IPL 2026: Table-Topping PBKS Ready for Lucknow Test; Focus on Pant’s Fitness and LSG’s Top-Order Woes

Punjab Kings (PBKS) will take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 29 of IPL 2026 today at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, with PBKS entering the contest as the only unbeaten side in the tournament so far.

PBKS currently sit at the top of the IPL 2026 points table with four wins from five matches and will look to extend their winning run. In contrast, LSG are placed seventh after losing three of their five games, including back-to-back defeats against Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. The fixture is expected to be crucial for LSG as they aim to revive their campaign.

A major concern for Lucknow is the fitness of Captain Rishabh Pant, who is a doubtful starter after suffering an elbow injury from a Josh Hazlewood delivery in the previous match. In his absence or limited role, the leadership and batting responsibilities are expected to shift heavily onto Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram. PBKS, on the other hand, have been boosted by strong form from their top order, especially Prabhsimran Singh, who has scored 211 runs so far and has provided aggressive starts in the powerplay. Captain Shreyas Iyer has also been in outstanding form, scoring three consecutive half-centuries at a strike rate above 187.

Also Read: IPL 2026: PBKS Meet LSG In Match 29 With Unbeaten Record On The Line

Historically, both teams have been evenly matched, having faced each other six times in the IPL, with PBKS and LSG winning three games each. This balance adds further intrigue to today’s encounter, especially given their contrasting form in the current season.

The pitch at the Mullanpur stadium is expected to be balanced, offering something for both batters and bowlers. With a mix of red and black soil and a light green covering, the surface is likely to provide good bounce and carry early on, assisting seamers like Arshdeep Singh with the new ball. However, batting is expected to become easier under lights, making chasing a slightly preferred option.

Weather conditions in New Chandigarh are expected to remain clear throughout the match. The day will be hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 37–38°C before cooling down to around 26–28°C by the evening start time of 7:30 PM IST. No rain interruptions are forecast.

Both teams have announced strong predicted line-ups. PBKS are expected to field Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal, while LSG are likely to rely on Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, and Prince Yadav, with Mayank Yadav listed as impact player.

The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar, with fans expecting a high-intensity clash between PBKS’s unbeaten momentum and LSG’s search for a turnaround.

Also Read: Rishabh Pant Anchors LSG, Tells Critics: ‘Let My Bat Do the Talking’