LSG vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction: IPL 2026 Match 68 Preview, Pitch Report, and Weather Update
The 68th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 features an intense clash as the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) host the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
For Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings, this is a must-win battle to keep their playoff qualification hopes alive after a tough string of mid-season results. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant’s Lucknow Super Giants will enter their home turf looking to play the ultimate spoilers and finish their campaign on a high note.
Match Details
Match: Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings, Match 68, IPL 2026
Date: Tomorrow (May 23, 2026)
Time: 7:30 PM LOCAL (14:00 GMT)
Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Live Streaming & TV: JioHotstar & Star Sports Network
Pitch Report: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
The Ekana Cricket Stadium is historically known for its slow, black-soil surface that heavily tests the patience of top-order batters.
Early Assistance: Fast bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh can expect some initial swing and carry in the first 4–5 overs.
Spin Dominance: As the ball gets softer, the pitch will grip and turn. Spinners like Yuzvendra Chahal and Wanindu Hasaranga are expected to control the middle overs completely.
Toss Strategy: Chasing has generally been the preferred route here. With dry inland summer conditions in late May, dew is unlikely to play a major factor, meaning the pitch will get slower and tougher for stroke-making in the second innings. The captain winning the toss will likely choose to bowl first.
Weather Report: Lucknow
Expect a dry and intensely hot evening in Lucknow.
Temperature: Hovering around 38°C to 42°C during the day, dropping to a warm 32°C at match time.
Rain Risk: Extremely low (under 10% chance). A full 40-over game is guaranteed.
Humidity: 35%–45%, creating dry playing conditions.
Predicted Playing XIs
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis (wk), Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (c), Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav, Mohsin Khan. (Impact Player Option: M. Siddharth / Arshin Kulkarni)
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal. (Impact Player Option: Lockie Ferguson / Marco Jansen)
Top Dream11 Fantasy Picks for LSG vs PBKS
Wicketkeepers
Rishabh Pant (LSG): A consistent contributor in the middle order who can take on the spinners aggressively on slow tracks.
Josh Inglis (LSG): Has formed a dangerous top-order pairing with Mitchell Marsh and provides quick starts in the powerplay.
Batters
Priyansh Arya (PBKS): He has been lethal against pace in the powerplay this season and remains PBKS’s prime explosive asset.
Shreyas Iyer (PBKS): The anchor of the PBKS batting unit. His technical stability makes him perfect for a challenging Ekana track.
All-Rounders
Mitchell Marsh (LSG): Crucial with his heavy-handed top-order batting and handy medium-pace variations.
Cooper Connolly (PBKS): A reliable point-accumulator who can anchor the innings and clear the ropes when needed.
Bowlers
Yuzvendra Chahal (PBKS): A must-have pick on a turning Lucknow track. His variations in the middle overs will be decisive.
Prince Yadav (LSG): The standout bowler for LSG this season, providing critical regular breakthroughs.
Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): Essential for early powerplay movement and reliable execution in the death overs.
LSG vs PBKS Dream11 Team Suggestion
Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant, Josh Inglis
Batters: Shreyas Iyer, Priyansh Arya, Shashank Singh
All-rounders: Mitchell Marsh (C), Cooper Connolly
Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal (VC), Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav
