With their IPL 2026 playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Punjab Kings will head into their must-win clash against Lucknow Super Giants under immense pressure, and former India opener Virender Sehwag believes there is no room left for another mistake.
Punjab’s campaign, which began with promise and back-to-back wins, has dramatically derailed following a poor run of form that has pushed the Shreyas Iyer-led side to the brink of elimination. With qualification scenarios tightening, Sehwag stressed that PBKS must finally capitalise on their opportunities.
“Punjab Kings cannot afford to lose this game against Lucknow. There will not be a second chance. They have had enough opportunities to seal a playoff spot, but failed to take them,” Sehwag told JioStar.
The former India opener pointed to Punjab’s inconsistency with both bat and ball as the key reason behind their decline in the second half of the season.
“Their batting has let them down in crucial moments, and their bowling has lacked discipline. Sometimes the law of averages catches up when you win too many games, but Punjab have been on the wrong side of it lately,” he added.
Sehwag also felt the conditions in Dharamshala did not suit Punjab’s style of play and suggested that the move to Lucknow could help reset the team mentally ahead of the crucial encounter.
“Dharamshala did not suit them at all, the conditions were tricky, and they struggled to adapt. Maybe the conditions in Lucknow will be better for them,” he said.
Despite the Lucknow Super Giants already being out of playoff contention, Sehwag warned that their freedom could make them even more dangerous against a pressure-heavy Punjab side.
“But Lucknow are a dangerous side. Their batting lineup is packed with match-winners, and they have nothing to lose. That freedom can make them even more unpredictable. They will play without pressure, while Punjab will carry all the weight of qualification,” he said.
Calling the contest a test of temperament as much as skill, Sehwag urged Punjab to deliver across all departments if they want to keep their season alive.
“It will be a test of nerves as much as skill. If Punjab want to stay alive, they need to bring their A game in all departments,” he added.
Sehwag also identified Mitchell Marsh as the biggest threat to Punjab’s bowling attack, especially during the powerplay overs.
“Mitchell Marsh will be a big challenge for Punjab’s bowling attack. Even in the last two seasons, when Punjab made the final, their bowling was never their strongest suit,” Sehwag said.
He further highlighted Punjab’s lack of a dependable wicket-taking option during the middle overs.
“They have lacked a reliable wicket-taker in the middle overs, and that weakness has been exposed time and again. They will struggle against Marsh, especially in the powerplay where he is most dangerous,” he explained.
Marsh has been one of the few bright spots for LSG this season, consistently delivering explosive starts at the top of the order despite the franchise’s struggles.
“His ability to pick length early and clear the boundaries with ease makes him a handful on any surface,” Sehwag noted.
Still, the former opener remains hopeful Punjab can turn things around in time to secure a playoff berth.
“The only thing that could help Punjab is leaving Dharamshala. A change of venue and fresh conditions might give them a boost. Sometimes a new ground brings a change in mindset,” he said.
Punjab now require at least 15 points to remain in playoff contention, and Sehwag believes their impressive start to the campaign proves they still have the quality to bounce back.
“They began the season with back-to-back wins, showing their hard work and intent. But six straight losses have hurt their morale and brought their campaign to the brink. Still, this Punjab side has strong players who have fought back before,” he concluded.