial. The team that wins the powerplay will likely control the match.
However, the surface tends to slow down as the match progresses. Consequently, Rashid Khan and Yuzvendra Chahal could become decisive in the middle overs. Cutters and slower balls from pace bowlers also work well here in the death overs.
Worth noting: PBKS defended just 112 against KKR at this venue in IPL 2025. That shows how tricky the surface can be when bowlers hit the right lengths.
Mullanpur Weather Forecast for March 31, 2026
Conditions will be mainly clear in the evening, with no chance of rain during match hours. Temperature will range from 22 to 29 degrees Celsius. Humidity will increase from 16% to around 98% as the night progresses. There is no rain expected, so fans can look forward to a full, uninterrupted game.
Key Player Battles to Watch
Here are the Battles of Key Players from both sides:
Shreyas Iyer vs Rashid Khan
Iyer scored 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 in IPL 2025 by attacking spinners fearlessly. However, Rashid is no ordinary spinner. His googly and speed through the air make him one of the toughest bowlers to score against in T20 cricket. This middle-overs battle will likely decide the match.
Arshdeep Singh vs Shubman Gill
Arshdeep‘s left-arm pace against Gill‘s elegant batting is a powerplay contest worth watching. Arshdeep picked up 21 wickets in IPL 2025, and his ability to swing the new ball under lights at Mullanpur could trouble Gill early. On the other hand, if Gill gets set, his timing on this surface will be difficult to contain.
Marco Jansen vs Jos Buttler
Jansen‘s tall left-arm pace creates an awkward angle for right-handers. Buttler‘s aggressive intent could play into Jansen’s hands if the South African finds the right length. Conversely, if Buttler takes Jansen on early, his power can shift momentum towards GT in a hurry.
Yuzvendra Chahal vs Sai Sudharsan
Chahal, IPL’s all-time highest wicket-taker, against Sudharsan, the leading run-scorer of IPL 2025, is a battle of experience versus form. Chahal’s leg-spin could trouble Sudharsan on a pitch that slows down after the powerplay. Still, Sudharsan’s consistency makes him one of the hardest batters to restrict in T20 cricket today.
Impact Player Predictions for PBKS vs GT
PBKS’s Likely Impact Player: Azmatullah Omarzai or Vyshak
If PBKS bat first and want extra batting depth, Azmatullah Omarzai‘s power-hitting provides the answer. Alternatively, if they bowl first and need extra pace, Vijaykumar Vyshak could replace a batter. Cooper Connolly’s left-arm spin reduces the need for Harpreet Brar, making a pace impact player more likely.
GT’s Likely Impact Player: Kagiso Rabada
Rabada is the obvious impact player choice for GT. If they need extra bowling firepower while defending, Rabada gives them arguably the best death-overs bowler in world cricket. If chasing, GT could instead bring in Manav Suthar‘s left-arm spin or R Sai Kishore for a second spin option.
PBKS vs GT IPL 2026 Match 4: Match Prediction
This is the most evenly matched contest of the first four IPL 2026 games. However, Punjab Kings hold a narrow edge for three reasons.
Why PBKS Are Slight Favourites
First, home advantage. PBKS played some outstanding cricket at Mullanpur in IPL 2025, and the local crowd will back them strongly. They know this surface well and can adjust their game plan accordingly.
Second, batting depth. PBKS can name six genuine batters followed by all-rounders Stoinis, Jansen, and Connolly. That depth allows them to post 200-plus totals even if the top order wobbles. Against any bowling attack, batting nine-deep is a significant weapon.
Third, recent momentum in this fixture. PBKS won the last meeting by 11 runs in a 475-run thriller. That high-scoring win against GT’s strong bowling gives the PBKS batters confidence.
Why GT Can Win This
Despite PBKS’s edge, GT have genuine match-winners across their lineup. Rabada and Siraj with the new ball, Rashid in the middle overs, and Buttler‘s explosive batting can win any match on any surface. Moreover, GT have won 3 of 4 IPL Eliminators/playoffs, which shows their ability to perform under pressure.
If GT’s pace trio restricts PBKS’s openers early and Rashid Khan strangles the middle order, GT have the batting firepower to chase down any total.
Toss Prediction: The toss winner may choose to bat first. Unlike most venues in IPL 2026, Mullanpur’s pitch tends to slow down in the second innings. Teams batting first have won 6 of 11 matches here. Additionally, there may be no dew tonight, since some reports suggest rain earlier in the day could reduce the dew factor.
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Final Verdict: Both PBKS And GT Ready For Battle With Strong And Balanced Squads
Match 4 of IPL 2026 is a genuine 50-50 contest between two playoff-quality sides. PBKS bring last season’s runners-up pedigree and a devastating batting lineup. GT counter with the deepest bowling attack in the tournament and a star-studded top three.
The key battle is between PBKS’s batting and GT’s bowling. If Iyer, Stoinis, and Arya fire, PBKS can overpower any bowling attack. But if Rashid, Siraj, and Holder strangle the run-flow, GT have the batting to capitalise. Expect a high-quality, closely fought game.
