Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) had won four of their first six matches. They looked well on their way to make the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Playoffs. But things have changed since. The tables have turned. LSG have now lost three of their last four matches.
They are placed 6th on the points table and might be overtaken by Kolkata Knight Riders if they beat Rajasthan Royals. LSG are very much in the playoffs race right now. It’s not over yet. In an ideal scenario, they’d like to win their four remaining matches, but maybe three wins might do the trick. But it’s now or never. They have to beat Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Dharamshala.
Focus on Pant and Miller
LSG won’t change their playing XI against PBKS, irrespective of inconsistent performances. They haven’t done poorly with the bat. Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni have scored over 250 runs each. But their main middle-order batter and finisher, Rishabh Pant and David Miller, have been awful.
The LSG captain might be the worst batter of the IPL 2025 season. And Miller seems to be getting no criticism because of how poorly Pant has done. The South African doesn’t even have a strike rate of 127 and has zero scores of over 30. In Pant’s case, his batting number has been changed a few times due to his lack of confidence.
No need change in bowling
LSG bowling hasn’t been great either. Shardul Thakur, their highest wicket-taker of IPL 2025, has been dropped. Avesh Khan and Ravi Bishnoi have neither been economical nor great wicket-takers. Digvesh Rathi has been their best bowler, but he isn’t a natural wicket-taker either.
Mayank Yadav has played just 1 match and has impressed, despite a significant drop in his pace. And Prince Yadav has been mighty impressive, even though the wickets column doesn’t reflect that.
LSG Predicted XI vs PBKS
Aiden Markram✈️, Mitchell Marsh✈️, Nicholas Pooran✈️, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Ayush Badoni, David Miller✈️, Abdul Samad, Digvesh Rathi, Avesh Khan, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav
Impact Sub: Ravi Bishnoi
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