IPL 2025: PBKS vs LSG – Rishabh Pant Opts to Bowl First, Shreyas Iyer Eyes Top-Two Finish

LSG’s ₹11 crore pacer misses out as PBKS aim for a crucial win under Shreyas Iyer’s inspiring captaincy; Rishabh Pant continues to struggle with the bat ahead of a must-win mid-table clash in Dharamsala.

Dharamsala, May 4, 2025:
In a high-stakes IPL 2025 fixture at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and opted to bowl first against Punjab Kings (PBKS). The match holds significance for both teams in the playoff race, with PBKS currently placed fourth and LSG seeking resurgence after a week-long break.

Also Read: “Dilli Abhi Door Nahi!”: Delhi Capitals Ignite Fan Spirit Ahead of SRH Showdown

PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer, bought for ₹26.75 crore in the mega auction, has been in sublime form, scoring four fifties and leading his team with strategic clarity. In contrast, Pant has endured a miserable season, scoring just 110 runs in 10 matches.

Also Read: KKR Clinch Nail-Biting 1-Run Win Over RR Despite Riyan Parag’s Blazing 95

Meanwhile, LSG’s ₹11 crore star Mitchell Starc is still unavailable, which continues to impact their bowling lineup. However, the return of express pacer Mayank Yadav—although not yet at full pace—adds firepower.

---

🔥 Key Highlights:

• Toss: LSG opt to bowl first
• Missing Star: ₹11 crore pacer Starc remains sidelined
• Form Watch: Rishabh Pant out of touch, Shreyas Iyer shining
• Impact Players: Bishnoi, Marsh, Bartlett, Vyshak among substitutes
• Pitch Report: Moist surface under covers, early seam movement likely

---

🏏 Playing XIs:

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG):
Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, David Miller, Akash Singh, Digvesh Rathi, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav

Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Shreyas Iyer (c), Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh

---

🏷️ Tags:

IPL 2025, PBKS vs LSG, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Toss Update, Playing XI, Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, Dharamsala IPL match