Sunday, May 3, 2026, brings an exciting IPL double-header featuring two crucial clashes that could significantly impact the points table. In the afternoon, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), followed by an evening blockbuster where Gujarat Titans (GT) host Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Both matches carry high stakes as teams battle for playoff positions, making it one of the most important days of IPL 2026 so far.
Match 1: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders
Time & Venue
The first match will begin at 3:30 PM IST at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.
Match Situation
Sunrisers Hyderabad are currently in strong form, sitting 3rd on the points table with an impressive five-match winning streak. Their consistency has made them one of the most balanced teams this season.
Kolkata Knight Riders, led by Ajinkya Rahane, have struggled throughout the tournament but are coming into this match with renewed confidence after a thrilling Super Over victory against Lucknow Super Giants.
This sets up an interesting contest between a dominant team and one trying to revive its campaign.
Players to Watch – SRH vs KKR
Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Heinrich Klaasen – Known for his explosive hitting against spin
- Travis Head – Aggressive top-order batter
- Abhishek Sharma – Key all-round contributor
Kolkata Knight Riders
- Sunil Narine – Mystery spinner who can change the game
- Rinku Singh – Reliable finisher in pressure situations
- Cameron Green – Big-impact player and record signing
Ticket Details
Tickets for this SRH vs KKR preview match are available on District by Zomato, with prices ranging from ₹2,550 to ₹17,250 depending on seating categories.
Match 2: Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings
Time & Venue
The second match will start at 7:30 PM IST at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Match Situation
Punjab Kings continue to dominate the table despite suffering their first loss of the season. They still hold the top position and remain strong contenders for playoff qualification.
Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, are gaining momentum. After a recent win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, they have climbed to 5th place and are pushing hard for a top-four finish.
This match is crucial for both teams as PBKS aims to maintain its lead, while GT looks to solidify its playoff chances.
Players to Watch – GT vs PBKS
Gujarat Titans
- Shubman Gill – Captain and batting anchor
- Matheesha Pathirana – Specialist in death overs
Punjab Kings
- Shreyas Iyer – Captain and key middle-order batter
- Arshdeep Singh – Leading pace attack
- Liam Livingstone – Powerful all-rounder and match-winner
Ticket Information
Tickets for the Ahmedabad clash are available on BookMyShow, starting from ₹1,000 and going up to ₹30,000 for premium seating.
IPL 2026 Points Table (As of May 2, 2026)
The current standings highlight how competitive the season has been:
- Punjab Kings (PBKS) – 1st place with 13 points
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – 2nd place with 12 points
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – 3rd place with 12 points
- Rajasthan Royals (RR) – 4th place with 12 points
- Gujarat Titans (GT) – 5th place with 10 points
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – 8th place with 5 points
The IPL points table 2026 shows a tight race, especially between the top four teams.
Points Table Impact of Sunday Matches
- PBKS: A win will strengthen their position at the top
- SRH: Victory could push them closer to second place
- GT: A win is crucial to secure their spot in the top five
- KKR: Every match is now a must-win to stay in playoff contention
Fan Expectations & Key Battles
Captain’s Face-Off
Fans are calling the GT vs PBKS timing clash a “Redemption Battle” between Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. Both captains are under pressure to prove their leadership in crucial moments.
Rashid Khan vs Shreyas Iyer
One of the most exciting matchups will be Rashid Khan against Shreyas Iyer. In a previous encounter, Iyer dominated with multiple big hits, and GT fans will be expecting Rashid to bounce back strongly.
Klaasen vs KKR Spin Attack
Heinrich Klaasen has been a major threat to KKR’s spin bowlers, having previously scored a rapid century against them. His performance could once again be decisive.
Pitch Report & Venue Insights
Ahmedabad is expected to produce a high-scoring game, with previous encounters at the venue delivering massive totals. One of the last major matches here saw a combined total of 475 runs, indicating a batting-friendly surface.
In contrast, Hyderabad offers a more balanced contest, with conditions that can support both batters and bowlers depending on match situations.
Venue Factor
Historically, SRH and KKR matches in Hyderabad have been closely contested, with nearly equal wins for both sides. This increases the chances of a tight and thrilling finish.
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 double-header on May 3 promises intense action, high-pressure moments, and crucial turning points in the tournament. With playoff spots at stake and top teams battling for dominance, fans can expect two highly competitive matches filled with drama and excitement.
Whether it is SRH’s winning momentum, KKR’s fight for survival, GT’s comeback push, or PBKS’s quest to stay on top, this double-header could reshape the IPL standings significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When is the SRH vs KKR match on May 3, 2026?
A1. The SRH vs KKR match will begin at 3:30 PM IST at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.
Q2. What is the timing for the GT vs PBKS match?
A2. The GT vs PBKS match will start at 7:30 PM IST at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Q3. Where can I buy tickets for these matches?
A3. SRH vs KKR tickets are available on District by Zomato. GT vs PBKS tickets are available on BookMyShow.
Q4. Who is leading the IPL 2026 points table as of May 2?
A4. Punjab Kings (PBKS) are leading the points table with 13 points.
Q5. What is the key player battle in the GT vs PBKS match?
A5. The key battles include Rashid Khan vs Shreyas Iyer and the captain’s face-off between Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer.