New Delhi, May 23 (IANS) Former India opener Virender Sehwag believes Punjab Kings (PBKS) are under immense pressure heading into their crucial IPL 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), insisting the team cannot afford another slip-up in the race for the playoffs.

Punjab, who started the season strongly before suffering a dramatic slump in form, now face a must-win scenario to keep their qualification hopes alive.

“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.

Sehwag pointed to Punjab’s inconsistency with both bat and ball as the major reason behind their recent struggles.

“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.

The former opener also felt conditions in Dharamshala worked against Punjab, but suggested the shift to Lucknow could offer the side a fresh start, as he said, “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.”

Despite LSG being out of contention, Sehwag warned that their fearless approach 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,” Sehwag mentioned.

Calling the contest a battle of temperament as much as skill, Sehwag added, “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.”

Sehwag also identified Mitchell Marsh as the biggest threat to Punjab’s bowling attack, especially in the powerplay.

“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,” he said.

He further highlighted Punjab’s lack of a dependable middle-overs wicket-taker. “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.”

Marsh has been in tremendous form at the top of the order for LSG and has posed as a threat for the opposition team, despite LSG’s struggles. Explaining Marsh’s impact, Sehwag said, “His ability to pick length early and clear the boundaries with ease makes him a handful on any surface.”

However, Sehwag remains hopeful that Punjab can recover in time to keep their playoff hopes alive.

“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 need at least 15 points to remain in contention, and Sehwag believes their strong start to the season proves they still have the quality to bounce back. Reflecting on Punjab’s dramatic decline after consecutive wins early in the season, Sehwag said, “They need to reach 15 points to stay in contention. But I hope Punjab find a way to win and qualify. They deserve it after their strong start.

“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.”

–IANS

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