IPL 2026: Lucknow Super Giants' strongest predicted XI against Punjab Kings

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will play their penultimate game of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) when they take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 68 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium on Saturday, May 23. 

The Rishabh Pant-led side has had a campaign to forget, being stuck at the foot of the standings for the majority of the season. They, however, have found some late IPL form, winning two out of their last three matches, defeating the might of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the process.

The arrival of Josh Inglis, in combination with Mitchell Marsh’s outstanding run of form, has transformed LSG’s fortunes. A win against PBKS could also finally see them move up to ninth in the standings and end the season on a high to build some crucial momentum for 2027.

Here is LSG’s strongest predicted XI vs PBKS, Match 68, IPL 2026:

Top Order: Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran

The Aussie opener Mitchell Marsh has been their best batter in IPL 2026 so far. The right-hander has scored 563 runs and is fourth in the orange cap list. LSG would want him to turn up in their last group-stage game. Josh Inglis will accompany him as an opener. Inglis has made an instant impact on this team since his inclusion. He has smashed a few quickfire fifties, showing glimpses of his brilliance with the bat. Nicholas Pooran will come in at number 3 and would want to end his campaign on a high.

Middle Order: Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmad

Ayush Badoni will come in as number 4. After starting his season on a high, Badoni lost his form midway and was eventually dropped from the XI. He is again being included in the XI and will have to perform well. Captain Rishabh Pant has struggled throughout the tournament, especially with the bat. The left-hander has scored just 286 runs in 12 innings. Abdul Samad gives them a finishing option, whereas Shahbaz Ahmad gives this side an all-round option. 

Bowlers: Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, Akash Singh, Prince Yadav, Digvesh Rathi (Impact)

Mohsin Khan headlines this bowling line-up and is a threatening new ball option with his ball-swinging ability. He has picked up 11 wickets so far. Mayank Yadav is still finding his rhythm since his return to the side. Akash Singh had a good outing against CSK, picking up three wickets. Prince Yadav will once again be the bowler to watch out for.

LSG’s predicted playing XI vs PBKS in Match 68, IPL 2026:

Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (capt & wk), Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmad, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, Akash Singh, Prince Yadav

Impact Player: Digvesh Rathi