Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant has kept his focus on the "controllables" as his team faces Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their first home game of IPL 2025 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. Despite injury setbacks, including the loss of key pacers Mohsin Khan and Mayank Yadav, Pant remains unfazed, looking to build on their recent victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
We don't want to get too high after winning and too low after losing, taking it one match at a time. It was a big concern, but as a team, we don't want to focus on uncontrollables. Like my mentor said, focus on controllables.
LSG’s Strengths and Concerns
A major boost for LSG has been the emergence of Shardul Thakur, who, after going unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, delivered a match-winning 4-34 against SRH.
The way he bowled was exceptional. His performance helped us focus on other areas, and he brings balance to our attack.
However, batting remains a concern. Apart from Nicholas Pooran, the current Orange Cap holder with 145 runs, and Mitchell Marsh (124 runs), LSG’s batting has lacked consistency. Pant himself has yet to make a significant contribution, and the likes of Ayush Badoni, Aiden Markram, and David Miller need to step up.
The return of Avesh Khan from injury bolsters the pace attack, and alongside Thakur, LSG have a strong spin department with Ravi Bishnoi and Digvesh Rathi.
Punjab Kings Ready for Spin Challenge
Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, started their campaign with an 11-run victory over Gujarat Titans. Iyer’s unbeaten 97 off 42 balls and Shashank Singh’s explosive 44 off 15 deliveries powered them to 243/5. Priyansh Arya also impressed with 47 off 21 balls.
On the bowling front, PBKS restricted Gujarat Titans to 232/5, with Arshdeep Singh bagging 2-26. However, their bowling unit, which includes Yuzvendra Chahal, Marco Jansen, and Azmatullah Omarzai, will need to be sharper, especially against LSG’s in-form middle order.
PBKS fast bowling coach James Hopes acknowledged the challenge of facing LSG’s spin-heavy attack and confirmed that the team has been preparing for slower conditions.
It has been a slower start to the tournament for us game-wise. The seven-day gap has given us time to prepare for the spin challenge. We know it will be a spin-heavy night, but we are ready.
When asked about LSG’s likely spin-friendly pitch, Hopes was pragmatic.
It’s fair for a home side to have the advantage. If they prepare a turning track, we have to adjust. No team in this tournament is incapable of playing spin.
Hopes also praised Iyer’s captaincy, stating, "Iyer brings calmness to any team he plays for. His leadership was outstanding in our first match, and his tactical decisions, like bringing in Impact Player Vyshak Vijaykumar, played a crucial role in our win."
Pitch and Head-to-Head Record
The pitch in Lucknow is expected to be slow and low, offering assistance to spinners. A high-scoring contest like PBKS' opener is unlikely, with bowlers expected to play a decisive role.
LSG have dominated the head-to-head record, winning three of their four encounters against PBKS. Pant will look to extend this streak as LSG aim to build momentum in the tournament.
With both teams looking to assert themselves early in the season, Tuesday’s clash promises to be an intriguing contest of spin mastery and power-hitting.
Probable Playing XIs
Lucknow Super Giants: Rishabh Pant (c & wk), David Miller, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Mitchell Marsh, Ayush Badoni, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Singh, Prince Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi.
Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer (c), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Priyansh Arya, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Shashank Singh, Suryansh Shedge, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak.
