New Delhi: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) won the toss and selected for bowling first Punjab kings (Pbks) match in 54 IPL 2025It is being played at HPCA Stadium in Dharamsa on Sunday. It is the first domestic game of PBKS in its second place of the season, which has played the last four matches in New Chandigarh.
PBKs are currently fourth on the points table with six out of 10 matches and are strongly in the playoff race. LSG, returning to action after a week’s break, is ranked sixth out of 11 matches with five wins. A win today is important for him to stay in hunting for a playoff spot.
After calling the toss correctly, LSG captain Rishabh Pant explained his decision to bowl first, citing possible initial assistance for the bowlers. “We think it’s a bowling-first pitch. It’s not sure how it is going to behave, but it seems that the ball may stop a bit. It is a little loose on the surface, although still has a good wicket. The bowling gives us an edge first,” Pants said.
With the conditions wet for the last two days, LSG handed over a first hat to the left-handed pace Akash Singh and named leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi amid the option of his impact, which indicates a priority for the seam in the initial stages.
On the other hand, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer revealed a change in Play XI, which included Seam-Bauling all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. Iyer said, “We must have bowled before. In the last two days, due to rain, the wicket cover is under the cover, and there is some moisture below. The grass is a bit thick.”
The captain of PBK emphasized the importance of being positive. “We are ready for the challenge. You can’t pay attention to bad performances; they bother you. It is about maintaining high spirits, motivating each other and enjoying each other’s success. This is the culture we have created.”
Who is Akash Maharaj Singh,
Born on 26 April 2002, Nagla Ram Ratan in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Akash Singh’s professional cricket’s journey is a will of patience and raw talent. Meeting a modest family – his father a farmer and his mother a housewife – Akash took his first important step towards a cricket career at Shardul Sports School in Bikner.
His capacity quickly became clear, he found a place in the prestigious MRF Pace Foundation, where he trained under the vigilance of legends such as Glenn McGrath. Stint refined his control, rhythm and swing-couples that would shape his identity as a new ball bowler.
Akash started his domestic T20 for Rajasthan in the 2019 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which had an immediate effect with two wickets. His impressive demonstrations selected India’s under -19 squads in both the 2019 ACC Asia Cup and the 2020 ICC U19 World Cup. In the latter, he emerged as India’s strike weapon with a new ball, played an important role in guiding the team with 11 wickets in six matches and the team in the final.
His domestic career has seen him the jersey of Rajasthan, Nagaland and Baroda, remembering the Don -Don -Conseptality and hunger for opportunities. Red-ball cricket, especially in the Ranji Trophy, Akash has impressed his ability to generate agitation from the seam and dismiss the top-order batsmen, including a remarkable performance against powerhouse teams such as Mumbai.
The IPL visit began when Rajasthan Royals selected him in the 2020 auction, although he initially performed limited. He started his IPL in 2021 and later attracted attention during his tenure with Chennai Super Kings in 2023, where he played four matches, took five wickets, and showed his fast pace and misleading angle. Mentarships under MS Dhoni proved to be an important experience in his development.
In 2024, Akash was planted by Sunrisers Hyderabad, although he did not facilitate a game in that season.
The ball is known for its natural ability to swing and hit the deck with intentions, Akash Singh is one of the most promising left-handed seamers in India’s fast-bouncing pipeline-a young pacer that has equipment to shine in formats and conditions.
