The high-octane rivalry of the Indian Premier League (IPL) returns to the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh this Tuesday, March 31, 2026. As the Punjab Kings (PBKS) prepare to host the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 4th match of the season, all eyes are on the strategic shifts within the Shreyas Iyer-led camp. While the home fans are eager to see their new Australian recruit in action, a significant tactical limitation has emerged: Cooper Connolly will not bowl in today’s clash.
Why PBKS’ Cooper Connolly won’t bowl against Gujarat Titans?
The decision to keep Connolly away from the bowling crease isn’t a tactical whim by the PBKS management, but rather a direct directive from Cricket Australia (CA). In what is being viewed as a protective stance by the national board, Connolly has been instructed to play as a specialist batter until the end of April. The young all-rounder, who was picked up for INR 3 crore to fill a role similar to Glenn Maxwell, is currently recovering from a persistent back problem, suspected to be a stress fracture.
Despite a stellar Big Bash League season where he claimed 15 wickets, Connolly’s left-arm spin will be missed in the early stages of IPL 2026. Stepping into the shoes of Josh Inglis at the No. 3 spot, Connolly is under pressure to deliver with the blade to justify his spot as a pure batter. For PBKS, this creates a significant void in their bowling flexibility, forcing Iyer to rely more heavily on his primary spin duo, Yuzvendra Chahal and the pace-off variations of Marcus Stoinis.
Also READ: GT head coach Ashish Nehra’s witty response to trade deal with MI ahead of IPL 2026
Starting XIs and tactical maneuvers by both the sides at New Chandigarh
With the toss falling in favor of the Punjab Kings, who elected to bowl first, both sides have unveiled balanced lineups that reflect the ‘Impact Player’ era’s depth. The Titans, led by Shubman Gill, boast a formidable top order, while the Kings have focused on a pace-heavy attack to exploit the evening moisture in Chandigarh.
The Titans have opted for a “power-packed” middle order featuring Glenn Phillips and Shahrukh Khan, aiming to capitalize on the death overs. Meanwhile, PBKS has handed a start to Xavier Bartlett, banking on his ability to swing the new ball alongside Arshdeep Singh. The inclusion of Marco Jansen adds further depth, though the lack of Connolly’s overs means Nehal Wadhera or Shashank Singh might be called upon if the frontline bowlers go for runs. The battle between Rashid Khan’s wrist-spin and the PBKS middle-order remains the most anticipated matchup of the evening.
Playing XIs of both teams
Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, M Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Ashok Sharma, Mohammed Siraj.
Also READ: IPL 2026: Here’s why PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta apologised to Jitesh Sharma
