Mohali: As Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings (PBKS) prepare to host Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans (GT) for Match 4 of IPL 2026, all eyes are on the surface at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. Early reports suggest a high-scoring encounter is on the cards, though the toss and the "dew factor" may ultimately decide the winner.

Pitch Analysis: A Batter's Paradise with Early Movement

The pitch at Mullanpur is expected to be a "belter," offering significant assistance to batters while maintaining a fair contest for the bowlers.

  • High Scores Expected: Experts predict scores in the 180–200 range. Last season, PBKS famously racked up 219 on this same surface.
  • The Soil Mix: The surface features a blend of red and black soil, which traditionally provides a good, consistent bounce that allows for free-scoring during the power play.
  • Early Advantage for Pacers: While it's a batting track, pacers are likely to find early swing and movement with the new ball. As the ball gets older, variations such as slower balls and cutters will become vital.

The Critical Dew Factor

Weather forecasts for Chandigarh show a pleasant 28°C evening with clear skies. However, heavy dew is anticipated during the second innings. This will likely make the ball difficult to grip for the bowlers, often forcing the team winning the toss to opt for chasing.

Head-to-Head & Key Matchups

StatDetails
Total Matches6
PBKS Wins3
GT Wins3
Top Scorer vs GTPBKS 243
Top Scorer vs PBKSGT 232

Key Battle: PBKS's aggressive opening pair of Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh will face a stern test against GT’s fearsome pace battery, led by Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada.

Where to Watch

The match is scheduled to begin today, March 31, at 7:30 PM IST, with the toss taking place at 7:00 PM.

  • Streaming: Free on the JioHotstar App.
  • Television: Live on the Star Sports Network.