Pbks vs gt: A Clash of Titans in IPL 2026

By Ananya Rao / 31.03.2026

The anticipation for the upcoming match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in Mullanpur on March 31, 2026, is palpable. Both teams have had a strong showing in the previous IPL season, with PBKS finishing as runners-up after a narrow defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the final, while GT faced elimination against Mumbai Indians in the eliminator.

Historically, the rivalry between PBKS and GT has been closely contested, with both teams winning three matches each in their six encounters. The last time they met, PBKS edged out GT by 11 runs in their first match of the 2025 season, showcasing the competitive nature of their matchups.

As the match approaches, the excitement is heightened by the venue’s capacity to host up to 38,000 spectators. Cricket fans are eager to witness the action live, with the match scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST, preceded by the toss at 7:00 PM IST. The match will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network and streamed live on the JioHotstar app and website.

However, both teams face challenges heading into this match. PBKS will be without Lockie Ferguson, who is set to miss the early stages of IPL 2026. In a strategic move, Cooper Connolly has been drafted into the PBKS squad to fill the gap left by Josh Inglis.

The highest IPL total recorded at Mullanpur stands at 228/5, achieved by Mumbai Indians against Gujarat, indicating that high-scoring games are possible at this venue. This adds an extra layer of intrigue as both teams prepare their strategies for the match.

Expert opinions suggest that the absence of key players could significantly impact PBKS’s performance, while GT will look to capitalize on this opportunity to gain the upper hand. The stakes are high, and both teams are expected to bring their A-game to the field.

As the countdown to the match continues, fans and analysts alike are keen to see how this rivalry unfolds. The outcome could set the tone for the rest of the season, making this clash a pivotal moment in IPL 2026.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the teams or conditions that could affect the match. Nonetheless, the excitement surrounding the pbks vs gt matchup remains undiminished as both teams prepare for battle.