Today IPL Match, GT vs PBKS: Predicted playing XI, head-to-head, pitch report, Hyderabad weather update
AHMEDABAD: Among the most intriguing subplots in the white-ball landscape of Indian cricket is the one involving Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. India’s ODI captain and vice-captain remain outside the current T20I core, although both continue to produce influential runs in the IPL.
Iyer, in particular, married tempo with control for Punjab Kings (PBKS), allowing the more explosive hitters around him to dictate the pace. Gill has also been consistent, but the question around him in the shortest format remains whether he can match the ball-striking of India’s new T20 options.
The Gill-Iyer narrative will be renewed on Sunday when Gujarat Titans (GT) meet PBKS in a contest shaped by two contrasting approaches. GT, buoyed by back-to-back wins against Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, will be aiming for a third straight victory. PBKS, meanwhile, remain at the top of the table with 13 points from eight matches, but their first defeat of the season – a six-wicket defeat against Rajasthan Royals after posting 222/4, exposed their bowling.
Under the leadership of head coach Ricky Ponting and captain Iyer, Punjab adopted an aggressive batting pattern. Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh repeatedly gave them fast starts, while Cooper Connolly settled in perfectly at No.3. Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera and the rest of the middle order ensured that the tempo rarely dropped.
Assistant bowling coach Trevor Gonsalves credited Iyer for setting the tone. “He leads from the front and he supports every player. He plays a wonderful role and leads the way in the middle order, where he is fearless,” Gonsalves said.
This fearlessness will be put to the test by a GT attack which has regained its bite. Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj gave GT early control against CSK, while Arshad Khan, Rashid Khan and Jason Holder combined superbly to bowl RCB out for 155. Holder’s overall impact in this four-wicket win strengthened GT’s balance.
GT vs PBKS: head to head
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IPL GT vs PBKS match today: Preview report
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is expected to be a batting paradise, offering a flat surface with consistent bounce and carry. Historically, pacers have been more dominant here, accounting for almost two-thirds of the wickets. Heavy dew is expected in the second innings of this evening match, which will make the ball slippery and likely make chasing easier.
GT vs PBKS IPL Match: Ahmedabad Weather Update
The weather at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will be extremely hot during the day but will turn into a clear and warm evening for the match. There is no threat of rain, ensuring an uninterrupted match at 40. Given the dew factor and clear skies, the captain who wins the toss will likely opt to bowl first to take advantage of easier batting conditions in the second half.
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GT vs PBKS: Predicted playing XI
Gujarat Titans (Game XI): AShubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Shahrukh Khan, Jason Holder, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj
Impact player: Manav Suthar
Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Suryansh Sheedge, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact player: Harpreet Brar
GT vs PBKS: Live Stream Details
The GT vs PBKS clash will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, and the match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST. The match will be broadcast on Star Sports Network, while live streaming will be available on JioHotstar.
