Shreyas Iyer will be looking to bring his leadership prowess to Punjab Kings as they take on Gujarat Titans in their IPL season opener on Tuesday. With an 18-year-long title drought hanging over Punjab, Iyer’s task is clear—turn perennial underachievers into serious contenders.
A Proven Leader at the Helm
Iyer’s captaincy skills were on full display last year when he guided Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL glory. Now, the spotlight is on whether he can replicate that success with a Punjab squad that has struggled for consistency. Despite making a final appearance in 2014 and reaching the semifinals in 2018, Punjab has failed to break into the top five in the last four seasons, even after a name change from Kings XI Punjab to Punjab Kings.
A big plus for Iyer will be his reunion with coach Ricky Ponting, under whom he previously played at Delhi Capitals. Ponting’s aggressive coaching style and Iyer’s composed leadership could be the combination Punjab needs to finally make an impact.
Punjab’s Struggles: A Look at the Numbers
Punjab Kings’ inability to maintain momentum over the years has been a major talking point in the IPL. Here’s how they have fared in the last five seasons:
| Year | Position | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6th | 6 | 8 |
| 2021 | 6th | 6 | 8 |
| 2022 | 6th | 7 | 7 |
| 2023 | 8th | 6 | 8 |
| 2024 | 9th | 5 | 9 |
The numbers show a pattern of inconsistency, with the team often hovering around the mid-to-lower table. Can Iyer be the catalyst to change that?
The Gujarat Titans Factor
While Punjab has a fresh leader at the helm, Gujarat Titans also have a young captain looking to prove a point. Shubman Gill, India’s ODI vice-captain, had a disappointing season last year, with GT finishing in 8th place. The stylish opener will be keen to set the record straight this time.
Gill’s form will be crucial for GT, but the team also needs a strong performance from England’s Jos Buttler. The wicketkeeper-batter had a forgettable run last season and will be eager to turn things around.
Key Players to Watch
- Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): Proven IPL-winning captain, a stabilizing middle-order presence.
- Shubman Gill (GT): Elegant stroke-maker, capable of big innings at the top.
- Jos Buttler (GT): Explosive batsman, looking for redemption after a lean season.
- Ricky Ponting (PBKS Coach): His strategies will play a major role in Punjab’s approach.
With both teams eager to start strong, the opening clash promises to be a thrilling contest. The stakes are high, and all eyes will be on whether Iyer’s leadership can breathe new life into Punjab’s IPL campaign.
![gain Rise in Gold Rate in India After Falling Rs 21,200/24K; Will Gold Price Today Jump or Drop on 28 March? By Harshika Yadav Published: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 6:55 [IST] preference Add as a preferred source on Google Gold rates in India witnessed a modest recovery on March 27, 2026, after a sharp fall in the previous session, indicating a cautious stabilisation in the bullion market. The yellow metal had dropped by Rs 212 per gram (or Rs 21,200 per 100 grams) of 24 Karat (24K) earlier, but managed to regain some ground. Gold Price Updates as US-Iran Tensions Ease; Pakistan, Turkiye & Egypt Step Up Mediation Efforts The rise in yellow metal follows easing geopolitical concerns after US President Donald Trump signalled a delay in potential military action against Iran's energy infrastructure by 10 days, pushing the deadline to April 6. This development, along with ongoing diplomatic efforts, has helped support safe-haven demand. gold Rate Today Further adding to market sentiment, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that Islamabad is acting as an intermediary between the United States and Iran, relaying messages as part of efforts to de-escalate tensions. Countries like Türkiye and Egypt are also reportedly supporting the mediation process, offering some relief to global financial markets. Gold Rate in India: Check Latest 22K, 24K & 18K Gold Prices Per Gram 24 Karat Gold Rate Today in India In the 24 Karat segment, at the time of writing, the rate for 1 gram stood at Rs 14,471, rising by Rs 16 from Rs 14,455. For 8 grams, the price increased to Rs 1,15,768, up by Rs 128. The rate for 10 grams climbed to Rs 1,44,710, reflecting a gain of Rs 160, while 100 grams of 24 Karat gold were priced at Rs 14,47,100, marking an increase of Rs 1,600. 22 Karat Gold Rate Today in India The price of one gram of 22K stood at Rs 13,265, gaining Rs 15 from the previous session. For 8 grams, the rate rose to Rs 1,06,120, registering an increase of Rs 120. The cost of 10 grams advanced to Rs 1,32,650, up by Rs 150, while 100 grams were priced at Rs 13,26,500, reflecting a gain of Rs 1,500. 18 Karat Gold Rate Today in India The rate for one gram of 18K stood at Rs 10,853, up by Rs 12. For 8 grams, the price moved up to Rs 86,824, marking a gain of Rs 96. The rate for 10 grams climbed to Rs 1,08,530, increasing by Rs 120, while 100 grams were valued at Rs 10,85,300, reflecting an uptick of Rs 1,200. Latest MCX Gold Price In the domestic futures market, gold on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) held firm above the Rs 1,44,500 level as per latest trading record, supported largely by the weakness in the Indian rupee, which continues to cushion local prices despite global volatility. Latest Spot Gold Rate The rebound in domestic gold rates comes alongside a recovery in international markets, where gold moved above the $4,400 per ounce mark. What Lies Ahead for Gold Prices? Check Gold Rate Prediction Jateen Trivedi, VP - Research Analyst (Commodity and Currency), LKP Securities, said, "Gold remained slightly positive, trading above $4,425 with highs near $4,475, supported by initial optimism around US-Iran talks. However, the sharp rise in crude continues to signal underlying market stress and inflation risks." From a technical perspective, he explained, "Technically, support is seen near Rs 1,42,000, while resistance is placed around Rs 1,46,500. Overall, gold is expected to remain volatile with limited upside unless clarity emerges on inflation and geopolitics."](https://keralanews247.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rupee-and-dollar-scaled-120x86.png)
