Big Picture: Punjab’s Uncrowned Kings Eye a Top-Two Finish Punjab Kings (PBKS) are riding a historic high — into the IPL playoffs for the first time since 2014, fueled by a fearless, uncapped Indian core. But their work isn't done yet. A top-two finish, and the playoff cushion that comes with it, is firmly within their grasp — if they win both remaining games. 🏟️ The Venue Shuffle: Advantage PBKS? The suspended fixture against Delhi Capitals (DC), which PBKS were dominating at 122/1 in 10.1 overs before the IPL break, will now restart from scratch in Jaipur. Though both sides lose momentum and stats from that abandoned match: PBKS just played in Jaipur, beating Rajasthan Royals. DC have not played in Jaipur this season, potentially tilting conditions in PBKS's favor. 📈 Punjab’s Surge: The Unheralded Core This PBKS side isn’t reliant on flashy overseas names or headline-grabbing auction picks. Their charge has been spearheaded by Indian talent, which is rewriting the team’s narrative: Prabhsimran Singh & Priyansh Arya – Explosive opening pair Nehal Wadhera – Composed, impactful middle-order contributions Shashank Singh – Dynamic finisher Shreyas Iyer (captain) – Calm leadership and consistent run-scoring 📊 First team in IPL history with five batters scoring 250+ runs at a strike rate over 150 in a single season. ❌ DC's Campaign Fizzled Delhi Capitals, once roaring with five wins from six games, have now been eliminated — thanks to just one win in their last seven. It’s a steep fall, but PBKS will not take this lightly: DC still have match-winners capable of denting playoff dreams. 🔮 What’s at Stake PBKS: Two wins = top-two finish, Qualifier 1 ticket One win + other results could still work, but it opens the door to NRR complications DC: Playing for pride — and the chance to spoil someone else’s party 🧠 Bottom Line This is PBKS’s best shot in over a decade to not just make the playoffs, but enter as true title contenders. They have momentum, a cohesive unit, and destiny in their own hands. Against a wounded but unpredictable DC, expect no complacency — just hunger. Team news and likely XIIs Shreyas did not field in the last game because of a finger injury. If things have not improved, he may once again play as Impact Player. Meanwhile, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis and Kyle Jamieson have (re)joined the squad. Inglis and Jameison could be straight swaps for Mitchell Owen and Xavier Bartlett, but picking one between Stoinis and Azmatullah Omarzai might not be as simple. Pitch and conditions The average first-innings score at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium this IPL has been 200. So expect a high-scoring game once again. During the daytime, there is a warning for excessive heat. While it will be cooler in the evening, the mercury will still hover around 36°C. Both teams probable XI Punjab Kings Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (c), Josh Inglis(wk), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Harpreet Brar/Vijaykumar Vysakh, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal Delhi Capitals KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, Abishek Porel (wk), Sameer Rizvi, Tristan Stubbs, Ashutosh Sharma, Axar Patel (c)/Madhav Tiwari, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, Dushmantha Chameera, Mustafizur Rahman, Mukesh Kumar