Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a high-stakes IPL 2025 match at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow, on Tuesday, April 1, at 7:30 PM IST. Notably, this game will feature IPL 2025’s most expensive players—Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer. While they were once teammates at Delhi Capitals, they are now determined to lead their new franchises to a maiden IPL title.
Pant Struggles, but LSG Gains Momentum
LSG made headlines by signing Pant for a record ₹27 crore. However, he has yet to deliver, scoring only 15 runs in two games. Despite his struggles, LSG found their rhythm in their last match. Thanks to Nicholas Pooran’s explosive 70 off 23 balls and Mitchell Marsh’s steady innings, they secured a thrilling five-wicket victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Iyer in Red-Hot Form, PBKS Looks Strong
On the other hand, PBKS has looked solid under Iyer’s leadership. The skipper has been in top form, smashing a match-winning 97* against Gujarat Titans. Moreover, his aggressive approach has boosted the team’s confidence. As a result, PBKS will aim to maintain their winning momentum.
Spinners Hold the Key on a Slow Pitch
Since Ekana’s pitch favors spinners, the battle between LSG’s Ravi Bishnoi and PBKS’ Yuzvendra Chahal will be crucial. Both bowlers have the ability to control the game, so their performances could decide the outcome.
Given Pant’s determination to prove himself and Iyer’s dominant form, this match promises high-intensity action and edge-of-the-seat moments.
Probable Playing XIs
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), David Miller, Prince Yadav, Digvesh Rathi, Shahbaz Ahmed, Shardul Thakur, Ravi Bishnoi
Impact Player: Akash Singh
Punjab Kings (PBKS): Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Suryansh Shedge, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact Player: Nehal Wadhera