Full-strength Punjab gear up to seal top-two spot; DC play for pride

After years of heartbreak, Punjab Kings finally find themselves within touching distance of a top-two finish in the league phase of IPL 2025 for the first time since their dream run in 2014, and with a full-strength squad at their disposal, the Shreyas Iyer-led side will back themselves to get the job done against Delhi Capitals in their penultimate league clash in Jaipur on Saturday.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Barring their runners-up finish 11 seasons ago, PBKS have rarely made it to the top-four in the tournament's history. However, this year, under Iyer and head coach Ricky Ponting, the team has witnessed a massive transformation as one of the most consistent sides, collecting 17 points from 12 matches besides securing a playoff berth with two games to spare.

Bolstered by the return of the overseas quartet—Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, and Kyle Jamieson—after they had temporarily returned home during the week-long suspension of the league due to cross-border conflict between India and Pakistan, which also resulted in the abandonment of PBKS's home match against Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala after just 10.1 overs on 8 May.

Now reunited in Jaipur, the team appears a confident bunch of players, hungry for the crown that has eluded the team so far.