2025 Indian Premier LeagueRunners-up Punjab Kings will begin their 2026 campaign with an interesting clash with the 2022 IPL champions Gujarat Titans But Maharaja Yadvendra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur On 31st March.
It was a phenomenal performance from Shreyas Iyer's team in the 2025 season, after topping the group stage and making the play-offs for the first time since the 2014 season. They eventually lost the final against Royal Challengers Bangalore. They have managed to retain the same group of players this season too, expectations will be high.
Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, have been one of the most consistent teams in the IPL since their debut in the league. Under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, they will be one of the strong contenders for the title this year.
PBKS vs GT: Toss Update
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and decided to bowl first. His reason for choosing to bowl before the team has a clear target helps. Even in practice matches at the venue, the target was easy to chase, Iyer claimed.
Jason Holder not included in the playing eleven against PBKS
Gujarat Titans have decided not to include jason holder In his playing eleven for his opening match. Despite being fit he was not included as a GT favorite Jos Buttler, Glenn Phillips, Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada are their four overseas players, which means Holder could not get a place. He has been included in the list of influential players.
PBKS vs GT: What did the captains say?
Shreyas Iyer, PBKS captain
“We are going to bowl first. I strongly believe that chasing the target gives you a fair idea about the target. And also, we have played some practice games and whatever score was made, I think it can be easily achieved. So, it is with that thought in mind that I am taking this decision. (Message to the team coming this season) Honestly, our performance last season was great, but now it is over. We start with the first ball and The only message I have given them is to go out there and make sure you are in the present moment, because T20 is a format where you really think far ahead of the game, so the more time you give yourself, the better position you will be in. I personally think we don't have to think too much about what the results have been in the past. Wanting to play the best brand of cricket that we are playing, they were all very much in mind when they came in and it's important that we think about the now and not about what has gone by, so my only thought is that we just have to stay in the present and see that we play the best game possible. Stoinis, Bartlett and Marco Johnson have come in.
Shubman Gill, GT Captain
“The wicket is looking quite good. It has been raining intermittently for the last two days. It looks like it is a good wicket to bat on. Last year, we had a very good season. Two debutants – Glenn and Ashok Sharma. We have Jos, Glenn, Rashid and Rabada. He (Buttler) is such an experienced player, I am sure he is going to have a great year for us.”
PBKS vs GT: Playing 11
punjab kings
Prabhsimran Singh(w), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Johnson, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vishak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Influential players: Priyansh Arya, Harpreet Brar, Praveen Dubey, Vishnu Vinod, Suryansh Shedge
Gujarat Titans
Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill (captain), Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, M Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Ashok Sharma, Mohammed Siraj.
Influential players: Prasidh Krishna, Jason Holder, Jayant Yadav, Manav Suthar, Kumar Kushagra
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