"There are areas of concern:" Rishabh Pant points out LSG's issues after massive defeat against PBKS in IPL 2026

Coming into their sixth game in the competition, the Punjab Kings are the only undefeated side in this edition of the IPL. Returning to their home undefeated after five games, the runners-up from the last season are currently on a winning spree. Their batting unit has also been chasing some massive totals, and the PCA New Stadium in New Chandigarh has been their den for high scores.

Taking on the table toppers will be an underconfident Lucknow Super Giants, who are desperately searching for their third win of the season, as the Chennai Super Kings, despite a loss to SRH in the last game, have a lead over the LSG's poor run rate this season. The match commenced at the PCA New Stadium in New Chandigarh and would mark a highly anticipated clash between the two highest-paid players in the history of the IPL.

PBKS pulled out a spectacular run-scoring spree as they piled on to a massive total of 254 runs in IPL 2026, which is the highest team total so far in this edition of the competition. LSG, despite all attempts, could not finish the game without losing by a massive margin of 54 runs.

PBKS left-handers' scores run at express speed, Rishabh Pant helpless through the middle-overs

Punjab Kings opened the innings with their finest combination of openers in Priyansh Arya, the aggressor and Prabhsimran Singh, the ice-cool stabilizer in the batting lineup. However, Mohammed Shami once again struck in the first over and dismissed an in-form Prabhsimran for a golden duck.

However, the carnage was yet to come. Priyansh Arya took charge of the attack and gave Cooper Connolly some time to set his eyes on the ball. The two left-handers started to accelerate when most teams struggle to score their runs, that is, in the middle overs.

Connolly and Priyansh Arya contributed significantly to a massive 182-run partnership for the second wicket. While Connoly struck 87 at a strike rate of 189.13, Priyansh, on the other hand, amassed 93 runs while striking at 251.35.

Even after their dismissal, the onslaught continued as Marcus Stoinis, Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh contributed significantly with some cameos and handed PBKS their biggest score in this season of the IPL. They managed to hit 21 sixes in their innings, the most by a side in this IPL.

Punjab Kings leave the LSG batters crippled following a massive first innings total

The Punjab Kings had posed such a massive total that the Lucknow Super Giants did not have much of a chance to win the match. They aimed to chip in only the maximum amount of runs they could so that they could keep the run-rate under check.

Punjab Kings pacers, unlike the LSG pacers, did not have an unpromising match, especially with Vijaykumar Vyshak and Marco Jansen delivering stunning spells of 1/30 and 2/37, respectively. Arshdeep Singh also bowled well within the powerplay, despite his misfortune of missing some handy wickets.

Yuzvendra Chahal also controlled the flow of runs in the middle-overs, and Rishabh Pant, despite his wide array of shots, was blocked from taking on the veteran spinner. He dismissed Mitchell Marsh after his promising start in the innings. PBKS were victorious by a margin of 54 runs and topped the table, continuing their unbeaten run.

Definitely look to take some positives- Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant said, "See, it's difficult to point out one area because bowlers have been putting up a nice show, but at the same time, there are areas of concern. But there were some positives for us also to work around."

"There was a glimpse of batting, which is what we talked about. Definitely look to take some positives, but at the same time, as a team, we're going to do well each and every match," said Rishabh Pant when he was asked what went wrong for the Super Giants.

The LSG skipper Rishabh Pant further revealed that the plan to get Ayush Badoni to open the innings was to give him some freedom to strike the ball fearlessly at the top of the order. Pant revealed that the decision was not made following PBKS's massive score, but was a pre-decided decision that the LSG camp kept within the dressing room.

"Definitely, we believe in this team for sure. But at the same time, when the opposition is playing well, like Punjab is playing now, you've got to give credit to them for playing good hard cricket also," Pant showed great belief in his team's ability.

The LSG skipper updated on his injury scare from the last game against RCB, " I think the left hand is getting better, but I got a new tattoo (injury on the right hand) today, so I think something to look forward to for me again."

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