The Punjab Kings (PBKS), captained by Shreyas Iyer, defeated the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 13 of the 2025 Indian Premier League, earning them another victory. At the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, LSG batted first and ended up scoring 171-7 at the conclusion of 20 overs, largely thanks to the powerful middle-field hitting of Ayush Badoni and Nicholas Pooran. This was the start of Punjab Kings’ lopsided triumph.
Prior to their batters coming out to chase down the score, Punjab’s Arshdeep Singh claimed three wickets. Even though his partner Priyansh Arya was dismissed early, opener Prabhsimran Singh did not hold back. Their second straight victory of the season was achieved when Shreyas Iyer arrived at the crease to end things off in style with a massive six over long-on.
Talking Points
1. Rishabh Pant fails to prove his worth
LSG skipper is currently carrying a lot of burden of expectations, not just as the new leader of the side, but also as the most expensive purchase in IPL history. Bought for INR 27 crore at the auction before being appointed as the skipper, Pant hasn’t seemed comfortable in both the shoes. After getting a duck in the previous game, the star cricketer departed after scoring just 2 runs after facing five balls. LSG have also lost two matches out of three under Pant’s captaincy so far, and the Haridwar-born would be analysing the amendments needed in approach for the remainder of the tournament, getting some runs under his belt, but more importantly, getting back to winning ways.
2. Iyer & Co, Fire ‘n Go
Punjab roped in Shreyas Iyer as their newest captain ahead of the 2025 season. In 2024, Iyer had led Kolkata Knight Riders to their third title, and in a bid to draw a similar result, the 2014 finalists believed in the leadership of the Mumbai-born. The ace cricketer hasn’t disappointed so far, as PBKS have won both their games so far, winning today’s game by eight wickets and 22 balls remaining. Moreover, Iyer also chipped in with an important unbeaten half-century to lead from the front.
3. Prabhsim-runs his way
Despite losing an early wicket, if the chase looked comfortable for Punjab, it was because of the brilliance put on display by their star opener, Prabhsimran Singh. The youngster went all guns blazing and batted at a strike-rate of 202.94, scoring runs all round the park in his 34-ball 69 at Ekana on Monday. He was also involved in an 84-run partnership with Iyer that made the chase a mere formality before he was dismissed, hitting nine fours and three huge sixes in his innings.
Who Said What?
Prabhsimran Singh, Player of the Match, said
As everyone knows, he’s such a legend (talking about coach Ponting). He’s always very positive. He doesn’t think about what-ifs. He’s asked us to back our game. Have practiced those shots a lot in the nets (the sweeps and switch hits). This is one platform which can help you achieve your goal of playing for India.
Shreyas Iyer, PBKS captain, said
It is the start we required. Boys played their role really well. Every individual contributed to the best of their ability and whatever was discussed in the team meeting, we implemented really well. To be honest, there’s no right combination. Just that the camaraderie and synergy has to click at the right time. I feel all teams have the right potential to go out there and win the game. It’s just that you need to have the similar kind of mindset when you go out there. I always try to be in the present as much as possible. Even this innings is now history for me. Just want to focus on the next one now.
Rishabh Pant, LSG captain, said
It (the total) wasn’t enough, we were 20-25 runs short, but that’s part and parcel of the game. Still assessing the conditions at our home ground. It’s always going to be difficult to get a big total when you lose early wickets, but each and every player is trying hard to take the game forward. The idea was to get a slow wicket. I think the slower balls were sticking in. We got to learn from this game and move forward. There are a lot of positives, can’t say much.
India
