The 4th match of TATA IPL 2026 will be a clash between Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans. The match will be played in the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, Mullanpur, scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST. Gujarat Titans are going in with their tried and tested core of last year. While they will be choosing the players who performed well the previous season, there are some tactical changes too. However, the real focus is going to be more on their middle order.
There is continuity, but also quiet uncertainty. The top order looks fixed. The middle has options. The finish depends on roles clicking at the right time. Meanwhile, the bowling stays reliable but not flawless. The real story may unfold beyond the obvious names.
Top Order
The top order at Gujarat seems settled. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan are likely to open. Their opening partnership was responsible for taking the team through in the previous season. The number of runs that Sudharsan and Gill scored indicated controlled aggression. Jos Buttler is likely to be at No. 3 with gloves. Though his recent form is not good, experience is still being banked on.
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Middle Order
Washington Sundar will probably occupy the No. 4 spot, having contributed with the bat in the previous season. Next are Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia, both of whom are accustomed to playing finishing roles, though there may be a need for them to adjust if early wickets tumble. There’s a choice to be made between Glenn Phillips and Jason Holder as well.
Finisher
The finishing duties can be responsible for determining the fate of the match. Tewatia and Shahrukh have done it in the past, but they have not been tested in high-pressure situations lately. That could be significant.
Bowlers
Finally, we have the bowling unit, which is still the strongest pillar. Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore will manage the middle overs. Prasidh Krishna, probably in an impact role, provides the attacking option. Mohammed Siraj is leading the pace attack, with Kagiso Rabada supporting him despite being inconsistent in recent times. However, there is still a concern with regards to the death overs, where runs are leaking.
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Gujarat Titans Probable Playing XI
Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Glenn Phillips / Jason Holder, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Sai Kishore, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj
