PBKS vs LSG, IPL 2023: 3 Players who can win today's Player of the Match award

Punjab Kings (PBKS) will take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 38 of the Indian Premier League 2023 on Friday, April 28 at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.

LSG currently sit fourth on the IPL 2023 points table with eight points, while PBKS also have eight points and are in the sixth position. The KL Rahul-led side will attempt to take revenge on their two-wicket loss to PBKS in their first meeting this season.

PBKS are coming off a thrilling win against the five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 22 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. They have suffered defeats against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Gujarat Titans (GT), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) this season. 

LSG, on the other hand, are coming off a seven-run defeat against the defending champions Gujarat Titans in a low-scoring encounter at Lucknow's Ekana Stadium on April 22. Their first defeat came earlier this month at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai at the hands of four-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Both teams' players have put on some spectacular displays so far this season. To remain in contention for the IPL 2023 playoffs, both Punjab and Lucknow have to perform well in their upcoming fixtures.

Here are three players who are expected to shine in the clash between Punjab and Lucknow.

Here are three players who can win the Player of the Match award in the PBKS vs LSG match:

3. KL Rahul

KL Rahul, the LSG captain, is the team's leading run-scorer in the ongoing IPL season. He amassed 262 runs this season, including two fifties, from seven matches with an average of 37.42 and a strike rate of 113.91. He currently sits eighth on the IPL 2023 Orange Cap list.

The wicketkeeper-batter's highest score came against Punjab Kings on April 15 during their first meeting. Despite the loss, he scored 74 runs off 56 deliveries for LSG after PBKS invited them to bat first. The 31-year-old's knock was studded with eight boundaries and one six.

In LSG’s previous clash, Rahul produced a much-needed half-century against Gujarat Titans. Rahul led his team from the front as they attempted to chase a below-par total of 135, scoring 68 runs off 61 balls. However, the other LSG batters failed to impress with the bat as they lost the match by seven runs. Furthermore, LSG will be hoping for a strong performance from the captain in their upcoming fixtures.

2. Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh is the leading wicket-taker for Punjab Kings and currently sits in the third spot on the IPL 2023 Purple Cap list. He has picked 13 wickets from seven matches at an average of 15.69 and an economy rate of 8.16.

He produced a brilliant spell in the Punjab Kings' opening match in the IPL 2023 against Kolkata Knight Riders. He finished with figures of 3/19 and eventually won the Player of the Match award. Notably, his match-winning performance guided PBKS to register their first win of the season. 

In his last match against MI, the left-arm medium-fast bowler claimed a four-wicket haul. Notably, two of the wickets that he picked came in the penultimate over. The 24-year-old effortlessly defended 15 runs in the final over of the clash and helped PBKS register a 13-run win over the five-time champions.

1. Sam Curran

Sam Curran, the most expensive player in the league's history, was expected to be one of PBKS' standout performers since the start of the season. However, he has only picked five wickets and scored 142 runs in seven matches. 

In the last three matches, he has captained the side in the absence of regular skipper Shikhar Dhawan, against LSG, RCB, and MI. He guided PBKS to victories over LSG and MI but fell short against RCB.

The English all-rounder led his team from the front in the previous match against MI. After batting first, he produced a match-winning half-century to help PBKS reach a huge total. He smashed 55 off 29 deliveries, including five boundaries and four maximums, and eventually won the Player of the Match award.