LSG, PBKS search for momentum in critical phase

Coming into this season, Punjab Kings carried a patchy home record and a 2-2 split in Mullanpur didn't do much to change that narrative. They now shift base to Dharamshala, where the numbers don't inspire confidence either - just five wins in 13 matches, including four defeats since 2023, with their last victory at the venue coming way back in 2013. With three games lined up at the HPCA Stadium, PBKS will be eager to set the record straight, starting with the evening clash against a scratchy Lucknow Super Giants side still searching for rhythm.

After an inconsistent start followed by a hat-trick of wins, LSG have hit a rough patch again, slipping to three defeats in their last four matches. That dip in form has seen them slide down the points table, leaving them with little room for error in the final stretch. With four matches to go, they need to string together as many wins as possible to stay in the hunt for a playoff berth.

PBKS, meanwhile, find themselves in a stronger position. After a defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and a washout at Eden Gardens, they regained momentum with a crucial win over Chennai Super Kings, moving to 13 points from 10 matches, enough to give them a slight edge in a tightly packed mid-table. As the scramble for the top four - and more crucially, the top two - intensifies, PBKS will be keen to stay ahead and make the right moves to strengthen their playoff push.

A struggle against spin saw PBKS lose momentum with the bat against RCB, but their batting has looked much sharper since. They posted 201 in the rain-hit clash against Kolkata Knight Riders and followed it up by successfully chasing a target of 191 against CSK. The top three have shown consistency through this phase, giving them a much-needed sense of stability. Meanwhile, the likes of Arshdeep Singh and Marco Jansen have stepped up in the absence of Lockie Ferguson, while Yuzvendra Chahal has found his rhythm at the right time, his hat-trick against CSK at the death a timely boost for the bowling unit.

LSG's top order also ranks among the best in this IPL but their heavy reliance on it remains a concern. The middle order hasn't quite measured up, and Rishabh Pant's struggles have only added to the problem. When the likes of Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, or Nicholas Pooran don't fire, the middle order has often failed to step up. The return of Mayank Yadav has been a welcome boost, although he didn't make much of an impact against Mumbai Indians. Digvesh Rathi has shown