Gujarat Titans (GT) will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 46 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 3.
GT have had a mixed campaign so far, managing five wins from nine matches and currently sitting just outside the top four. While they have shown glimpses of brilliance, inconsistency has hurt their momentum at crucial stages. Playing at home, the Titans will be keen to tighten their grip on a playoff spot and deliver a complete performance.
Meanwhile, PBKS have emerged as one of the most dominant sides this season, leading the points table with six wins from eight matches. Having maintained strong momentum throughout the tournament, Punjab will look to continue their winning run and strengthen their position at the top.
With contrasting styles and high stakes involved, this clash promises to be an exciting contest.
Here are the potential impact players for both teams in Match 46:
Gujarat Titans (GT):
Rahul Tewatia: The right-hander has been GT’s designated impact player sub in this season of IPL, especially when they are chasing the target. After consecutive failures, Tewatia finally delivered with the bat for GT during their chase against RCB.
Anuj Rawat: A former RCB player, Anuj Rawat gives GT a solid batting option with his stylish left-hand gameplay. Despite being part of the GT set-up since 2025, he is yet to make his debut for them.
Sai Kishore: Sai Kishore, surprisingly, is yet to feature in IPL 2026. The left-arm spinner had a good IPL 2025 for GT, picking up 19 wickets for them. But, due to the team combinations, he is yet to get a chance in the playing XI.
Ashok Sharma: The express quick Ashok Sharma started this season on a good note, picking up six wickets in as many matches. Now, he features in the Impact Sub list, where he can be used if there is any kind of assistance for the pacers from the pitch.
Glenn Phillips: The all-rounder from New ZealandGlenn Phillipswill start this match from the bench, after losing the spot to Jason Holder. Phillips can be an asset with his incredible fielding.
Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Priyansh Arya: The left-hand opener Priyansh Arya will come in as an impact sub for the PBKS. Arya can take away the game in the powerplay itself with his aggressive batting.
Harpreet Brar: The experienced left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar gives this side a great spin bowling option. If there is any assistance for the spinners, PBKS can bring him in at any stage.
Vishnu Vinod: A hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter, Vinod is coming off an impressive domestic season with Kerala. He gives PBKS side a good back-up option for in-form batter Prabhsimran Singh.
Yash Thakur: A right-arm pacer with over 100 T20 wickets, Thakur strengthens the pace attack with his presence. He might get a chance if they want to take wickets.
Xavier Bartlett: The Aussie all-rounder Xavier Bartlett lost his spot to Lockie Ferguson after starting the season for PBKS. He provides a good option for any side with his solid presence, and solid fielding option.
Home Advantage: GT will benefit from playing at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where conditions have often suited their structured approach, especially with their disciplined bowling attack and top-order stability.
Recent Form: PBKS have enjoyed the better run of form this season, sitting at the top of the table with consistent performances, while GT have struggled to find rhythm, winning just five of their nine matches so far.
Balanced Side: PBKS look like a more well-rounded unit with contributions coming across departments. GT, while strong on paper, have at times been overly dependent on a few key players, which has exposed gaps in crunch situations.
Final Prediction: Given their consistency and depth, PBKS head into this contest as slight favourites. However, GT’s home advantage and ability to execute disciplined game plans make this a closely fought encounter.
