India, March 31 -- As Punjab Kings (PBKS) gear up to face Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2026, the spotlight shifts to team combinations, with both sides expected to field strong, well-balanced playing XIs that reflect their strategies for the new season.

PBKS, coming off a runner-up finish last year under Shreyas Iyer, are likely to stick to a power-packed batting line-up. Young opener Priyansh Arya is expected to partner wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh at the top, followed by Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly at No. 3. Iyer anchors the middle order, with experienced names like Marcus Stoinis and Nehal Wadhera providing stability and acceleration.

The lower middle order includes Shashank Singh, who impressed with his finishing a...