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The <\/span>Gujarat Titans (GT)<\/span> are set to host the <\/span>Punjab Kings (PBKS)<\/span> in a critical Match 46 of IPL 2026 on <\/span>May 3<\/span>. This encounter on the <\/span>Narendra Modi Stadium<\/span> is a crucial reverse fixture after Punjab Kings pulled off a dramatic three-wicket victory of their previous meeting earlier this season at Mullanpur.<\/span><\/p>\n Under the leadership of <\/span>Shubman Gill<\/span>, the Titans want to capitalize on their massive home support to avenge that narrow defeat. Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings, captained by <\/span>Shreyas Iyer<\/span>, arrive in Ahmedabad with the psychological advantage of getting won the last two encounters between these sides. <\/span><\/p>\n With each teams locked in a fierce battle for the mid-table spots, this game is actually a \u201cfour-pointer\u201d within the race for the playoffs.<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>Narendra Modi Stadium<\/span> pitch is renowned for being one of the crucial balanced surfaces in India. The black soil provides a consistent bounce that batters can trust, however the sheer size of the bottom ensures that spinners and disciplined death bowlers remain in the sport.<\/span><\/p>\n The common first-innings rating at this venue in 2026 has been around <\/span>180\u2013190<\/span>. While high-scoring games are common, the surface often slows down barely within the second half. Nevertheless, the <\/span>dew factor<\/span>is predicted to be heavy, which often tempts captains to <\/span>bowl first<\/span> and chase under the lights, where the ball skids onto the bat more easily.<\/span><\/p>\n Gujarat Titans<\/strong>:<\/span><\/p>\n The Titans\u2019 strength lies of their top-order stability. <\/span>Shubman Gill<\/span> has been in superb form, supported by the reliable <\/span>Jos Buttler<\/span>. Their bowling unit is spearheaded by the spin wizard <\/span>Rashid Khan<\/span> and the pace of <\/span>Kagiso Rabada<\/span>. A key area of improvement for GT might be their middle-order strike rate through the middle overs, where they’ve occasionally let the momentum slip.<\/span><\/p>\n Punjab Kings:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Punjab Kings have built a status for being the \u201cgiant killers\u201d of the season. Their batting relies on the explosive <\/span>Prabhsimran Singh<\/span> and the calm leadership of <\/span>Shreyas Iyer<\/span>. The emergence of <\/span>Cooper Connolly<\/span>, who was the Player of the Match of their last meeting with GT, adds a dangerous dimension to their middle order. <\/span><\/p>\n Their bowling attack, led by <\/span>Arshdeep Singh<\/span> and <\/span>Yuzvendra Chahal<\/span>, has been effective at taking wickets in clusters.<\/span><\/p>\n While Punjab Kings have won the last two meetings, the Gujarat Titans are a unique force on the Narendra Modi Stadium. GT\u2019s superior balance within the bowling department and Gill\u2019s exceptional record at this venue give them a slight edge. Nevertheless, if Punjab\u2019s finishers like Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis find their rhythm, they may easily spoil the Titans\u2019 homecoming.<\/span><\/p>\n Prediction<\/strong>:<\/span> Gujarat Titans prone to win<\/span><\/p>\n Gujarat Titans (GT):<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Shubman Gill (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Sai Sudharsan, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ashok Sharma.<\/span><\/p>\n Punjab Kings (PBKS):<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (C), Marcus Stoinis, Cooper Connolly, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh.<\/span><\/p>\n Get the most recent cricket news here, like us on Facebook<\/a>, and follow us on Twitter<\/a> and Instagram <\/a> for more such updates.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nMatch Details & Live Streaming<\/span><\/h3>\n
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GT vs PBKS: Head-to-Head Record<\/span>
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Team Evaluation<\/span><\/h3>\n
Match Prediction<\/span><\/h3>\n
GT vs PBKS: Predicted Playing XI<\/span><\/h3>\n
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