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Match 54 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season will see Punjab Kings take on Lucknow Super Giants at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. This will mark the first game of the season at the venue, adding to the anticipation surrounding the clash.
Journey of PBKS and LSG so far in the IPL 2025
Punjab, led by Shreyas Iyer, have been enjoying a strong campaign and currently find themselves firmly in contention for a playoff berth. On the other hand, the Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow have endured a roller-coaster journey so far, struggling for consistency throughout the tournament. With both teams still in the hunt for a spot in the top four, this match holds massive importance. A win here could provide much-needed momentum as the league stage approaches its business end.
Over the years in IPL history, there have been several instances where players have switched sides and represented multiple franchises. Both Punjab and Lucknow have seen a fair share of such player movements. On either side, numerous cricketers have donned each other’s jerseys at different points in their IPL careers. These transitions often occur due to mega auctions, trades, or form-based strategies, and they add an interesting narrative of familiarity and rivalry whenever the two teams face off.
Players who have represented both Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL
1. Nicholas Pooran
Pooran did not enjoy much success during his stint with Punjab between 2019 and 2021. After going unsold in 2018, he was first picked up by Mumbai Indians in 2017 but did not get a single game. He debuted in IPL 2019 for Punjab and showed promise, scoring 168 runs in his first season. He had his best outing in 2020, scoring 350 runs at an average of 35.30. However, the 2021 season was a disaster, scoring just 85 runs in 12 matches with an average of under 8.
Despite that, Sunrisers Hyderabad took a punt on him in the 2022 mega auction, shelling out INR 10.75 crore. Pooran repaid the faith with 306 runs and consistent middle-order contributions. His impressive resurgence sparked a bidding war in the 2023 auction, leading to Lucknow buying him for a massive INR 16 crore. Since then, he has grown into a destructive finisher, justifying the heavy investment.
2. Aiden Markram
A technically elegant top-order batter, Aiden Markram joined Punjab for the UAE leg of IPL 2021. He showed flashes of potential but didn’t have a standout campaign. In 2022, Hyderabad bought him, and he became a core part of their batting unit. He even captained SRH in 2023. In 2025, Markram was bought by Lucknow for his base price of INR 2 crore, hoping to bring solidity to their top order. He brings not just batting skills but also leadership and tactical nous, adding balance to LSG’s evolving XI.
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3. David Miller
David Miller’s IPL journey began with Kings XI Punjab (now PBKS) in 2011. He didn’t play that season but debuted in 2013, scoring one of IPL’s fastest centuries (off 38 balls). He was a Punjab stalwart until 2019, consistently chipping in with big scores, including four seasons with 350+ runs. After a brief and underwhelming stint with Rajasthan Royals, Miller was rejuvenated at Gujarat Titans, playing a match-winning role in their 2022 title-winning campaign with 481 runs. Ahead of the 2025 season, Lucknow bought him for INR 7.5 crore, adding experience and firepower to their middle order.
4. Ravi Bishnoi
A leg-spinner known for his variations and flatter trajectory, Ravi Bishnoi burst onto the scene in IPL 2020 with Punjab, picking 12 wickets in his debut season. He followed it up with another 12-wicket haul in 2021. In 2022, Lucknow bought him for INR 4 crore, and since then, Bishnoi has been a vital part of their bowling unit. Across three seasons, he has picked 39 wickets and played in two playoff campaigns. He has since made his India debut and is seen as one of the most promising young spinners in the country. LSG have retained him ahead of the 2025 auction.
5. Marcus Stoinis
Marcus Stoinis started his IPL career with Delhi Daredevils in 2015, but it was at Punjab in 2016 that he made his mark with 146 runs and 8 wickets in 7 matches. He later played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2019) and Delhi Capitals (2020–21), before becoming a key member of Lucknow from 2022, where he delivered big knocks and crucial breakthroughs. Now in 2025, Stoinis returns to Punjab, the franchise where it all began, having been signed for INR 11 crore. With his finishing abilities and medium pace, he brings immense value and experience to PBKS as they aim to clinch their maiden IPL title.
6. Yash Thakur
Yash Thakur was picked up by Lucknow for IPL 2023, where he made a mark with 11 wickets in 10 games, including a stunning 5/30 against Gujarat Titans. Despite his potential, LSG released him ahead of the 2025 auction. Punjab snapped him up for INR 1.6 crore, recognizing his ability to swing games with the ball. Now, Thakur is a crucial cog in Punjab’s pace attack, tasked with delivering tight spells and death-over breakthroughs in their title pursuit.
