Shreyas Iyer to Mohammed Shami: 5 players to watch in today's IPL 2026 match between PBKS and LSG

Punjab Kings will take on Lucknow Super Giants in Match 29 of IPL 2026 at Mullanpur on April 19.PBKS head into the clash as the only unbeaten team this season, topping the table with four wins in five matches.

In contrast, LSG are struggling in seventh place, having lost three of their five games.LSG face a concern with captain Rishabh Pant doubtful due to an elbow injury. Meanwhile, PBKS will rely on in-form Prabhsimran Singh (211 runs) and skipper Shreyas Iyer, who is enjoying exceptional form, while LSG will look to Prince Yadav (9 wickets) for early breakthroughs.Here are the 5 key battles which can shape today's contest:

Mitchell Marsh vs Arshdeep Singh

The contest between Mitchell Marsh and Arshdeep Singh has been a high-stakes powerplay duel in T20 cricket, with both players enjoying moments of dominance.

Arshdeep has dismissed Marsh three times in T20s, with Marsh averaging just 15 against him. Despite this, Marsh has maintained an aggressive approach, scoring 45 runs off Arshdeep at a strike rate of 166.66.

Shreyas Iyer vs Prince Yadav

The battle between Shreyas Iyer and Prince Yadav pits consistency against emerging pace. In their limited head-to-head meetings, Iyer has dominated, scoring 14 runs off just 6 balls at a strike rate of 233.3, including a four and a six.

Iyer has been in red-hot form this season, scoring 203 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 187.96, averaging over 50 with three half-centuries. Meanwhile, Yadav has emerged as LSG’s primary wicket-taking option, especially in the powerplay, claiming 9 wickets in five matches at an average of 18.22, including a match-winning 3/32 against RCB.

Rishabh Pant vs Yuzvendra Chahal

The matchup between Rishabh Pant and Yuzvendra Chahal is a tactical battle between aggression and guile.

Historically, Chahal has had the upper hand dismissing Pant 3 times conceding 92 runs in 64 balls. Despite being dismissed three times, Pant has maintained an attacking approach, making this a high-risk, high-reward contest.

Prabhsimran Singh vs Mohammed Shami

The opening battle between Prabhsimran Singh and Mohammed Shami is a clash between form and experience. Prabhsimran has dominated this matchup historically, scoring 197 runs and being dismissed only once in T20 encounters.

He enters this game in outstanding form, with 211 runs in four innings at an average of 70.33, including a match-winning 80* off 39 balls against Mumbai Indians. Shami, meanwhile, has made a strong comeback from injury, picking up 4 wickets in five matches with an impressive economy rate of 6.84, leading LSG’s powerplay attack.

Nicholas Pooran vs Marco Jansen

The battle between Nicholas Pooran and Marco Jansen is crucial in the middle-to-death overs. Jansen has managed to keep Pooran relatively in check without dismissing him in IPL encounters. Nicholas Pooran has scored 66 runs in 42 balls and yet to get dismissed by him. While Pooran scores at a healthy strike rate, Jansen’s ability to build pressure through dot balls gives him a slight tactical edge.