After months of anticipation and build-up, we are ready to step onto the field and begin our campaign against Punjab Kings in Match 4 of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on Tuesday, March 31.

Following last season’s playoffs exit, we are determined to set the tone early. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, we head into the new season with clear intent and start strong to build momentum from game one.

With our sights firmly set on lifting a second IPL trophy, we have shaped a unit that thrives on balance and belief. Our top order carries composure and intent, while the middle order has the ability to shift gears when the situation demands. The presence of multi-dimensional all-rounders gives us the flexibility to adapt and behind the stumps, we have options that combine reliability with attacking flair.

Our bowling unit, meanwhile, remains a cornerstone of our identity. With a mix of pace, control and variation, we back ourselves to challenge any batting line-up. It’s a group that understands pressure moments and has repeatedly delivered when it matters most.

The fresh additions to our setup will bring in new energy, versatility and a hunger to make an impact as the tournament unfolds.

Interestingly, whenever we’ve gone up against Punjab Kings, certain moments have defined the contest and more often than not, Rahul Tewatia has found a way to rise to the occasion. His knack for turning games around has made these encounters even more memorable for us.

One such unforgettable night came in our debut 2022 season. Chasing a daunting 190, we found ourselves in a tense finish despite a commanding knock from Gill. With the equation boiling down to 12 needed off the final two balls, Tewatia delivered under pressure, launching back-to-back sixes to script a dramatic victory that still resonates with us.

The following season brought another closely fought contest. Gill once again anchored the innings with a composed effort, keeping us in the hunt, before Tewatia stepped in at the death to finish the job. Another reminder of our ability to hold our nerves in crunch situations.

In 2024, on their home turf, we were tested yet again in a tight chase. This time, it was a combined effort where Sai Kishore’s four-fer set the tone with a standout spell. When it came down to the finish, Tewatia’s late flourish ensured we crossed the line in another hard-fought win.

As we gear up for this clash, those moments serve as reminders of what these contests bring intensity, pressure and opportunities to rise. And as always, we’re ready to embrace it. Aava De! 

Gujarat Titans squad for IPL 2026:

Batters: Shubman Gill (captain), Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, Tom Banton

All-Rounders: Glenn Phillips, Jason Holder, Nishant Sandhu, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan

Wicket-Keepers: Anuj Rawat, Jos Buttler, Kumar Kushagra

Bowlers: Sai Kishore, Arshad Khan, Ashok Sharma, Gurnoor Brar, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav, Kagiso Rabada, Kulwant Khejroliya, Luke Wood, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

A look at the opposition

Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, come into the season on the back of a strong 2025 campaign where they finished as runners-up. Their top order, featuring Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya and Iyer, provides stability, while players like Marcus Stoinis and Nehal Wadhera add firepower in the middle. Their bowling unit, led by Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal and Lockie Ferguson will pose a strong challenge.

Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings head-to-head record

Our contests against Punjab Kings have been closely fought. In six meetings so far, we have shared the spoils evenly with three wins each. The last time we faced them, we fell just short by 11 runs at home in March 2025, a result that adds extra motivation as we step into this clash.

Milestones to keep an eye on

Rahul Tewatia is 7 sixes away from 100 sixes in T20s.

Shubman Gill is 88 runs away from 5500 runs in T20s.

Washington Sundar is 7 sixes away from hitting 50 sixes in T20s.

Sai Kishore is 5 wickets away from 100 wickets in T20s.