Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans, IPL, 2026 Mar 31 Full score card

FOUR! That's it! A poetic end to what has been an extremely competitive game of cricket in New Chandigarh. And it is the 22-year-old Aussie who stands tall at the end, repaying his team’s faith at number three with a debut knock that will be remembered for a long time. Sundar fires it in, full and on the off stump line. Cooper Connolly presses forward and executes a high-quality cover drive, through the gap between cover and point for a boundary to finish things off in style. Cooper Connolly stays unbeaten on 72 off just 44 balls. PUNJAB KINGS WIN BY 3 WICKETS!

We are going to the last over! Punjab Kings need just 2 runs to win now. Can Washington Sundar pull off something special here?

An attempted yorker, aimed at the toes. Cooper Connolly nicely nudges it down to long on for a single and retains the strike. 14 runs from Prasidh Krishna's last over. He ends his spell with figures of 4-0-29-3.

Short and outside off, with a bit of pace taken off. Xavier Bartlett drags it across and aerially with a pull shot to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Tries the yorker, but it ends in a low full toss, on middle. Cooper Connolly laces it through covers for a single.

FOUR! JUST OVER! Pace off and short into the bodyline. Cooper Connolly waits for the ball to arrive, and pulls it. Hits it more off the top edge, but he manages to clear the fielder at short fine leg and finds the fence. The Kings are in touching distance of getting a famous win. 5 needed from 9 balls.

Pitched a little fuller, on off, Xavier Bartlett gets on the front foot and drives it to short cover where Kagiso Rabada makes a fumble while diving, and allows a single.

The ball has been lost. The umpire selects a replacement now. With that clutch shot, the Kings are ahead once again.

SIX! Bartlett says, I can sort this out, mate! Krishna goes into the pitch at pace, on top of off. Xavier Bartlett waits on it, stands tall and confidently pulls it flatly behind deep mid-wicket for a cracking six. That is such a magnificent shot by the tailender. 150 UP FOR PUNJAB KINGS! 10 needed off 11 balls now.

Straighter and fuller, on middle, Bartlett flicks it through square leg for a single.

At pace and on a length in that corridor outside off, Bartlett leans forward and eases it with soft hands, guiding it through mid-wicket for a couple. Rashid charges in from deep mid-wicket but cannot cut it off cleanly, and the batters are up and running for the second.

Number 7 goes down for Punjab Kings. Xavier Bartlett is the next man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Thrown into the furnace, Ashok Sharma has provided a crucial breakthrough and has justified his captain's trust in him. A slower ball from Sharma, on a length, outside off. Marco Jansen backs away a bit to create room to go up and over cover, but ends up hitting it early and half-heartedly. Chips it to the right of cover where Shubman Gill takes a fine catch under pressure. Punjab Kings are 144/7, needing 19 runs from 14 balls.

Good comeback by the debutant! Hard length, at 141.8 kph, on top of off. Marco Jansen stands tall and bunts it watchfully back to the bowler.

WIDE! Tries to keep the ball away from the arc, but Ashok misses his radar completely and sprays it beyond the tramline. Marco lets it be. Wide given. 19 needed off 16 balls.

Play and a miss! Short of a good length, fairly outside off. Marco Jansen looks to smash it past cover, but misses as the ball nips away from him. A precious dot ball.

Back of a length, on off. Cooper Connolly throws everything at it, trying to pull, but slices it over mid off for a single.

Change? Yes, Ashok Sharma (2-0-26-0) comes back into the attack now.

A bit of a harsh call and Gujarat Titans straightaway opt for a review for a wide given. Seeing Jansen shuffling outside leg, Prasidh rolls his fingers on the leather and bangs it short, outside off. Marco lets it pass and a wide is signalled. The revised guideline confirms that the ball is passing well within that and it is deemed a fair delivery.

Spears one on a fuller length, on middle. Cooper Connolly tries to whip it over square leg, but inside edges onto the front pad. The ball rolls in front of square on the off side and they cross over for a single.

Nails the yorker in, does Prasidh, from around the stump. Cooper Connolly carves it out to extra cover. Jansen sniffs a single, but Connolly is going nowhere.

Full and straight, around off, Marco Jansen crisply drives to long off for a single.

WIDE! The pressure is reversed on the bowler now! Krishna tries the slower one, wide outside off and full, but it breaches the tramline. Jansen leaves. Wide called. 23 needed off 22 balls now.

SIX! Out come the long levers! Back of a length from Krishna, on top of middle. Marco Jansen gets the ball at a comfortable height and with no intentions to keep it down, he heaves it over long on for a massive six.

Nagging length, at 136.2 kph, on off. Marco Jansen taps it back to the bowler.

SIX! This is just high quality batting from the debutant! Short from KG Rabada again, but this time, Connolly is well-prepared for it. Stands tall, gets under the ball and pulls it behind deep square leg for a mammoth six. Punjab Kings need 30 from 24 balls.

Smell that leather, mate! A pinpoint short ball, on the bodyline, cramping the batter for room. Cooper Connolly drops down his wrists and lets it fly back to Buttler.

Hard length, on top of off, Marco Jansen backs away and runs it to deep backward point for a single.

Nice and full, on off, driven to mid off.

Touch fullish, around off, Cooper Connolly drives it to deep point for a single.

FOUR! That's an extraordinary shot from this kid! FIFTY FOR COOPER CONNOLLY! What a way to announce himself on his IPL debut. Back of a length, outside off. Connolly climbs on it and nails the square cut to perfection, through the short third and backward point gap for a crisp boundary. A gem of a knock from the young Aussie, despite whatever's unraveled on the other end. His presence till the end is of utmost importance for the Punjab Kings now.

Touch fuller and around off, Cooper Connolly drives it on the up through covers for one more.

Will the extra ball cost Prasidh Krishna?

WIDE! Slower bouncer, on middle, but too high, Cooper Connolly ducks under it. Wided.

Back of a length and outside off, Marco Jansen punches it to sweeper cover for one.

It is going down badly for the Punjab Kings now. Prasidh Krishna has torn through them since his introduction. In comes Marco Jansen at number 8.

OUT! TAKEN! What actually is happening here? Punjab Kings are losing their way here, and Prasidh Krishna gets his third now. He bangs this into the pitch and just outside off. Much like Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis tries to upper cut it towards third man, but does not go through the shot fully. He looks to time it but ends up giving an easy catch to Rashid Khan at third man. A two-baller for Stoinis and Punjab are feeling the pressure now.

Good length and on middle, angling in, Marcus Stoinis blocks it out.

STRATEGIC BREAK! Absolutely shellshocked, the Punjab Kings are right now with what has hit them since the last few overs. From a very comfortable 110/2, they have slipped down badly to 118/5, losing Shreyas, Wadhera and now Shashank en route. Holding back Prasidh Krishna’s introduction has worked like a charm for the Titans, it seems. The Kings still need 45 runs from 32 balls, and with Cooper Connolly well set at one end, they will fancy their chances of pulling this back. He has been kind of starved for strike, and is joined by his country-mate and senior pro, Marcus Stoinis, who walks in at number 7.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Prasidh Krishna's golden arm works again. He hits the length hard at around 137 clicks, on off, gets some extra bounce as well. Shashank Singh stays back and tries to run it down to third man, but only manages to get a thin outside edge behind, where Jos Buttler takes an easy catch. Punjab Kings have lost their last 3 wickets for just 8 runs, and GT are clawing their way back here.

Fuller and on middle, Shashank Singh tucks it away to short mid-wicket.

Shorter in length and on off, Shashank Singh steps across and nudges it through mid-wicket for one more. Just 8 runs and 2 wickets in the last two overs.

Quicker one, full and on leg, Cooper Connolly works it through mid-wicket for one.

Fires this one full and down the leg, Cooper Connolly fails to clip it away and gets hit on the pads.

Flatter, full and on middle, Shashank Singh eases it to long on for a run.

Flighted, full and on middle, Shashank Singh flicks it away through backward square leg for a brace.

Well, well. The tide has changed a bit in the last couple of overs. 110/2 becomes 113/4 for the Punjab Kings. Shashank Singh walks in at number 6.

OUT! TAKEN! Washington Sundar gets a wicket now, and suddenly the scene has changed a bit here. This is floated, full and around off, Nehal Wadhera goes inside out to loft it over cover but gets too close to the ball. He fails to get the elevation and hits it hard but straight to Shubman Gill at short cover, who takes a sharp catch. The Titans are pulling things back now.

Washington Sundar (2-0-18-0) is brought back on. PBKS need 50 runs from 42 balls.

Great effort! Pitched up and just around off, Nehal Wadhera drives it crisply but cannot keep it down. Sai Sudharsan at short cover flies to his left and tries to grab it with his outstretched hands but fails to hold on to it. It would have been a screamer. They cross.

Slower one, full and on middle, Nehal Wadhera tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Short of a length and outside off, Nehal Wadhera cuts it away to deep point for a brace.

Back of a length and on off, Nehal Wadhera dabs it down to point.

On a length and on middle, Nehal Wadhera blocks it out.

Immediate impact by Krishna. But one wonders, is it too little too late for the Titans? You cannot be sure of anything in this format, so we better stay out of predictions, aye? In walks Nehal Wadhera at number 5.

OUT! CAUGHT! This is exactly why everyone was wondering where Prasidh Krishna is, as he has the knack of picking wickets. He comes in and strikes on his very first ball. This is fuller and down the leg side. Shreyas Iyer looks to pick it off and whip it away using his wrists, but maybe the injury plays its part here. He fails to get the timing and ends up hitting it straight to deep mid-wicket, where Washington Sundar makes no mistake. Iyer is absolutely livid with himself but has to walk back now. Punjab Kings are 110/3, still needing 53 runs in 47 balls.

And finally, Prasidh Krishna is brought into the attack, replacing Ashok Sharma. Punjab Kings need 53 runs from 48 balls.

Another short delivery, outside off, Cooper Connolly punches it with nice timing through cover-point for a brace. Rashid Khan finishes a good spell with figures of 4-0-29-1, amidst all the chaos.

Goodness me, Shreyas Iyer takes a nasty blow at the non-striker's end. He is down on the ground, gets rid of his helmet and is grimacing in pain. Cooper Connolly rushes toward his skipper and checks out on him with concern. The replay shows Shreyas instinctively reacted to the ball coming at him, sticking out his right hand in self-defense, only to take the impact flush on the right wrist. The physio is out and an ice pack is being applied to the bruised area. Out comes the magic spray now. As usual, the spray does its job and he is good to continue now.

Oh..that must have hurt! This is short again and around off, Cooper Connolly absolutely smacks the leather out of the ball, down the ground. It flies in a flash towards Shreyas Iyer at the other end, who instinctively gets his right hand out to save himself, taking a hard blow on it. He is rolling on the ground in agony here.

Drops it short and outside off, Shreyas Iyer cuts it to deep point for a run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Cooper Connolly works it off the inner half of the bat through square leg for single.

SIX! Short and punished! Dragged back from Rashid, on middle. Cooper Connolly pounces on it quickly. He uses his fast hands to get under it and smokes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Floated, short and on middle, Shreyas Iyer moves back and heaves it over deep mid-wicket for a single. 100 UP FOR PBKS!

Prasidh Krishna has surprisingly not been utilised as yet. Rashid Khan will bowl out. 3-0-18-1 so far for the Afghan leggie.

Hits the length hard and around off, Shreyas Iyer opens the face of his bat and punches it with sweet timing, but only for a single to deep point.

Short again and outside off, Shreyas Iyer backs away and slaps it from the toe-end of the bat, but once again fails to beat extra cover.

Back of a length and around off, Shreyas Iyer stabs it out towards extra cover.

SIX! Much more in control this time! Short of a length and on middle, angling in, it does not bounce that much. Shreyas Iyer picks up the length early, swivels and pulls it well over the deep square leg fence for half a dozen more.

SIX! Not in control but goes all the way! Ashok Sharma bangs in quick and sharp bouncer, on middle and leg. Shreyas Iyer gets a bit hurried, takes his eyes off but goes through the hook shot. The ball takes the top edge and flies over fine leg for a biggie.

Uh, oh! It has started to drizzle in New Chandigarh. The ground staff are ready near the covers if need be. Looks like a passing shower, as the umpires tell to continue. Let's hope rain doesn't interrupt.

Back of a length and on middle, Shreyas Iyer stays back and pats it to the off side.

On middle at 93.3 kph, Cooper Connolly watchfully bunts it into the cover region.

Tossed up around off, once again the googly. Iyer prods forward to defend, gets an inside edge towards mid-wicket for a single.

Slip and short leg in place. Rashid drops it short of a length outside off, the googly at 90.6 kph. Iyer rocks back to cut it square to the left of sweeper cover for a brace.

A timely breakthrough for the Gujarat Titans. That brings skipper Shreyas Iyer out to the middle now. A short leg is in place for him.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND CAUGHT! Rashid ends this 76-run partnership and provides a big wicket that the Titans were desperate for. Fuller and flatter on the middle stump line. Prabhsimran Singh shimmies down the track and tries to loft it over the long on fielder, but fails to get underneath it cleanly and mistimes it straight to Prasidh Krishna stationed at long on. Prasidh takes a flat catch in the deep. Punjab Kings are 83/2, needing 80 runs from 63 balls.

Flat and quick, full on leg. Cooper Connolly flicks it between long on and deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short, outside off, Prabhsimran Singh cuts it off the back foot to deep backward point for a single.

Drifts it into the batter, on a length, on off. Cooper Connolly hangs back and stabs it to the right of the bowler. Washington gets across to his right and cuts the ball. Seeing Connolly charge for a single, he gets rid of the ball to the keeper, but Cooper makes home before the throw. Decent comeback by Sundar after being hit for a six in the first ball.

Overpitched outside off. Prabhsimran Singh carves it through cover for an easy run.

A round-arm delivery, short on the middle stump. Cooper Connolly whips it across to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Slides one into the batter from around the stump. On a length and this is punched straight back at the bowler.

Into the blockhole, on off, carved past mid off for one.

SIX! The ball is just sailing over the fence! A friendly half volley on the stumps. Prabhsimran Singh with easy pickings there as he drops down on one knee and executes the slog sweep massively over deep mid-wicket for a six.

Around the pads, on a good length. Prabhsimran Singh gets across and jabs it through backward square leg for a single. Punjab Kings need 91 from 72 balls.

A flipper outside off, short in length. Prabhsimran Singh tries to cut it through the point and third man gap, but finds the man at backward point.

Too full, on middle and off. Prabhsimran Singh squeezes it back to the bowler.

Fuller and on leg at 88.7 kph, Cooper Connolly leans on with a big stride and eases it through mid on for an easy single. Sensible cricket.

SIX! That's gone many a mile! Dropped short and on off by Rashid. Cooper Connolly stands in his crease with barely any footwork and nails the pull shot over the cow corner fence for a massive six.

Fires one on a length, on leg. Cooper Connolly is hurried on the back foot, tries to whip it leg side, but wears on the front pad.

Touch short, outside off. Crisply cut off the back foot by Prabhsimran, but straight to the backward point fielder.

SIX! Now, that's the shot of a confident batter! Sundar gives the ball some flight and keeps it full and outside off, landing it right in the arc. Prabhsimran Singh gets down on his knee and slogs it cleanly over long off for a big six.

Flattens the trajectory and quickens the pace on a shorter length. Cooper Connolly rushes onto the back foot and drags it to long on for a single.

Wide outside off at 84.4 kph, on a length, Prabhsimran cuts it to deep point for a single. This brings up the 50-run partnership between Singh and Connolly.

A sharp off break, smidge fuller on off. Prabhsimran Singh tries to slap it through cover, but inside edges onto the back pad.

Short from around the stump, on off. Cooper Connolly waits for the ball to grip and then punches it to deep extra cover for a single.

Strategic Break! Well, not much difference between the two sides after the Powerplay, but the Punjab Kings will feel they are slightly ahead in the chase because they have had a good idea about the conditions. The ball is also coming onto the bat a bit better, and with a lot of batting left, the Kings are in a stronger position. Gujarat Titans need wickets, and only that can get them back in this game. They will hope their spinners can have the same impact as Chahal. Here is Washington Sundar to bowl after the break.

A short ball, outside off, punched off the back foot to extra cover. Punjab Kings end their Powerplay with 55/1 on the board.

Decision reversed, successfully! Rashid dishes out a flat full ball, right in front of the middle stump and it is the googly as well. Prabhsimran Singh sits down to sweep it away, but it goes very close to the inside edge before the ball raps on the front pad. A confident appeal for LBW, and up goes the finger. However, Prabhsimran Singh is quick enough to review it as he believes there is a nick. And he is right. UltraEdge detects a clear spike when the ball is next to the bat, which saves Prabhsimran Singh.

Quicker leg break, outside off, on a short length. Prabhsimran Singh late cuts it but finds the fielder at short third.

Short again, on middle. Connolly pulls it aerially on the bounce to long on for a single. He moves to 27 (16).

FOUR! Geez, that's been absolutely smashed! At almost 100 kph, shortish around off. Cooper stands tall, and spanks the ball ruthlessly down the ground for a cracking boundary, to the left of long off.

Flatter leg break, on a length, on leg. Cooper Connolly rocks back to whip it across, but misses and wears it on the front thigh pad.

Skiddy time? Nope. It is Rashid Khan who has been summoned to roll his arm over now. He replaces Kagiso Rabada.

FOUR! Plays the field nicely! Ashok Sharma goes a bit short again, on middle, pace on. Prabhsimran Singh backs away to access the off side. He knows there is no protection in the deep and crunches it over point for another boundary. 50 UP FOR PBKS.

Takes pace off, hard length and on middle, Cooper Connolly heaves it to deep square leg for a single.

SIX! Best shot of the chase so far! Ashok Sharma comes around the wicket, lands this back of a length and just outside off. Cooper Connolly, with a high backlift, gives it a whippage and smashes it over the deep point fence for a biggie.

WIDE! Tries the slower one but spills it way down the leg side, Cooper Connolly goes down and tries to swipe at it but misses. Wided.

Short of a length and just outside off, Cooper Connolly gets hurried and ends up chopping it down on the off side.

Did that carry? Yes, but a very tough chance. Short of a length and on off, Cooper Connolly swats it hard down the pitch. Ashok Sharma, on his follow-through, gets his left hand down, but the ball just does not stick in.

Fuller in length and on middle, Prabhsimran Singh knocks it wide of mid on for a single.

After 4 overs, both teams meet on a similar score of 37/1. It is now time for the debutant, Ashok Sharma, to bowl. He replaces Mohammed Siraj. Have heard about him bowling genuine rockets in domestic cricket.

SIX! The Aussie gets going now! This is fuller delivery, on off. Cooper Connolly stays still this time. He extends his arms to get under it and clubs it over the long off fence for his maiden IPL six. 19 runs off the over.

Tries to be cheeky but no execution! An off-cutter, on a length and around off, Cooper Connolly shuffles across to play the scoop but misses due to the lack of pace.

Touch fuller and on off, Prabhsimran Singh pushes it towards cover and scampers across for a quick single.

Good length and on off, nips back in, Prabhsimran Singh looks to glide it between backward point and short third but ends up hitting it to the former.

SIX MORE! The runs are starting to flow now. Rabada bangs this hard into the deck, but well outside off. Prabhsimran Singh slashes hard at it. The ball takes the top edge and flies all the way over the third man fence for half a dozen more.

SIX! Take that, says Prabhsimran Singh! Kagiso Rabada goes fuller and on middle, angling in a bit. Singh gets his front leg out of the way and whips it away powerfully over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

FOUR! Finds the gap this time! Siraj pulls his length back slightly, on middle. Cooper Connolly has a heave across the line. Gets it from the inside half of the bat but the ball goes in the gap between mid on and mid-wicket for a boundary.

Just over! A bit fuller and on middle, Cooper Connolly looks to loft it but mistimes his shot. The ball just goes over the head of Kagiso Rabada at mid on, who chases after it and dives into an imaginary pool to make the stop just before the ropes. Two taken.

Length again, on off, Prabhsimran Singh pats it to the off side for a quick run.

On a length and on middle, angling into the pads, Prabhsimran Singh glances it straight to short fine. A bit to either side and it would have been a boundary.

Hits the length hard and around off, Cooper Connolly punches it through extra covers for a single.

Back of a length and just outside off, angling away, Cooper Connolly slashes hard at it but fails to connect.

Touch fuller and on off, Cooper Connolly drives it on the up and square through backward point for one. Just 3 runs and a wicket from Rabada's first over!

Good length and just around off, Prabhsimran Singh punches it through cover-point for his first run.

Back of a length and outside off, Cooper Connolly cuts it through point for a single and gets off the mark.

On a length and on middle, Cooper Connolly gets behind the line and blocks it out.

Not much impact from PBKS' impact player. A very impactful start for Rabada in the very first over, though, who had a middling 2025 in the IPL. Now then, one of the most interesting prospects in T20 cricket, Cooper Connolly, walks in at number 3. He is coming off a stellar BBL season as well.

OUT! TAKEN! Kagiso Rabada strikes early. He bangs this hard into the deck, keeping the line on the middle and off the stumps. Priyansh Arya looks to take it on and goes for the pull shot, but the ball just gets big on him. He mistimes it high in the air towards mid-wicket, where the debutant, Ashok Sharma, settles under it. It almost bobbles out but he manages to hold on to it near his chest. Arya fails to make much impact and PBKS are 7/1, chasing 163 runs.

BEATEN! Kagiso Rabada begins with a hard-length delivery, on off, angling it away from the left-hander. Priyansh Arya has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Decent first over for both sides. But there was no movement for Siraj at all. Kagiso Rabada to operate from the opposite end.

Pitched up and on middle and off, angling away, Priyansh Arya uses his feet to swipe it across the line. Gets an inside edge through backward square leg for a single. 7 runs off the first over then.

SIX! Now, that's how you get underway in a chase! Mohammed Siraj lands this back of a length but well outside off. Priyansh Arya gets the chance to free his arms and carves it over the deep extra cover fence for a biggie.

Four dots in a row now! Good length and on middle and off, Priyansh Arya stays back and guides it away towards point.

Excellent fielding! Touch fuller and on off, Priyansh Arya strides out and drives it firmly wide of short cover. Glenn Phillips puts in a full-length dive to his right to make a fine stop. It will take a lot more to beat him there.

Short of a length and just outside off, Priyansh Arya looks to go after it, but loses balance and ends up stabbing it to short cover.

Mohammed Siraj starts over the wicket! He lands this fuller and on off, no real movement. Priyansh Arya mistimes his drive of the bottom half of his bat back to the bowler.

Good review from Punjab Kings! Arshdeep Singh bowls it in the blockhole but just down the leg side. Rashid Khan stays deep in his crease and tries to whip it but misses. Given as a wide, but Shreyas Iyer takes a review. The UltraEdge shows a spike when the ball is close to the back foot of Rashid. The on-field call of wide is overturned and it will be a dot to end the innings. Gujarat Titans finish on 162/6!

WIDE! Tries the wide yorker but cannot keep it inside the tramline, Rashid Khan throws his bat at it but misses. Wided again.

Pitched up and around leg, Rahul Tewatia gets low and swipes it to deep fine leg for a single.

Well bowled! Arshdeep Singh follows the batter, nails the yorker, down the leg side. Rahul Tewatia fails to do anything about it, taking a blow on his toes.

Two wides! Arshdeep Singh misses the yorker and serves this down the leg side, Rashid Khan fails to glance it away. Prabhsimran Singh collects and has a shy at the batter's end but misses and ends up conceding a bye.

WIDE! Fuller but way outside off, Rashid Khan fails to reach it. A wide now.

Arshdeep Singh gets it wrong! Despite bowling two bouncers, he goes for another one, on middle, giving no pace. Rahul Tewatia backs away and tries to upper cut it but gets a top edge. Vijaykumar Vyshak at short third gets under it and pouches it but it will not count. It is called a No Ball for being the third bouncer. Free Hit up next...

FOUR! Gets it away! Arshdeep Singh sticks to his plan of a slower bouncer, outside off. Rahul Tewatia shuffles across early again, gets inside the line and hooks it over the keeper's head for a boundary. Two bouncers are done for the over.

Another one! Short and just outside off, slower too, Rahul Tewatia moves across early to hook it but misses again.

Goes for it again and executes it well this time, just outside off, Rahul Tewatia fails to make contact. Looks at the umpire but gets nothing.

WIDE! Slower bouncer gone wrong, outside off but above the head of the batter. Rahul Tewatia lets it go. Wided.

Final over coming up. We have lost a fair bit of time, say around 4-5 minutes, due to that long pause on the wide review. And as a result, a slow-over penalty has been given to the Punjab Kings. Meaning, an extra fielder will have to be stationed inside the ring till the end of the inning. Arshdeep Singh (3-0-30-0) to wrap up the first inning. Rashid Khan is in at number 8.

OUT! CAUGHT! Nothing seems to be going right for GT here. Vijaykumar Vyshak comes around the wicket, goes pace on and serves this full, on middle and leg. Shahrukh Khan opens up his stance and slogs it away towards the deep square leg fence. He connects well, but the ball just holds up in the wind. Arshdeep Singh, who is stationed there, keeps his eyes on the ball, moves to his right and takes a good catch. Gujarat Titans are 150/6 now.

Short and outside off, pace off, Rahul Tewatia cuts it to deep point for one. 150 UP FOR GT!

WIDE! Tries the slower bouncer, outside off, but a bit too high, Rahul Tewatia leaves it alone. Given a wide for height but Prabhsimran Singh convinces his skipper to take the review. Taking longer than usual as there are some technical difficulties. The third umpire wants to check first whether the ball is inside the guidelines or not. Ball Tracking shows that it is fine. Now, we will move on to checking the height. Ball Tracking comes up again and shows that it is over the height of Tewatia. The on-field call of wide remains, and the Kings lose a review.

Back of a length and on middle, Rahul Tewatia rolls his wrists and pulls it wide of deep square leg. Shashank Singh runs to his right and dives to stop the ball. He works in tandem with the deep mid-wicket fielder to save a couple of runs.

Good length and around off, Rahul Tewatia drives it on the up wide of sweeper cover for a brace.

No hat-trick! Short of a length and around off, slower again, Rahul Tewatia has a swoosh at it but misses.

Out goes Sundar and in walks the bona fide finisher, Rahul Tewatia. Can he lift GT's score beyond the 170 territory? This is a tailor-made situation for him. He will face the Hat Trick ball from Vijaykumar.

OUT! TAKEN IN THE DEEP! Vijaykumar Vyshak hits the deck hard, outside off, but gives no real pace on the ball. It is there to be put away and Washington Sundar slashes hard at it but fails to get any sort of power on the shot due to the lack of pace. The ball flies straight to deep point, where Arshdeep Singh takes a comfortable catch. GT lose half their side now and are falling apart here. Also, Vyshak is on a hat-trick now.

Who bowls the 19th then? Arshdeep of Vyshak? The latter. Here's Vijaykumar Vyshak (3-0-28-1) to bowl the penultimate over.

Top effort! Much fuller and on middle, Shahrukh Khan bunts it down the pitch hard. Xavier Bartlett gets low to his right on the follow-through and gets his fingers on the ball to make a fine stop. It rolls behind but Bartlett is quick to get up and get to it to deny the run.

A full toss, just on off, Washington Sundar swings hard but loses his shape. He ends up slicing it in front of extra cover for one.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Xavier Bartlett errs in line and serves this full but on the pads, begging to be put away. Washington Sundar does not miss out this time and glances it wide of short fine for a boundary.

Nicely bowled! Xavier Bartlett bowls a very deceptive slower bumper, around off. Not sure what Washington Sundar is doing, leaving it alone. Maybe he thought it was going over, but it is a fair delivery. GT needs boundaries now.

Gets the yorker right this time, on off, tailing away a shy bit. Washington Sundar gets late to put his bat down and misses.

WIDE! Tries the wide yorker but spills it over the tramline, Washington Sundar leaves it alone. Called a wide.

Fuller in length and on middle, Shahrukh Khan drills it down to long on for a single.

There will be a bowling change from this end, as Chahal is done with his spell. Xavier Bartlett to wrap his quota of four overs. 3-0-29-0 so far. Can he follow up on the good work done by the Chahal-Jansen duo? Let's see...

Short of a length and well outside off, once again, no pace on the ball. Washington Sundar waits for it and slaps it over extra covers for a couple of runs. End of an incredible spell from Jansen! 1/20 off 4 overs for him​​​​​​.

Swing and a miss! Marco Jansen comes around the wicket and serves this in the blockhole, on leg. Washington Sundar goes down for the slog but gets nutmegged. Prabhsimran Singh, the keeper, dives to his right and only makes a half-stop, but it does not cost him anything.

Takes pace off again, on a length and on the pads, Shahrukh Khan flicks it to deep square leg for one.

Low full toss, on middle, Washington Sundar drills it to long off for another run.

Slower, short of a length and on middle, Shahrukh Khan clips it towards square leg for a run.

Fuller and on middle, angling in, Washington Sundar clears his front leg away and swipes it off the inner half of the bat to deep square leg for a single.

Marco Jansen (3-0-14-1) to bowl out now. He replaces Arshdeep Singh. Also, Punjab Kings utilise their Impact Sub option. OUT - Yuzvendra Chahal | IN - Priyansh Arya.

Yuzvendra Chahal is substituted by Priyansh Arya

Full toss, on middle, Washington Sundar whips it to deep mid-wicket for one more. Yuzvendra Chahal finishes a superb spell of bowling with figures of 4-0-28-2, and could well be the game-changer in this game.

Gives this more air, full and on off, Shahrukh Khan uses his feet and drills it to long off for one.

Bartlett literally hung on a chandelier there. Chahal continues his magic in Mullanpur. Shahrukh Khan is in at number 6.

OUT! CAUGHT! Superb catch in the deep. Yuzvendra Chahal gets his second, and this is another big wicket for the Punjab Kings. This is floated, full and around middle, Jos Buttler skips down the track and tries to loft it down the ground. He gets it from the inside half of the bat, but the ball still looks to be clearing the fence. However, Xavier Bartlett had other ideas at long on. He settles himself and times his leap to perfection and plucks it out of thin air. Buttler cannot believe it and looks at the heavens in disappointment. GT are 129/4 and now have two new batters at the crease.

A bit flatter, shortish and on middle, Jos Buttler pats it back to the bowler.

Flighted, full and around leg, Jos Buttler changes his stance and goes for the reverse sweep but fails to beat point.

Tossed up, full and outside off, Washington Sundar reaches out and lobs it towards long off for a single.

Strategic Break! Only 44 runs have come in the last 5 overs. Punjab Kings have pulled things back nicely here, with Shreyas Iyer changing bowlers effectively, but Yuzvendra Chahal has been the key for them to win this phase. They will be hoping to keep the pressure on and execute their plans at the death as well. Gujarat Titans need Jos Buttler to stay till the end as he is the set batter, while the others around him can take the risk, as they still have 7 wickets in hand. Also, Yuzvendra Chahal to bowl out after the break.

Hits the hard length, on top of middle. Washington Sundar jabs this slower one to deep mid-wicket for a single.

WIDE! Too short and above the head height, outside off. Sundar opts to leave it again. Wide given this time as Arshdeep has used up his quota of short balls in this over.

Another one outside off, on a good length. Washington Sundar ignores.

Slower one at 106.2 kph, back of a length, outside off. Sundar gets across but drops down his wrists to let that go. Good deception by Arshdeep on this occasion.

FOUR! Absolutely belted! Full from Arshdeep, on off. Washington Sundar is deep into the crease, and plays through the line. Gets on the front foot and cracks the drive between mid off and short cover for a boundary.

At pace now, on a good length, around off. Washington Sundar punches off the back foot through cover for a couple of runs.

Pace taken off, on a hard length, outside off, Jos Buttler cuts it to deep point for a single.

Who joins Jos Buttler out in the middle now? It will be Washington Sundar. Also, Shreyas Iyer is smelling blood here and brings back his go-to bowler, Arshdeep Singh.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND CAUGHT! Vyshak breaks the 36-run partnership and is pumped up to bits. Phillips knew it straightaway after hitting the stroke. A smidge fuller in length, on the stumps. Glenn Phillips clears the front foot to create room and tries to pump it over the long off fence, but gets no timing on this one whatsoever and ends up airing it off the toe end. It sails straight towards Jansen, stationed there. He ain't dropping those and GT are 119/3 down now.

Pace off at 113.9 kph, on a length, outside off. Phillips cuts it to deep backward point and vaults back for the second before Arshdeep throws it to the keeper.

Length ball at the stumps. Phillips pumps it straight over the bowler's end. Jansen moves a couple of steps to his right from long off and again saves two for his side.

Excellent fielding by Jansen! Geez, that was powerfully struck at the rate of knots by Phillips. Full toss, outside off, Phillips smashes it ruthlessly to the right of Jansen who charges across with a dive and stops the ball, keeping it down to a couple of runs only.

Slowish length ball, outside off. Buttler stands tall and slashes it aerially to the right of the deep backward point fielder. Arshdeep Singh gets across in the deep and cuts it off. Just a single.

All of a sudden, a swirling gust of wind sweeps across the ground, sending debris spiralling around and even forcing a brief halt in play in the previous over. It's causing further trouble now as dust flies straight into the eyes of Vijaykumar Vyshak while he was running in to bowl. He is fine and good to go again.

Wide full toss, outside off. Phillips smashes it to deep point for a run.

Will Yuzvendra Chahal bowl out? No, Shreyas Iyer is saving his last over and brings Vijaykumar Vyshak into the attack.

An in-angler, full on leg. Phillips flicks it down to long on for a single.

Overpitched on off at 134.9 kph. Glenn Phillips carves it on the bounce to the bowler.

Full and tailing in on leg. Jos Buttler flicks it to deep mid-wicket for an easy single.

SIX! Clean strike! Xavier Bartlett bangs it into the deck again, slower as well, but this time, Jos Buttler picks it up early. He waits for it on the back foot and swats it over the wide long on fence for a biggie.

Play and a miss! Short of a length and just around off, takes pace off this one also holds up in the surface a bit. Jos Buttler changes his stance to for the reverse scoop but fails to connect.

Fuller one and on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips eases it towards long on for a single.

Xavier Bartlett is back on. He has conceded 20 runs in his first two overs.

Leg break, on a length on the leg stump. Phillips hangs back and tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

FOUR! This wasn't far from the Punjab skipper! Touch short with a bit of grip and turn and bounce on it. Glenn Phillips rocks back and tries to cut it square, but ends up mistiming it flatly to the right of Shreyas Iyer at cover. Iyer expands his wingspan, stretching his right hand out while being airborne, but it again stays out of reach and rolls to the deep cover fence. Phillips is riding his luck here. 100 UP FOR PUNJAB KINGS!

Much fuller, on the stumps, Jos reverse sweeps it to deep point for a single.

Oh, nearly a stunner of a catch by Chahal. Just holds into the surface with a fraction of turn. Jos Buttler tries to flick the full ball away, but gets a leading edge. The ball spoons to the left of the bowler. Yuzvendra Chahal flies to his left but it just stays out of his reach and rolls through mid off for a run.

Too full, on leg, flicked along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! CATCH IT is the call, but it sails all the way! Floats up a full ball, does Chahal, on middle and leg. Glenn Phillips shimmies down a bit, holds his shape, gets under the ball nicely. Doesn't quite get to the pitch of the ball but still, manages to clear the long on fence for half a dozen.

Full at the toes, flicked by Buttler to short mid-wicket, where Wadhera is stationed. Excellent control from Jansen. Just 5 singles to wrap his third over. 3-0-14-1 are his bowling figures so far.

Skids through the good length, on off, Glenn Phillips hangs back and taps it to the left of cover for a quick run.

Fuller one, on middle, Buttler presents full face and drives it along the ground to long off for another solo. Jansen has given literally nothing so far.

Short of a good length, angling in and around middle. Phillips controls the pull shot to the right of deep square leg for one more.

Attacks the stumps on a fullish length at 122.7 kph. Buttler drills it down to long on for a single.

Slips in a full toss from around the stump, outside off. Phillips slices it to deep third for a single.

A bit quicker, full and on middle, Jos Buttler taps it to the off side. 8 runs and the big wicket of Gill from the over!

Flatter, full and on off, Glenn Phillips drives it to long off for a single.

Slows it up, full and on middle, Glenn Phillips blocks it out.

And again, Chahal removes Gill and breaks the budding partnership. In walks the debutant for GT, Glenn Phillips, at number 4. A slip in place.

OUT! TAKEN! Yuzvendra Chahal gets the big fish here. He gives this one some more flight, full and around middle. Shubman Gill looks to take it on. He gets down on one knee to play the slog sweep but does not get it from the middle of the bat. He ends up getting a lot more height than distance on the shot. The ball flies miles in the air towards deep mid-wicket, where Cooper Connolly settles under the high ball and takes a fine catch. Gujarat Titans are 83/2 now.

Floated, full and around leg, Shubman Gill goes down and sweeps it. He plays it a bit aerially but wide of deep square leg, who dives to his left and flicks the ball back inside. Two runs taken.

FOUR! Top shot! Flighted, full and on off. Shubman Gill uses his feet to go inside out but stays leg side of the ball. He extends his arms and lofts it beautfully over extra covers for a boundary.

WIDE! Tossed up, full but well outside off, turns further away. Shubman Gill backs away but leaves it alone. Called a wide.

It's been a good little phase for Punjab Kings. Last 2 overs have gone for just 11 runs. But they need wickets to take the momentum from GT. Chahal to continue.

FOUR! Spoils the over a bit but still a good one from Bartlett! He lands this on a good length and around off, gives no pace again. Jos Buttler shuffles across early to get inside the line of it and scoops it past short fine for a boundary.

A low full toss, on middle and leg, Shubman Gill drills it towards long on for one.

Goes fuller and on middle, slower as well, Shubman Gill gives the charge and bunts it back to the bowler.

Risky single! Back of a length and around off, Jos Buttler punches it towards extra cover and sets off for the run. Marcus Stoinis is quick to get to the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. A direct would have been interesting there.

Clever bowling! Bangs this into the deck, gives no pace at all. Jos Buttler uses his feet and goes for the pull, but is very early into the shot. He misses as the ball goes on a couple of bounces to the keeper.

Hits the length hard, on middle, angling in a bit. Jos Buttler has no room to work with and pats it down the pitch.

A very tidy start for Chahal. Xavier Bartlett (1-0-14-0) replaces Vijaykumar Vyshak.

Pushed through quicker, full and on off, Jos Buttler eases it down to long off for one more.

Flighted, shortish and outside off, turns further away. Shubman Gill backs away and reaches out for it. He slaps it but gets no timing as the ball goes towards sweeper cover for just one.

Slower through the air, full and on middle, turns in a bit as this is a googly. Jos Buttler heaves it off the inner half of the bat towards deep square leg for a run.

Flatter delivery, full and angling down the leg side. Shubman Gill goes down for the slog sweep but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards short fine. They cross.

Tossed up, full and on middle and leg, Shubman Gill fends it to the right of the bowler.

Floated, short and on middle, Jos Buttler punches it to long off for a single.

And here comes the trump card for Punjab Kings. First over of spin as Yuzvendra Chahal replaces Marco Jansen. During the pitch report, Michael Clarke mentioned that there won't be much assistance for spin, but Chahal's record against Gill is strong, dismissing him 3 times in the IPL, as per Raunak Kapoor on air. Let's see how this battle plays out.

Short again and on middle, Shubman Gill plays the short-arm jab wide of deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second run.

Bangs this into the pitch and outside off, Shubman Gill reaches out for it and stabs it to extra cover.

Buzzers! Back of a length and on off, Jos Buttler tries to pull it away but the ball does not bounce much and deflects off his thigh pad to the right of the keeper. Buttler sets off for the run but is sent back. Prabhsimran Singh picks up and has a shy at the batter's end but misses. Jos was in anyway, and with the ball going towards long on, the batters eventually get the leg bye.

SIX! BANG! First one of the game. Vijaykumar Vyshak goes for the slower one, but serves it right into the slot, on middle. Jos Buttler has no hesitation in going after it. He keeps a steady base and still head before tonking it over the bowler's head for a biggie.

On a length and on middle, Shubman Gill gets his front leg across and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Hard-length delivery around off, Jos Buttler opens the face of his bat and steers it past point for a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK​​​​​​! This has been a fantastic start for the Titans. Despite losing Sudharsan early, Shubman Gill has ensured that the runs keep coming. He has played several delightful strokes already which has helped GT to crusie around 10s an over. And the biggest feature is how risk-free his shots have been. From the Kings' point of view, Marco Jansen has been the standout so far, conceding just 9 off his two overs with a wicket. The pitch is looking pretty good to bat on and the Gill-Buttler duo will look to sustain this run rate and increase it further with a strong partnership. As the field spreads, Punjab Kings would expect their trump card Yuzvendra Chahal to put on the brakes and make a big impact. Let's see when he gets introduced. For now, it will be Vijaykumar Vyshak to continue. 1-0-10-0 so far are his bowling figures.

Right in the blockhole, on middle, Jos Buttler just gets his bat down in time to make contact. It deflects onto his pads and rolls to the off side. They cross. Prabhsimran Singh, the keeper, thinks it is pad first and appeals for the LBW, but it is turned down. Gujarat Titans are 54/1 at the end of the Powerplay!

Pitched up and around middle, slower again, Jos Buttler throws everything at it to go big down the ground but miscues it off the toe-end towards mid on.

FOUR! The fielder could have done better! Short of a length and just outside off. Jos Buttler gets the chance to free his arms and cuts it away nicely through point. Nehal Wadhera at deep point runs to his left and dives but only manages to parry it over the fence for a boundary. That also brings up the 50 for GT.

Pace on this time, full and on middle, Jos Buttler drills it down the pitch. Jansen reacts well on his follow-through to make the stop.

Slower again, follows the batter into the leg side, serves it fuller. Shubman Gill backs away and knocks it towards mid off for a run.

Lands this on a good length, on middle and leg, takes pace off. Jos Buttler stays back and tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Responded well by Gill! Hard length, on top of off. Gill dances down the track and slashes it over point for another cracking boundary to his name.

Beaten all ends up! This one nips back again from a good length, on top of middle and off. Shubman Gill prepares himself for his favorite short-arm jab across the line, but the ball sneaks below his inside edge and goes into the keeper's gloves. Good delivery from Vyshak, this.

Length ball, jagging in from middle. Gill tucks it to deep square leg for one run.

FOUR! Pure timing! Vijaykumar Vyshak lands this back of a length and on off. Jos Buttler plays it on the up and just pushes at it gently. He times it sublimely and finds the gap through covers for a boundary.

Low dipping full toss, on off, Gill carves it to the left of cover for a run.

On the money, is Vyshak! Good length, around off, nipping away. Gill stands tall and taps it to backward point.

Buttler dabs this length ball to the backward point fielder with soft hands. A sensational over from Jansen amid the flow of runs. 2 runs and wicket to start his evening.

Fullish and angling inward from middle. Buttler flicks it straight to short mid-wicket.

A wicket against the run of play. Jos Buttler, who scored over 500 runs last season for GT, walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! Jansen draws first blood for the Kings. He slants the full ball around the leg stump line and it slightly straightens off the pitch a bit as well. Sai Sudharsan gets the front foot across, probably trying to flick it with that angle, but gets it sliced and chipped off the top edge to mid off. In fact, the bat gets twisted at the point of contact as well. The ball dips to the right of Shreyas Iyer there, but the Punjab skipper does well to get low and take the catch. The Titans are 37/1.

Oh, just short! Nearly undone. Back of a length, outside off. Sai Sudharsan arches back, and looks to ramp it over short third, but gets it off the gloves and the ball bounces in front of the short third fielder.

Slower one now, at 118.6 kph, on a length, outside leg. Gill tucks it to the right of Cooper Connolly at mid-wicket for a single. The initial call was for two, but Connolly is quick to get across to stop it.

Shoots it on a good length, into the batter's body. Sai Sudharsan waits back, and wrists it to deep backward square leg for a single.

First bowling change? Yes, Marco Jansen replaces Xavier Bartlett.

Two is the call and they will get it! Short of a good length, angling in at the hips. Shubman Gill glances it through backward square leg for two more.

Full and around off, Shubman Gill presents full face and cracks the drive to mid off. Sai takes off for a single, but a sharp timely call from Gill helps him to retreat back in time.

FOUR! A bit too streaky, but will do! Singh slams the deck hard after spotting Gill charging down the track. Shubman goes for the pull shot but the extra bounce means the ball takes the top edge and flies over the keeper for a boundary.

WIDE! Back of a length, but down the leg stump line. Shubman Gill misses the flick. Wide called.

Nagging length, around off, Sai punches it to the left of backward point for a single.

Outside off, on a length, at 132.9 kph, Sai Sudharsan waits, uses the pace and steers it behind square on the off side, but the fielder is stationed a bit finer at backward point. There's a slight fumble, but the fielder redeems himself quickly enough.

FOUR! That's a shot and a half! Short by Arshdeep, on the bodyline, on off. Sai Sudharsan stands tall, picks the length nicely and pulls it over the mid-wicket fielder for a cracking boundary.

FOUR! Finds the gap once more, does the skipper! Much fuller and straighter onto the pads. Shubman Gill flicks it between mid on and mid-wicket to find the fence for the third time in this over. 14 from Bartlett's first over.

Hits the deck hard at 133.3 kph, on middle. Sudharsan turns it through widish mid-wicket for a single.

Nips away from off, on a length. Shubman Gill taps it wide of backward point and crosses the strike over.

FOUR! Up and over! Gill comes down the track and lofts this half volley over mid on for another boundary. Bartlett under pressure.

FOUR! All class! Fuller one now, on middle and leg. Shubman Gill presses in front by clearing his front leg and flicks it through the mid on and mid-wicket gap for a boundary.

Starts with a hard length ball, slanting in on leg. Shubman Gill plays off the back foot and knocks it to short mid-wicket. Good bit of bounce first up for Xavier.

Xavier Bartlett to bowl from the other end. A slip in place.

Around off, almost a half tracker this, shaping inwards. Shubman Gill hangs back and punches it in front of cover for a rapid single. A productive opening over for GT. 9 runs from it.

At 134.6 kph, outside off, on a hard length, swinging away. Sai Sudharsan stabs it to the left of the diving short third fielder for a single.

A bit of an angle into the batter, on a length. Sai Sudharsan tucks it to the short mid-wicket fielder. A slight fumble there, but the fielder recovers quickly.

FOUR! Sudharsan with the first boundary of the game! On a good length, a bit straighter at the hips, Sai Sudharsan plays off the back foot, uses his wrists and finds the gap between square leg and short fine leg for a boundary.

WIDE! Reload! Sharp movement beyond the tramline on the off side. Sai lets it pass.

The GT captain is also underway now! This one swings back in on a good length, around middle and leg. Gill stands tall and steers it through square leg for an easy run.

Off the mark right away! Just a little bit of a microscopic shape for Singh, away from the left-hander. Full and outside off, Sai Sudharsan reaches out and drives it to deep backward point for a single.

All in readiness now! A few clouds above the ground, but no real threat of rain. The crowd has come in numbers, and it is a sea of red with a few sprinkles of navy blue. We can see the two umpires walk out to the middle, followed by the Punjab Kings players led by skipper Shreyas Iyer. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill are the two openers for the Gujarat Titans. It is none other than Arshdeep Singh who has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Impact players nominated by PBKS - Priyansh Arya, Praveen Dubey, Vishnu Vinod, Harpreet Brar and Suryansh Shedge.

Punjab Kings (Playing XI) - Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Cooper Connolly (On IPL debut), Shreyas Iyer (C), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Impact players nominated by GT - Prasidh Krishna, Jason Holder, Jayant Yadav, Manav Suthar and Kumar Kushagra.

Gujarat Titans (Playing XI) - Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (WK), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips (On debut for GT), Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Ashok Sharma (On IPL debut) and Mohammed Siraj.

The captain of Gujarat Titans - Shubman Gill says that the wicket looks pretty good and points that the rain has been on and off over the last two days as well but still calls it a good wicket to bat on. Reflects that last year they had a pretty good season as they were the table toppers for most of the season but then lost in the knockouts and felt that there were a few areas to work on, one of which, fielding, was the prime one. Gill reckons this year, it is about adding that extra 5 percent in each department. On the combination, he informs that Glenn Phillips is set to make his debut for GT, along with Ashok Sharma. He says the four overseas players are Jos Buttler, Glenn Phillips, Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada. On Buttler and his recent struggles in the shortest format, Gill calls him a vastly experienced player and the kind of value he brings is always crucial. Hopes that Buttler will have a great year yet again with the bat.

The captain of Punjab Kings - Shreyas Iyer says that he personally believes that chasing gives a fair idea of how to go about the target. Adds that they have played a couple of practice games where totals were chased down easily, so that is a factor as well. Iyer mentions that they had a phenomenal last season but it is new beginning and the only thing he said to his players is to express themselves and the results will take care of themselves. Iyer shares that they should not think much about the past and have a positive mindset. He wants his team to play a good brand of cricket. Ends by saying that the four overseas players are Cooper Connolly, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett and Marco Jansen.

TOSS - It is coming down to toss time in Mullanpur. Both captains - Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are ready for the coin flip with team sheets exchanged. Ian Bishop is in readiness to lead the proceedings. Shreyas will flip the coin, and Gill will make the call. Heads is the call, but it lands as Tails. PUNJAB KINGS ELECT TO BOWL FIRST.

Who do we have next? The towering figure of Marco Jansen, it is. Jansen says his break after the T20 World Cup was well spent. Says he caught up with his family, including his sisters, parents and brother, who was playing cricket back home. Says he also headed to the farm for a few days and spent some time in the bush before returning to India. On finding success across international and franchise cricket, Jansen credits the coaching staff he has worked with. He says picking the brains of different coaches from around the world has helped him grow, and singles out Arshdeep Singh as a particularly important influence among domestic players at the IPL. He also points to Shreyas Iyer's captaincy as something he has learned from. For him personally, he says, the motivation stays simple - to come in, give his best, and put the team in a winning position. Jansen adds that playing cricket in India over the years has made him a more consistent performer in these conditions. He recalls struggling with the bounce and spin when he was younger but says his repeated stints in the IPL have gone a long way in sorting that out.

GT's Kagiso Rabada is down for a quick word - Rabada says that it has been a good camp so far, working hard here in Ahmedabad. Adds that it is exciting and they can't wait to get going now and hopefully start off with a win. Mentions that most of the players are coming here, playing a lot of cricket and they have versatility in the team, while players also having specific roles and adding experience. Says that Ahmedabad is known for its bounce and pace, so they have gone with more seamers in the squad. Rabada shares that he has filled in a lot of different roles and he is happy to fit in wherever the team wants him to. Ends by cheekily saying the Haydos talks more in the bus, and Ashish Nehra everywhere else.

What does the pitch have in store? For the analysis, Pommie Mbangwa and Michael Clarke are down pitchside. First, as usual, Pommie points out the dimensions, noting that the square boundaries are 64 meters and 70 meters, whereas the straight hit is going to be 74 meters. Clarke joins him and calls it a beautiful ground with a lush outfield. Adds that the pitch looks magnificent and observes that it is a bit dry underneath the grass and is rock hard. Crucially, he reckons it won't spin much and that the conditions won't change throughout the match. And more importantly, he believes it is going to be another high scoring game and expects 200 to be breached yet again. Pommie then informs that in two games played on this particular strip, the average score while batting first has been 217. On being asked whether the captain should bat or bowl first, Clarke first notes that there hasn't been much dew around in the last few days so he thinks that the toss shouldn't make a big impact. Says that generally, in T20 cricket teams prefer chasing, but the teams batting first have had good bit of success in Mullanpur as well.

Sarpanch vs Prince - The two captains, I mean. Both Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill had a stellar 2025 season batting-wise, as both scored in excess of 600 runs, averaging 50 or more. However, one of the most intriguing statistical subplots heading into Match 4 is Shreyas Iyer’s individual record at Mullanpur. In five innings at this venue last year, Iyer recorded scores of 2, 6, 0, 9, and 10, resulting in a batting average of just 5.40. For the Kings to succeed in their home opener, Iyer must find a way to neutralize the Titans' pace triumvirate. For Shubman Gill, he missed out on the T20 World Cup squad and is playing the shortest format only after December 2025, where he had a pretty underwhelming stint against the Proteas. So, both have something to prove coming into this game. Let's see how it goes for both and who begins the campaign positively. Toss and teams coming up very shortly. Stay tuned.

Two wrists to rule them all - If this contest tilts anywhere, it could well be in the hands of two wrist-spinners who have defined T20 bowling for years. Yuzvendra Chahal remains Punjab’s go-to architect in the middle overs. In 2025, he was their second-highest wicket-taker with 16 strikes, consistently breaking partnerships just when games threatened to drift. At Mullanpur, his impact runs even deeper. His 4 for 28 against KKR stands as the best bowling figures at the venue. Add to that his landmark of over 200 IPL wickets, and Chahal is not just a bowler, but a phase-controller that Shreyas Iyer can turn to at any moment. At the other end stands Rashid Khan, a name synonymous with control and wizardry in equal measure. Sitting atop the all-time T20 wicket charts with over 700 scalps, Rashid has built a reputation for delivering breakthroughs regardless of conditions or opposition. What makes this battle even sharper is their shared dominance in a format tilted heavily towards batters. Since 2020, Chahal and Rashid are the only spinners to cross the 100-wicket mark in the IPL, underlining a level of consistency that few can match.

The Titans of chase - The Gujarat Titans have a formidable chasing record, particularly in their first two seasons where they were almost invincible batting second. GT set the marker by winning 8 out of 9 chases in their inaugural year, which saw them claim the crown. They maintained a high standard in 2023 as well, winning 6 of 9 matches where they batted second, including Shubman Gill's century to chase 198 against RCB. Though their overall win rate dropped overall due to a challenging 2024, when they finished eighth, they achieved their highest-ever successful chases the next season in 2025. They beat DC twice by chasing 204/3 and 205/0, the latter being the highest successful chase in IPL history without losing a wicket.

Kings without a castle - We often hear about the comforts of home sweet home, but for Punjab Kings, that sweetness has been decidedly bitter so far. Far from a fortress, the hosts have managed just three wins in ten attempts. Last year’s balanced record read two wins and two defeats at the venue, but the Kings remain starved for consistency here. After a very successful 2025 campaign that almost saw them lift their first trophy, this season, they return to their turf not just eager, but hungrier than ever to reclaim their castle.

The battle in the north - From south to west, and then to the northeast, IPL 2026 now makes its journey northward in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, for Match number 4 of the fresh season. Two teams eagerly wait to set their campaigns alive as hosts Punjab Kings take on Gujarat Titans in what promises to be a highly entertaining contest. On that note, we welcome you all to join us in our coverage. Sit back, relax.

... MATCH DAY ...

Season 19, Chapter 4 - They say the longest droughts end in the heaviest rain. Punjab Kings are still waiting for theirs. The 2025 final brought them closer than ever, runners-up by the thinnest of margins, but close is a cold comfort in this sport, which is entertaining and equally brutal. Mullanpur hosts the first chapter of what Punjab hope is finally their year, and Gujarat Titans, the 2022 champions, are first in line to test that belief. 2025 was a heartbreak for both these sides, and neither of them come unburdened. The Kings, of course, missed out on their shot at glory. The Titans carry their own bruise, a knockout exit at the hands of the Mumbai Indians that stung all the more given how consistent they have been ever since entering the league. The 'Sarpanch' and the Punter’s blueprint - Historically, the Kings had struggled to maintain a consistent core, often banking on high-priced overseas stars whose availability and form were inconsistent. But something shifted in the previous season. At the heart of this shift was the appointment of Shreyas Iyer as captain. Iyer brought a pedigree of leadership from his successful stints with the Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, the latter of whom he led to a title in 2024. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and the elite tactical mentorship of Ricky Ponting, PBKS have evolved into a modern T20 powerhouse, shedding their reputation for erratic personnel changes. This blueprint moved away from a reliance on legacy stars and toward a domestic spine that could withstand the rigours of a two-month-long tournament. This pivot has empowered a new generation of Indian batters. Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh have been established as the primary opening pair, bringing a youthful dynamism to the powerplay. Arya’s breakout in 2025 was particularly noteworthy, as he amassed 475 runs and recorded the highest individual score at the Mullanpur venue (103) during the league stage. The middle order remains anchored by Shashank Singh, who has emerged as a bona fide finisher, and Nehal Wadhera, whose ability to navigate the middle overs provides the flexibility required in high-pressure chases. Move on from the Glenn Maxwell era - The most significant headline regarding the Kings' personnel strategy for the 2026 season is the categorical release of veteran overseas players, most notably Glenn Maxwell. Maxwell’s 2025 campaign was marked by inconsistency that the franchise sought to purge. He managed only 48 runs in six innings at a dismal average of 8.00. By parting ways with Maxwell, alongside Aaron Hardie and Josh Inglis, the latter primarily due to availability concerns, the Kings have signalled a move toward a more sustainable roster structure. But despite this, they do have a strong Aussie core with the presence of Marcus Stoinis in the ranks and also have the services of Azmatullah Omarzai. Both can provide genuine all-round options down the order. The integration of foreign specialists - While the domestic core is the priority, the Kings have selectively bolstered their squad with overseas players who offer specific tactical advantages. The acquisition of Australian all-rounders Cooper Connolly and Ben Dwarshuis addresses the need for lower-order batting depth and bowling variety. Connolly, a left-handed batter and left-arm orthodox bowler, provides a low-cost, high-upside alternative to the void left by Maxwell. His performance in the 2024-25 Big Bash League, where he scored 209 runs and displayed an ability to bowl economically, even with the new ball, suggests he will be a vital cog in the Kings' machine. Ben Dwarshuis arrives as a death-bowling specialist, a role that complements the existing skills of Arshdeep Singh. Dwarshuis’s inclusion is timely, given his recent call-up to the Australian national team for the 2026 T20 World Cup as an injury replacement for Pat Cummins. His ability to swing the ball early and deliver accurate yorkers at the death provides the Kings with a potent left-arm pace tandem with Marco Jansen, who had a stellar 2025 with the ball, picking up 16 wickets, and is no mug with the bat either. Titans aim for another year of consistency - Under the captaincy of Shubman Gill and the continued guidance of head coach Ashish Nehra, the Titans maintained their reputation for consistency, qualifying for the playoffs for the third time in four seasons. The Titans' 2025 campaign was defined by the most dominant top-order performance in the history of the league. The trio of Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, and Jos Buttler functioned with a level of statistical synergy that was unprecedented. Collectively, they accounted for approximately 75% of the team's total runs, with all three players finishing among the top four run-getters in the league. The Sudharsan-Gill threat - The partnership between Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill has become the tactical cornerstone of the Titans' offensive strategy. In 2025, they made history by becoming the first pair to chase a target of over 200 runs without losing a wicket, a feat accomplished against the Delhi Capitals, where Sudharsan scored 108 and Gill 93. Sudharsan’s 2025 campaign, which earned him the Orange Cap with 759 runs, was a masterclass in modern T20 batting, characterised by a low dot-ball percentage and an ability to accelerate against both pace and spin. Shubman Gill, on the other hand, led from the front, scoring 650 runs at an average of exactly 50. The middle order conundrum - Despite the acquisition of all-rounders like Jason Holder, the Titans will be keen for their domestic middle-order core to fire consistently. While Shahrukh Khan remains a trusted figure in the lower order, the unit must overcome its historical lack of exposure. In the 2025 season, the dominance of the top three was so absolute that it often left the middle order cold entering high-stakes scenarios. This structural imbalance was exposed in the 2025 Eliminator. Although Washington Sundar provided a blitzkrieg 48 off 24 balls, the team fell 20 runs short as the lower order struggled to sustain momentum following the dismissal of the openers. Statistically, Shahrukh Khan remains a potent asset this year again. In 2025, he recorded an explosive strike rate of 179.00 across 15 matches, including 13 sixes. Overseas muscle to fix the problem - Gujarat Titans have gone straight to the root of their biggest problem from last season. Their middle order, positions 4 to 7, was the least productive across teams and often left games unfinished. This year, they bring in Glenn Phillips, one of the most impactful middle-order batters in T20Is since 2026. Operating in the 4 to 7 phase, he has been among the top run scorers, a player who can both steady the innings and flip momentum in a few overs. Alongside him, Jason Holder adds depth across phases. Slotted more in the lower order, positions 7 to 11, Holder arrives after his most productive year in the shortest format. He offers far more balance, strengthening the pace attack while also adding serious finishing power. His T20 World Cup 2026 campaign showed that clearly, as he hit the joint second-most sixes among lower-order batters. Bowling dynamics and the Rashid Khan problem - The Titans' bowling unit remains one of the most versatile in the league, though it faced challenges in 2025. Prasidh Krishna emerged as the premier strike bowler, claiming the Purple Cap with 25 wickets at an average of less than 20. He was ably supported by Mohammed Siraj, who took 16 wickets, and the express pace of Kagiso Rabada. The primary concern for the Titans heading into 2026 is the form of Rashid Khan. The 2025 season was statistically the worst of Rashid's IPL career; for the first time, he failed to reach the 10-wicket mark, and his economy rate climbed above 9.00. For the Titans to reclaim their championship status, Rashid must rediscover the strangling accuracy and wicket-taking threat that defined his earlier years with the franchise. Team form (Last 5 completed T20Is, recent first) PBKS - LWLWL | GT - LLLWW. What do the records say? The Kings and Titans have faced each other as many as six times in the IPL, and the scales weigh equally so far, with both winning three apiece. What makes this matchup particularly fascinating is its see-saw nature. Neither side has managed to secure back-to-back victories. Instead, the teams have traded wins in a strict alternating pattern, with each side immediately avenging their previous loss with a dominant performance, which suggests a blockbuster clash in the making in Mullanpur.