Big picture: Win or bust for PBKS
In a throwback to IPL 2018, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have seen their IPL 2026 campaign take a turn for the worse after a bright start. Eight years ago, they began with five wins in six matches but lost seven of their next eight games to finish seventh. This time, they’ve lost six successive matches after starting with six wins in as many completed games.
One of those wins was over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the teams’ first meeting this season. But a long time seems to have passed since then.
Once on the path to finish the league stage as table toppers, PBKS now run the risk of missing out on the playoffs. Just one spot is up for grabs, and not only must PBKS beat LSG on Saturday to stand a chance of taking that but also hope Mumbai Indians (MI) beat Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Sunday. A defeat against LSG will end PBKS’ hopes.
Despite the hole they find themselves in, however, playing LSG at this point may not be all that bad for PBKS. LSG “are a f***ing good team” if you believe their captain Rishabh Pant, but find themselves at the bottom of the table. PBKS have won their last three meetings with LSG.
One of the positives for LSG, though, is Mitchell Marsh’s form. He has scores of 111, 90 and 96 in three of his last four innings, and has found an equally aggressive opening partner in Josh Inglis.
But PBKS will have to find a way through that opening pair early, and do what is in their hands to finally register a win after almost a month. Even if that happens, they will need help from MI to progress.