When Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings meet in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), what will bring the rivalry to boiling point will be record-breaking strikers Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer captaining their respective teams. IPL mega auction is for both players a made headline, as LSG captured Pant at a record price and just PBKS had set the previous record signing at Iyer. Immediately giving leadership to both franchises, handed out a marquee signing, also hinting at a load of exciting seasons to come.
But their starts to the season have been vastly different. Instantly winning his new team’s fans over, Shreyas Iyer made a dream debut for PBKS with an unbeaten 97 off 42 balls. However, Pant has another form on his mind, having been bowled for a six-ball duck in his first appearance and scoring a lacklustre 15 off 15 balls in his second. LSG won their last game, with Pant’s slow start, a morale booster, and it could be a good reason for them to carry on with their available playing XI at this stage.
Across the draw, there have also been headlines for Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. Next, the franchise for which he captained returned him, but a forgettable second debut sees Maxwell return home and depart for a golden duck. He, however, bounced back with the first dismissals of Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill in the powerplay, showing his worth as a game-changer.
Marcus Stoinis is another player taking on his former side, notably being one of LSG’s top scorers in his three years with the franchise. Stoinis brings with PBKS INR 11 crore after he was bought and has yet to put out a standout performance, but against his previous colleagues, he is expected to change that now.
In such conditions, spin friendliness, PBKS could look to bring Harpreet Brar on fresh in order to assist spinners Yuzvendra Chahal as well as Maxwell.
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