Rivalry reaches a new high as PBKS hosts GT today
Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans face off tonight at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. It is a high-stakes encounter where both sides boast an identical three-victory record in their head-to-head history. Match 4 of the 2026 season serves as a home opener for Punjab, who finished as runners-up last year and hope to capitalise on their familiar turf.
Statistics from the last 11 fixtures at Mullanpur indicate a narrow advantage for teams batting first, with six wins compared to five for chasing sides. Data shows pace bowlers have been particularly effective here, securing 67 percent of all wickets taken. While the new ball offers movement under lights, the death overs typically favour batters, with scoring rates climbing above 10 runs per over.
Shubman Gill enters this contest with a formidable record of 329 runs against the Punjab franchise, yet he faces a stern test against Arshdeep Singh’s disciplined left-arm pace. Punjab’s batting relies on the explosive duo of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh to ignite the powerplay. tThe Titans bank on the stability provided by Sai Sudharsan, who claimed the Orange Cap in the previous edition.
Mullanpur’s stadium, named after the last ruling Maharaja of Patiala, features a unique herringbone drainage system designed to resume play within 30 minutes of heavy rainfall. Spin remains a factor as the pitch dries, placing Yuzvendra Chahal and Rashid Khan at the center of the middle-over strategy. Punjab may also utilise Musheer Khan as an impact substitute if the top order falters against GT’s pace attack from of Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada.
With Inputs from: IPL T20
