Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has picked Gujarat Titans’ probable playing 12 for the IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings, which will be played at New Chandigarh on Tuesday. Chopra urged the visitors to play Washington Sundar at number four in the batting order.
Sundar was part of India’s T20 World Cup squad but played only two games for the Men in Blue. GT captain Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan will open the innings whereas Jos Buttler will bat at one drop.
“If we talk about the Gujarat Titans, there are many questions. The first question is who will play at No. 4. Their top three are confirmed. In my opinion, Washington Sundar should be played at No. 4, and the first match is extremely important because one comes to know from that what you are going to do,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
Chopra said Glenn Phillips will bat at number five whereas he reckons whoever between Kumar Kushagra and Washington Sundar won’t bat at number four, will bat at number six.
“If Washington Sundar plays at No. 4, I would say it is confirmed, although they have an excellent option in Kumar Kushagra. So I will be very keen to see who plays at No. 4. I am keeping Glenn Phillips at No. 5. Whoever between Washi and Kumar Kushagra doesn’t play at No. 4, play him at No. 6 because both are batting very well. There might be a bigger role for Washington Sundar,” he observed.
The renowned commentator said Rashid Khan will be the third overseas player and GT will choose between Jason Holder and Kagiso Rabada as the fourth foreign player.
“The second question is who will be their four overseas. I believe you should put ticks after Glenn Phillips and Jos Buttler’s names. The third is Rashid Khan. Put a tick after his name as well. There is a toss-up between Jason Holder and Kagiso Rabada,” he said.
The former KKR batter urged GT to play Holder ahead of Rabada in the playing 12.
“They are unable to get death bowling, but even Kagiso Rabada doesn’t give you death bowling. Jason Holder is batting extremely well. Assuming you have Kumar Kushagra at No. 6 and Jason Holder comes at No. 7, then you have the option of Rahul Tewatia at No. 8, and Rashid Khan comes at No. 9, followed by Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj, it looks better,” Chopra elaborated.
GT will look to make a winning start to their IPL 2026 campaign.
