GT Playing XI vs PBKS — 3 May 2026 – Predicted Lineup & Team Analysis

Gujarat Titans Top Order: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk)

Shubman Gill is having a stellar IPL 2026, amassing 373 runs in 8 matches at an average of 53.28 and a strike rate of over 155. His ability to anchor and accelerate makes him a dangerous threat to the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in this IPL 2026 clash on May 3.

Sai Sudharsan gives solid support from one end, so other Gujarat Titans batters like Jos Buttler can attack freely. On the other hand, Buttler adds firepower to the line-up, and his experience will be key against PBKS. This formidable trio will look to exploit the true bounce in Ahmedabad to dismantle Punjab's pace attack.

Punjab Kings Top Order: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c)

Prabhsimran Singh is in amazing form this season, and he has so far scored 346 runs in 8 matches at a strike rate of 179.27. His consistency and fearless approach in the powerplay will put GT bowlers under pressure. Priyansh Arya, who has amassed over 280 runs at a stunning strike rate of 250.44 this season so far, will be another threat to GT.

The young opener is giving explosive starts to Punjab, and then captain Shreyas Iyer is also in sublime form with 309 runs at an average of 61.80 and a strike rate of over 175. He will counter GT's spin attack. This top order is currently one of the most destructive this season and will aim to help PBKS to crush GT in their second round.

Gujarat Titans Middle Order: Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh Khan might have scored 112 runs in 6 innings at a strong strike rate of 184.50 so far this season, but his power hitting is really important for GT's chances. He must step up against PBKS.

Punjab Kings Middle Order: Cooper Connolly

Cooper Connolly has been one of the trusted players for Punjab Kings in the ongoing IPL 2026, where he has so far scored 270 runs in 8 matches at an average of 45.00 and a strike rate of 168.75.

He is dangerous against pace and is also able to handle spin really well. Connolly gives stability to PBKS if the top order fails, so GT must find a way to silence him as soon as possible.

Gujarat Titans All-Rounders: Jason Holder, Washington Sundar

Jason Holder is a perfect all-rounder for the Gujarat Titans. He has already taken five catches, 3 wickets, and scored an important 35 runs in his three outings so far this season. The West Indies all-rounder's sharp bounce suits Narendra Modi Stadium, where his late hitting can trouble PBKS.

This season, Washington Sundar's primary role is in batting, and he has so far managed only 169 runs in 9 matches at a strike rate of 143.22. He has also taken one wicket with his off-spin in 5.1 overs across 9 matches this season.

Punjab Kings All-Rounders: Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen

Marcus Stoinis' main role is to provide power hitting to PBKS, and he has done that by scoring 110 runs at a blistering strike rate of over 220. However, he has bowled only two overs. Shashank Singh is playing match-winning cameos for Punjab, scoring runs at a blistering strike rate of 192.33.

He is also a handy wicket-taking option, taking three wickets already this season. On the other hand, Marco Jansen is a complete package for PBKS with his elite fielding, adding extra strength with left-arm pace, and his explosive batting. They pose extra threats to GT.

Gujarat Titans Bowlers: Arshad Khan, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Manav Suthar

Mohammed Siraj leads the Gujarat Titans bowling attack in the ongoing IPL 2026 with 9 wickets and a tight economy of 8.12. He will trouble the PBKS opener with his swing in the powerplay.

Kagiso Rabada brings fast pace at 145+ km/h and sharp bounce, making him dangerous on the Ahmedabad surface. On the other hand, Rashid Khan remains the biggest spin threat with his quick googlies that can break PBKS partnerships at Narendra Modi Stadium.

Arshad Khan's left-arm swing with the new ball has already shattered RCB's batting line-up, and he would certainly surprise the Punjab batters. Manav Suthar is also another valuable asset for the Titans. They are making a dangerous attack to put the PBKS under pressure.

Punjab Kings Bowlers: Lockie Ferguson, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Arshdeep Singh leads the Punjab Kings bowling attack in the ongoing IPL 2026 with 8 wickets. He can trouble GT batters using his left-arm swing and deadly yorkers at Narendra Modi Stadium.

Yuzvendra Chahal's smart variations pose a massive threat to GT batters, while Lockie Ferguson's raw pace at 150+ km/h gives extra strength to PBKS. Xavier Bartlett can be dangerous with an early swing, making the Punjab attack balanced and strong enough to rattle the Titans' lineup.

Gujarat Titans are expected to use Rahul Tewatia despite his poor form this season or Prasidh Krishna, who is in stunning form with 12 wickets in 7 matches so far, as their impact subs.

On the other hand, Punjab Kings can use Priyansh Arya, who has been in stunning form with 283 runs at a strike rate of 250, or Vijaykumar Vyshak, who has taken 6 wickets so far in 6 games, as the impact player against the Titans.

Arshdeep Singh will try to attack early with swing against Shubman Gill in the powerplay, while Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada will test Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh with hard lengths at the Narendra Modi Stadium. 

In the middle overs, Rashid Khan will try to slow down Shreyas Iyer, while Yuzvendra Chahal will aim to trouble GT's already struggling middle-order. Rahul Tewatia will go for big hitting at the death for GT, while Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis will aim for a strong finish for PBKS.

Q: Who is the leading run-scorer for Punjab Kings?

A: Prabhsimran Singh with 346 runs in 8 matches at an impressive average of 58.00 and a strike rate of 179.27.

Q: How many matches have the Gujarat Titans won against the Punjab Kings?

A: The Gujarat Titans have won only 3 of 7 IPL matches against the Punjab Kings.

Q: How many times have the Punjab Kings crossed 200 runs this season?

A: Punjab Kings have crossed the 200-run mark five times in eight matches.

Q: Who is the captain of the Gujarat Titans and the Punjab Kings?

A: Shubman Gill (GT) and Shreyas Iyer (PBKS).

Q: Who will win the Gujarat Titans vs. the Punjab Kings match?

A: Punjab Kings are the favorites due to their current momentum, better record against the GT, and an explosive batting unit that can expose the hosts’ bowling attack in Ahmedabad.