MATCH 4
March 23, 2026 · 3:30 PM IST
Narendra Modi Stadium
Gujarat Titans kick off their title defence campaign at Narendra Modi Stadium against a Punjab Kings side that has never won the IPL trophy.
Venue & Pitch Analysis — Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
The world's largest cricket stadium uses a drop-in pitch that varies from match to match. Generally balanced — pacers get early movement and spinners come into play mid-overs. Long boundaries (>75m) reward genuine power-hitting.
- Average 1st innings score: 168 runs
- Average 2nd innings score: 160 runs
- Pitch type: Balanced
- Toss preference: Balanced; toss winner will assess conditions before deciding
GT won both their IPL titles at this venue, making it a fortress for the Titans.
Probable Playing XIs
GT
- Shubman Gill (BAT) ©
- Wriddhiman Saha (WK)
- Sai Sudharsan (BAT)
- Vijay Shankar (AR)
- Rahul Tewatia (AR)
- Shahrukh Khan (BAT)
- Rashid Khan (BOWL)
- Noor Ahmad (BOWL)
- Umesh Yadav (BOWL)
- Jayant Yadav (AR)
- R Sai Kishore (BOWL)
PBKS
- Prabhsimran Singh (WK)
- Jonny Bairstow (BAT)
- Shikhar Dhawan (BAT) ©
- Sam Curran (AR)
- Rilee Rossouw (BAT)
- Harpreet Brar (AR)
- Kagiso Rabada (BOWL)
- Arshdeep Singh (BOWL)
- Nathan Ellis (BOWL)
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Rahul Chahar (BOWL)
Head-to-Head Record
Punjab Kings lead the all-time head-to-head 3–2 from 5 meetings, though GT will look to close the gap on home soil.
Key Battles to Watch
- Shubman Gill vs Arshdeep Singh: Gill is in sublime touch this season and will be keen to dominate against Singh, who will try to keep things tight in the powerplay.
- Rilee Rossouw vs Rashid Khan: Rossouw is PBKS's most explosive batter and Khan has the pace to trouble them. Whoever wins this duel often decides the match.
- Rahul Tewatia vs Sam Curran: The all-rounder battle — both Tewatia and Curran can change games with bat and ball. Their contributions in the middle overs will be critical.
Match Prediction
Balanced conditions at Ahmedabad mean either team could dominate. Powerplay performance will be crucial. Sport God AI gives the edge to <strong>Gujarat Titans</strong> — their bowling depth and recent form makes them the narrow favourite at this venue.
- Predicted 1st innings total: 163–176 runs
- Likely match winner: Gujarat Titans
- Toss call: Field first — chase the target with dew assistance
Fantasy Cricket Picks
- Captain (2×): Shubman Gill — in top form and perfectly suited to these Ahmedabad conditions.
- Vice-Captain (1.5×): Rahul Tewatia — capable of winning the match almost single-handedly with bat or ball.
- Differential pick: Arshdeep Singh — could be a match-winner if conditions assist the bowlers in the powerplay.
- Safe pick: Rashid Khan — consistent performer who earns points in every game regardless of venue.
- Budget pick: Jayant Yadav — lower price point but high ceiling in these conditions.
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