As Punjab Kings prepare to take on Gujarat Titans, all eyes are not just on the players but also on Pitch No. 4 at Mullanpur, which has quietly built a reputation of its own in the IPL.

A Pitch Full of Surprises
Contrary to early perceptions that runs are hard to come by here, recent matches suggest a completely different story. The last IPL game played on this pitch turned into a run-fest, producing a staggering 420 total runs and 24 sixes, making it one of the most entertaining surfaces of the season.

High-Scoring Pattern Emerging
In that match, Punjab Kings posted a massive 219 runs, powered by a sensational knock from Priyansh Arya, who smashed 103 off just 42 balls, including nine sixes. Chennai Super Kings responded aggressively but fell short at 201 runs. Such numbers indicate that Pitch No. 4 can heavily favour batters when conditions align.

Punjab coach Ricky Ponting is reportedly expecting another high-scoring encounter, suggesting teams may again rely on aggressive batting strategies.

A Concern for Shreyas Iyer
While the pitch has been kind to batters overall, it hasn’t favoured everyone equally. Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer has struggled at this venue, managing just 27 runs in five matches, with a highest score of only 10. His form at Mullanpur could be a concern heading into this crucial clash.

Gill in the Spotlight
On the other hand, Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill will be one to watch. After an impressive previous IPL season where he scored 650 runs, expectations are high for another strong performance, especially on a pitch that could suit his stroke play.