Punjab Kings continued their unbeaten run in the Indian Premier League 2026 as they beat Lucknow Super Giants by 56 runs at their home ground. Punjab Kings were batting first and lost the wicket of Prabhsimran Singh early but Priyansh and Cooper Connolly combined to put up a terrific partnership and a late flourish helped them go past 250 in the first innings. It was a massive score and, in the chase, Lucknow Super Giants got off to a good start but it was always going to be a difficult chase and after power play they kept losing wickets. Punjab Kings won the match comfortably and were clinical in all facets of the game.
Vijaykumar Vyshak: Obviously there’s a lot of planning. The coaches and the video analysts have been doing a lot of planning, so credit goes to them as well. Without them backing me, because the last couple of games didn’t really go my way, I think they’ve backed me really well. Looking at the wicket, I think the way Prince (Yadav) bowled, he bowled exceptionally well. So taking a dig at him, whatever he did well, I just thought I’d back my yorkers and back my slower ones as well. So that’s why I thought I’d do the same thing. I think the way our batsmen played, it was something to watch out for because every ball looked like it was going for a six and it did eventually. Obviously they planned a lot. Credit goes to the video analysts as well. He came and told me that the length balls weren’t a good ball to bowl here. So that’s why I just backed my yorkers. I think I bowled a lot of yorkers today. Credit goes to the bowling coach as well because we’ve been working a lot behind the nets too. (Approach compared to the previous season) I think the approach is the same. Whatever given situation, I want to do my best for the team, whether it might be the first over or the last over, or if I’m getting one over or four overs. I just want to be there and do the best for my team. I want to win the game for my team. So that has been the motto, and that is helping me a lot. I think the last two games when we didn’t do well, Shashank came and got us those crucial wickets. So I think everybody has been doing really well. We would like to continue with the same form. So hopefully we can continue this and go on to win the finals.
Rishabh Pant | LSG captain:
(How is your left elbow?) 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 for me again (smiles). (Where did it go wrong today?)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 some glimpse of batting, 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. (Thinking behind send Ayush Badoni as the opener) I think the idea was to just go out there and play freely. It wasn't taken just today. It was pre-decided that he's going to open. It was just something we kept inside. We wanted some freedom on the top order and just (the) middle order wanted to chip in. (You got the players to turn it around) 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. (All the best as you try to sort out this puzzle) Thank you boss. We'll keep (it) positive.
Priyansh Arya | Player of the Match:
(What was most satisfying about the knock?) Today's innings I was able to bat through the powerplay and contribute more in the middle overs. (Do you practice big-hitting?) I don't practice six-hitting, I try to focus on the number of balls I play. (Tell us about your fitness?) Anand sir and Birla Bhaiya have been working with us for six months, whatever they send we follow. (What was the communication with Connolly?) If we talk a lot then there are a lot of thoughts, so less we talk the more we are able to perform. (Which shot he liked the most?) The shot I played over point.
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Shreyas Iyer | PBKS captain:
It was exceptional, some of the shots were jaw dropping. It takes a lot of courage and composure. I was just talking to Cooper and Priyansh, we were challenging as to who will hit the most sixes for the season, they are up for it. When you just let them be, go out and express themselves, they deliver, I don't tell them how to go about their innings. They have their own set of routine and processess, Ricky talks before the game and I chip in, that's it. Majority of the bowlers in our team are international level, you can see how they are doing internationally. It was all about execution, I don't have to much, you can see how they are bowling. I feel that whenever we come and see the wicket, it gives us a lot of satisfication.
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Punjab Kings go top of the table and are the only team so far to remain unbeaten and they are looking a solid unit. It has been a clinical performance yet again and they are well placed going into the other half of the season. On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants have lost their previous few games and it is getting tougher for them and they need to bounce back soon to remain in contention for the playoffs.
