For the fourth time in IPL history, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have opened a season with two consecutive wins, putting forward a powerful statement in the league’s 18th edition. Following a nerve-wracking high-scoring victory over Gujarat Titans last month, PBKS continued their momentum with an emphatic eight-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium on Tuesday. The win took them to second on the points table.
Sanjiv Goenka’s Interaction With Shreyas Iyer
After PBKS’ all-round victory, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka met up with PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer, who scored a match-winning innings, and welcomed him with a big hug, having a long chat. Social media went abuzz seeing this exchange, with some speculating if Goenka was trying to poach Iyer from PBKS to sign for LSG.
Rishabh Pant’s Tense Exchange With Goenka Sparks Concern
This game also witnessed a duel between the two most costly signings of IPL history—Shreyas Iyer (₹26.75 crore) and Rishabh Pant (₹27 crore). But it was Iyer who triumphed, as Pant suffered yet another low-key performance. The LSG skipper mustered only two runs off five balls, his poor beginning to the season continued, in which he has amassed a mere 17 runs off 26 balls in three innings.
Following his chat with Iyer, Goenka was observed having a serious conversation with Pant, similar to the animated discussion he had with KL Rahul in a previous season. In the course of their conversation, Goenka seemed to wag his fingers at Pant on several occasions, fueling rumors of possible internal pressure on the underperforming LSG captain.
LSG’s Rocky Start To IPL 2025
With this loss, LSG have lost two of their first three games, and failed to make a strong impression at the early stages of the tournament. The side will have to pick themselves up soon and work on their batting issues if they are to change their fortunes. On their part, PBKS continue to be at the top of their game, emerging as early favorites to qualify for the playoffs.
As the season goes on, everyone’s eyes will be on LSG and their leadership dynamic, with PBKS hoping to keep their red-hot streak going.
