Where will Shreyas Iyer bat at PBKS vs GT clash of IPL 2026?

Shreyas Iyer will captain PBKS in IPL 2026.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Gujarat Titans (GT) are set to lock horns in their opening game of the Indian Premier League 2026 on Tuesday, March 31. Shreyas Iyer will captain PBKS in IPL 2026 and will aim to clinch the trophy this time.

Last season, Iyer led PBKS to the playoffs after 10 seasons. They finished as runners-up after losing the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). However, Iyer’s captaincy became a talk of the town after Punjab’s impeccable performance. They were the table toppers after the league stage.

The PBKS captain also led the batting from the front and ended as the highest run-scorer for his team. The right-handed batsman scored 604 runs in 17 games at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 175.07. He also hammered six half-centuries, including a highest score of unbeaten 97 runs.

Notably, Iyer initially took the No. 3 batting slot last season. Towards the end, Josh Inglis was promoted at one-down while Iyer moved to the No. 4 position. After the ouster of Inglis from the PBKS squad in IPL 2026, fans are a little confused about Iyer’s batting position in the tournament.

Shreyas Iyer is expected to bat at No. 4 in the PBKS vs GT clash

Although Shreyas Iyer has a brilliant record while batting at No. 3, he is expected to take the No. 4 batting slot in IPL 2026. According to a report by ESPN Cricinfo, PBKS are looking to give the No. 3 position to their new recruit Cooper Connolly.

The Australian all-rounder was picked for INR 3 crore in the mini-auction. He has a good record while batting at No. 3. Moreover, Connolly will bat as a pure batter at the start. The 22-year-old will also make his debut in IPL 2026.

Hence, Punjab are expected to go ahead with Connolly at No. 3 at the start. However, if he fails to score runs at that position, Iyer might be promoted at one-down later.

Meanwhile, PBKS will miss the services of pacer Lockie Ferguson at the start. The New Zealand pacer will miss the initial games due to personal reasons and join the PBKS squad later. They do not have any major injury concerns.

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