The Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT) are set to clash in the fourth match of the Indian Premier League 2026 season on March 31. PBKS, now led by the tactically astute Shreyas Iyer, look to build on their 2025 runner-up finish with a strong showing at their primary home. Meanwhile, the Gujarat Titans, under Shubman Gill, aim to re-establish their dominance with a revamped bowling attack.

The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium is prepared for a high-octane encounter featuring Mohammed Siraj in GT colours and the much-anticipated performance of PBKS’s young sensation, Priyansh Arya.

PBKS enter the contest with high confidence following a successful 2025 campaign, while GT will look to test their new-look middle order on the pace-friendly Mullanpur deck.

PBKS IPL 2026 squad

Shreyas Iyer (c), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Ben Dwarshuis, Vidwath Kaverappa, Tanay Thyagarajan, Vishwanath Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Prince Choudhary, Harshit Rana.

GT IPL 2026 squad

Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, R. Sai Kishore, Tom Banton, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohit Sharma, Kartik Tyagi, Sushant Mishra, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar.

What is the H2H record between PBKS and GT?

In head-to-head clashes, these two sides have played 6 matches.

The rivalry is perfectly balanced with 3 wins each. Unlike many IPL rivalries, neither side has managed to pull away, with their encounters often going down to the final over. At Mullanpur, PBKS hold a slight psychological advantage due to their familiarity with the ground’s unique dimensions and wind patterns.

Probable XI of both teams

PBKS probable XI

Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Ben Dwarshuis.

GT probable XI

Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, R.

Sai Kishore.

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium, Mullanpur & Key Details

The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, located in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, was inaugurated in 2021 and became the official home of the Punjab Kings in 2024. It has a capacity of 38,000 and features a world-class drainage system. The stadium is known for its lush green outfield and its status as one of the most modern cricketing facilities in North India.

What is the Pitch like at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium?

The Mullanpur pitch is a “sporting track” that offers a fair contest between bat and ball. Unlike the flat “belters” found in other venues, this surface has a noticeable layer of grass that provides significant carry and bounce for the fast bowlers. Pacers like Arshdeep Singh and Kagiso Rabada often find movement early in the innings.

However, once the initial shine of the ball wears off, the pitch settles into a high-quality batting surface. The sand-based outfield is lightning fast, rewarding pure stroke play. Spinners find some grip in the middle overs, but the lack of excessive turn means they must rely on flight and deception.

A unique feature of this ground is the lack of heavy dew. Unlike Guwahati or Mumbai, the dry Chandigarh air in late March means the ball stays relatively dry, allowing captains to potentially bat first and defend a total—though “bowl first” remains the trend.

Key Stats & Records at the Mullanpur Stadium

The highest team total at this ground is that of PBKS, who scored 214/5 versus the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024.

147/8 by PBKS versus Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024 remains the lowest team total here.

Shashank Singh has been a revelation here. He is the top run-scorer with 218 runs from 10 matches. Prabhsimran Singh and Priyanshu Arya are the other two batters with 150-plus runs here.

Arshdeep Singh leads the charts with 11 wickets in 7 matches, thriving on the extra bounce the pitch offers.

PBKS vs GT: Weather Forecast

The weather in New Chandigarh will be crisp and dry. Temperatures are expected to range between 18°C and 21°C during the night. Humidity will be moderate at around 45% to 50%, which is significantly lower than coastal venues. This ensures the ball won’t become a “soap bar” for the bowlers, making for a high-quality tactical battle.

PBKS vs GT: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?

The pitch provides a slight advantage to the Punjab Kings because their pace attack (Arshdeep, Jansen, and Dwarshuis) is tailor-made for these bouncy conditions. However, GT’s world-class pace duo of Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada could be equally lethal here. The battle will likely be won in the middle overs; if GT’s Rashid Khan can stifle PBKS’s aggressive middle order on this relatively objective pitch, the Titans will have the upper hand.

FAQs – Pitch Report for Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium

What is the pitch report for Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium?

Expect a lively pitch with good carry. It favours fast bowlers in the powerplay, but batters who adapt to the bounce can score heavily. Dew is not expected to be a major factor.

Who is the captain for PBKS?

Shreyas Iyer is the captain of Punjab Kings for the 2026 season.

Is Lockie Ferguson playing?

No, Lockie Ferguson is unavailable for this match due to paternity leave. Ben Dwarshuis is expected to fill the overseas pacer slot.

What is the par score at Mullanpur?

Given the current lineups and pitch conditions, a par score is roughly 175–185. Anything above 190 is considered very difficult to chase here.