Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans Preview & Tips - Sudharsan to kick off the 2026 IPL with runs for GT

Gujarat Titans really ran out of steam in the 2025 IPL as their third placed finish was quickly followed by elimination from the competition in the first Eliminator. 

In a season in which five sides finished within four points at the top, the PBKS were the top side. In the playoffs, the Kings were handed a stunning eight-wicket loss by Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Qualifier before they beat Mumbai Indians by five wickets. Targeting revenge in the showpiece final, the Kings were once again stunned as they slipped to a six-run loss. 

Consecutive defeats to RCB ultimately told in their battle for silverware, with a spot at the top of the standings in the regular season meaning nothing as the Kings were forced to watch on as RCB lifted the trophy. 

The Kings will target a win in their opener but it will be far from simple against the Titans. This clash will more than likely be incredibly tight and decided on the back of a few loose deliveries or a handful of big shots. 

Prior to their two-game losing run at the latter-stage of the regular season, the Titans were on course to finish at the summit. However, their string of defeats saw them slip into the first Eliminator, with defeat at the hands of MI seeing them knocked out. 

Despite their woes as the campaign wore on, Sai Sudharsan was in sparkling form as he smashed his way to 759 runs, meaning he secured the Orange Cap. While I predict that this will be a tight game, I am backing Sudharsan to start the season with a bang as he looks to defend his Orange Cap.