The Gujarat Titans (GT) are set to host the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a critical Match 46 of IPL 2026 on May 3. This encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium is a vital reverse fixture after Punjab Kings pulled off a dramatic three-wicket victory in their previous meeting earlier this season at Mullanpur.
Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, the Titans are looking to capitalize on their massive home support to avenge that narrow defeat. Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings, captained by Shreyas Iyer, arrive in Ahmedabad with the psychological advantage of having won the last two encounters between these sides.
With both teams locked in a fierce battle for the mid-table spots, this game is essentially a “four-pointer” in the race for the playoffs.
Match Details & Live Streaming
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Date & Time: Sunday, May 3, 7:30 PM (IST)
- Live Broadcasting & Streaming: JioStar Network Channels, JioHotstar
GT vs PBKS: Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 7
- Won by PBKS: 4
- Won by GT: 3
Pitch Report
The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch is renowned for being one of the most balanced surfaces in India. The black soil provides a consistent bounce that batters can trust, but the sheer size of the ground ensures that spinners and disciplined death bowlers remain in the game.
The average first-innings score at this venue in 2026 has been around 180–190. While high-scoring games are common, the surface often slows down slightly in the second half. However, the dew factoris expected to be heavy, which usually tempts captains to bowl first and chase under the lights, where the ball skids onto the bat more easily.
Team Analysis
Gujarat Titans:
The Titans’ strength lies in their top-order stability. Shubman Gill has been in fine form, supported by the reliable Jos Buttler. Their bowling unit is spearheaded by the spin wizard Rashid Khan and the pace of Kagiso Rabada. A key area of improvement for GT will be their middle-order strike rate during the middle overs, where they have occasionally let the momentum slip.
Punjab Kings:
Punjab Kings have built a reputation for being the “giant killers” of the season. Their batting relies on the explosive Prabhsimran Singh and the calm leadership of Shreyas Iyer. The emergence of Cooper Connolly, who was the Player of the Match in their last meeting with GT, adds a dangerous dimension to their middle order.
Their bowling attack, led by Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, has been effective at taking wickets in clusters.
Match Prediction
While Punjab Kings have won the last two meetings, the Gujarat Titans are a different force at the Narendra Modi Stadium. GT’s superior balance in the bowling department and Gill’s exceptional record at this venue give them a slight edge. However, if Punjab’s finishers like Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis find their rhythm, they could easily spoil the Titans’ homecoming.
Prediction: Gujarat Titans likely to win
GT vs PBKS: Predicted Playing XI
Gujarat Titans (GT):
Shubman Gill (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Sai Sudharsan, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ashok Sharma.
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (C), Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh.
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