Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans Preview & Prediction | IPL 2026 | League Stage

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Shreyas Iyer and Punjab Kings begin their 2026 IPL campaign against Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans.

Date & time: 31 March 2026 at 3:00 pm

Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh, India

Weather: Sunny at the start of play but cloud later on as temperatures drop into the mid-twenties.

How to watch: USA – Willow TV / UK – Sky Sports & Sky Go

Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans prediction

Punjab Kings couldn’t have come closer to winning that illusive first IPL title last year. Unfortunately for them, they were pipped to the post by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who beat them by six runs in the final. Virat Kohli’s 43 helped propel RCB to 190/9 and Punjab fell short of that score despite Shashank Singh’s 61 not out.

Shreyas Iyer, captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders team who claimed IPL glory in 2024 returns to lead Punjab and at a salary of ₹26.75 Crore is the second-highest earning player in the competition, behind only Rishabh Pant of Lucknow. The pressure is on Iyer to deliver, starting here against a franchise that despite being founded only four years, already boasts more titles than Punjab.

Gujarat Titans includes England star Jos Buttler, who has not been in good form and will be hoping a new, familiar competition can change that, whilst Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada provides world class overseas bowling. They complement an Indian core which includes Sai Sudharsan, Rahul Tewatia, Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj. Not to mention the captain, Shubman Gill being such an important part of the top order.

The key factor that comes into the equation is Ricky Ponting. Since joining Punjab Kings as head coach, the Australian has successfully led them to the final. Having already proven himself at Delhi Capitals, Ponting is clearly an excellent coach who knows how to run a winning ship. Under his command, expect Punjab to get off to a strong start.

Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans tip: Punjab Kings to win