Cricket News, IPL 2026, PBKS Opt, Cricket Updates
Punjab Kings (PBKS) won the toss and elected to bowl first against Gujarat Titans (GT) in their Indian Premier League clash at New Chandigarh.
PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer said the decision was influenced by conditions at the venue, where chasing sides had enjoyed success during practice matches leading up to the game.
The match marked a significant moment for Australia’s Cooper Connolly, who made his IPL debut for Punjab Kings. Connolly, one of PBKS’ four overseas players alongside Marco Jansen, Marcus Stoinis, and Xavier Bartlett, is expected to bat at No. 3. Meanwhile, Priyansh Arya is likely to feature as an Impact Substitute and open the innings.
Gujarat Titans also handed a debut to fast bowler Ashok Sharma, while New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips made his first appearance for the franchise. GT opted to leave out all-rounder Jason Holder.
GT’s overseas contingent includes Phillips, Jos Buttler, Kagiso Rabada, and Rashid Khan.
Punjab Kings’ playing XI features Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Connolly, Iyer, Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Stoinis, Jansen, Bartlett, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Gujarat Titans are led by Shubman Gill and include Sai Sudharsan, Buttler (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Rabada, Ashok Sharma, and Mohammed Siraj.
Both teams have a range of Impact Player options available, adding tactical flexibility as they look to gain an early advantage in the contest.
