LSG’s comeback mode ON as PBKS battle Dharamsala jinx

The IPL 2025 caravan arrives in the hills of Dharamsala, where the Punjab Kings (PBKS), currently fourth on the points table, are set to face a fired-up Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) side hungry to shake up the playoff race.

Punjab come into this high-stakes encounter with momentum on their side, having edged out Chennai Super Kings in a tense finish. But there’s a catch-Dharamsala hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for PBKS lately.

Since 2023, they’ve lost all four matches played at this picturesque venue, making their home stretch a real test of nerves. LSG, meanwhile, return to action after a six-day break, aiming to bounce back from consecutive defeats. Don’t let those losses fool you-LSG are built for big moments. Their head-to-head record against Punjab is strong, with three wins in five meetings, and they’ll be itching to settle the score after PBKS chased down 172 with ease in their last encounter. With both teams locked in a mid-table tussle, every point is gold as the league stage nears its close.

All eyes will be on LSG’s pace sensation Mayank Yadav, who made a stunning return by dismissing Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya in his previous outing. Mayank’s ability to rattle top batters could be the X-factor on Dharamsala’s lively pitch.

On the batting front, Nicholas Pooran’s recent dip in form is almost deceptive-he’s been explosive all season, and is due for another big score. He, alongside Marsh and Markram, has contributed nearly 63% of LSG’s runs this season, making the top order crucial to their fortunes.

But LSG’s middle order, featuring Rishabh Pant and David Miller, needs to step up. Pant has struggled for consistency, and with the playoff race heating up, LSG will hope their Indian stars can take some pressure off the overseas trio. Punjab face a similar challenge. Their top three-Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, and Shreyas Iyer-have done most of the heavy lifting, but the middle order has the second-worst strike rate in the league. Arya, however, has found run-chases tough, managing just 47 runs in four attempts while thriving when setting a target.

With the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium hosting its first IPL game of the season, expect a batting-friendly surface and plenty of fireworks. This is more than just a league match-it’s a playoff audition. Both PBKS and LSG have the firepower and mindset to seize the moment, even if a few stars are still searching for their best form. Dharamsala is ready for drama, and so are the fans.