Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to lock horns with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a high-stakes encounter in IPL 2025 on Saturday, May 4, at the scenic HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. With the playoff race heating up, both teams are desperate for a win that could prove decisive in the standings. Despite heavy rain during the day, the stadium remained a stunning sight, setting the stage for a gripping contest.
This will be PBKS’s first game at their second home venue after completing fixtures in New Chandigarh. With three remaining home games in Dharamsala, the Kings will be eager to cash in on the conditions. Currently placed strongly with six wins from 10 games, PBKS remain in playoff contention. They also have the psychological edge, having defeated LSG earlier this season.
In that match, captain Shreyas Iyer and Prabhsimran Singh struck commanding fifties. Alongside the promising Priyansh Arya, the top order looks settled and dangerous. PBKS also boast a balanced bowling unit with Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Marco Jansen in their ranks.
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Meanwhile, LSG will take heart from the return of pace sensation Mayank Yadav, who adds venom to their bowling. LSG, with five wins under their belt, will rely on their overseas trio—Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, and Aiden Markram—to shoulder the scoring load. A lot will also depend on whether skipper Rishabh Pant can rediscover his form at this crucial juncture.
As both teams eye the top four, individual matchups could define the outcome of this intense clash.
#1 Rishabh Pant vs Yuzvendra Chahal
Rishabh Pant, the IPL’s costliest buy at ₹27 crore, hasn’t quite lived up to his billing yet, but he’ll be determined to turn things around. One of his major challenges will come from Yuzvendra Chahal, who recently took a hat-trick and has dismissed Pant three times in 13 IPL meetings. While the numbers suggest Chahal has the edge, Pant still boasts a healthy strike rate of 140.67 against the leggie, which makes this contest unpredictable.
#2 Shreyas Iyer vs Ravi Bishnoi
Shreyas Iyer, in sublime form for PBKS this season, especially away from home, will be up against LSG’s Ravi Bishnoi in the middle overs. Though Iyer has struggled for fluency against the leg-spinner, scoring just 27 off 22 balls, Bishnoi is yet to dismiss him in the IPL. With Bishnoi going wicketless in two of his last three outings, this could be Iyer’s chance to dominate.
#3 Nicholas Pooran vs Arshdeep Singh
Nicholas Pooran started the season with fireworks but has hit a rough patch lately. His duel with Arshdeep Singh could be crucial. While the PBKS pacer has managed to dismiss him once in four IPL innings, Pooran still maintains a menacing strike rate of 169.23 against him. Their previous clash saw Pooran hammer a 30-ball 44 while Arshdeep responded with three key wickets.
