LSG’s Expected XI for IPL 2026 Opener Against DC: Arjun Tendulkar and Mayank Yadav Updates

New Delhi:

Lucknow Super Giants will be opening their IPL 2026 campaign against Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday, April 1 as they look for a strong start. After having made it to the playoffs for two successive seasons in 2022 and 2023, LSG finished outside the top four in the next two editions. They look to make a strong start to 2026 as they bid for a strong season. Up against them are DC, who have not been in the playoffs since 2021.

The Super Giants would be pleased of having full strength squad that they picked at the auction as, unlike the previous time, there are no injury concerns to the players. LSG will have to make some tough calls and will aim to field the team that they feel can win them this game. 

Fixed top-order, movable middle

LSG have the likes of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh at the top, while Rishabh Pant is likely to bat at No.3; however, head coach Justin Langer kept the cards close to his chest on the batting order. “I’m not telling you. Well, the truth is, I’m not gonna sit here and tell you where Rishabh Pant’s gonna bat tomorrow. I appreciate you asking, but if you want a straight answer, I’m not telling you where he’s gonna bat tomorrow because then DC knows where he’s gonna bat, and then they’ll have to deal with it tonight, not tomorrow at 7:30. Thanks for asking, though, you’ll wait and see like everyone else,” said Langer in the press conference.

However, the middle order seems movable as several players can be used as floaters with Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh and Shahbaz Ahmed present there. 

LSG’s bowling to be led by Shami

Mohammed Shami will be leading the LSG attack as he has made the switch to the Lucknow-based franchise. Fit-again Mayank Yadav would be another pace option alongside Anrich Nortje. Digvesh Rathi is set to be one of the spinners with Ahmed being the other. This might mean that there could be no place for legendary former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar’s son Arjun Tendulkar.

LSG’s probable Playing XII: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (capt, wk), Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Akshat Raghuwanshi/Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, Digvesh Rathi, Anrich Nortje

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