In a very interesting move, Rishabh Pant opened the batting alongside Mitchell Marsh in Lucknow Super Giants’ opening IPL 2026 game against Delhi Capitals. The move didn’t quite go as per the plan, as the southpaw made only seven runs off nine balls before being run out in the third over of the match. Explaining the move after the game, Pant noted that he moved up to counter Axar Patel, who was supposed to bowl in the powerplay. However, since he got out before that, the plan didn’t quite go well.
He also explained that the team management hasn’t quite sealed his spot in the batting order. He added that there can be times when he moves down to number three, to make room for Aiden Markram but no decision has been made. He also explained that Nicholas Pooran has been given a new role now, as he will now bat in the middle order with the goal of finishing games.
“I think the idea was very simple. Like he’s taking the charge in the middle overs. He’s not batting in the top order anymore because I’m batting up the order. And that’s why it happened because, you know, we wanted to explore that lefty-righty option at the top so they couldn’t bowl a left-arm spinner. Unfortunately, I got out at the wrong time. Otherwise, Axar Patel still had to bowl one over in the power play and that gives us the edge over them,” Pant said in the post-match presentation.
“I think it’s a 50-50 call, but we’ll see. But you will definitely see me in the top order,” Pant said about his role.
Delhi pick up a six-wicket win
Delhi picked up a comfortable six-wicket win to kick off their IPL 2026 campaign. Sameer Rizvi stole the show with the bat, scoring unbeaten 70 runs off 47 balls and he was later adjudged the Player of the Match. Earlier in the day, T Natarajan and Lungi Ngidi had a field day, claiming three wickets each, restricting Lucknow to just 141 runs.
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