IPL 2026: Rishabh Pant uncertain on opening for LSG, will bat top order

LSG skipper Rishabh Pant stated his opening role is a '50-50 call' but confirmed he will bat in the top order. The decision pushed Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran down the order in LSG's opening loss to Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper Rishabh Pant said the decision about him opening the batting in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) is uncertain, describing it as a "50-50 call," but confirmed that he will definitely feature in the top order. Pant's move to open the innings didn't go as planned as LSG faced a defeat against Delhi Capitals in their IPL 2026 opener on Wednesday. Pant made 7 off 9 and was run out at the non-striker's end. "I think it's a 50-50 call, but we'll see. But [you'll] definitely see me in the top order," Pant said after the match.

Batting Order Reshuffle

The decision to promote Pant to the opening slot pushed Aiden Markram down to No. 3. This comes despite Markram forming one of the most effective opening partnerships last season alongside Marsh, with the duo registering the second-highest partnership runs of the campaign. Markram also enjoyed his best IPL season, scoring 445 runs at an impressive strike rate of 148.82.

The move also saw LSG's big hitter Nicholas Pooran pushed down the order from one down. The position from where he slammed 524 runs at a strike rate of 196.25 last season. LSG sent Ayush Badoni above Pooran when they lost their second wicket inside the power-play.

Pant Explains Strategy

Pant explained that the strategy was to let Pooran take charge in the middle overs, while he himself moved up the order. He added that the batting reshuffle with Ayush Badoni was aimed at maintaining a left-right combination at the top to limit the opposition's bowling options. However, Pant admitted the plan didn't fully work as he was dismissed at an untimely moment.

"I think the idea was very simple. Like, [Pooran] is taking charge in the middle overs. He's not batting in the top order anymore because I'm batting up the order," Pant said. "And the swap [between Pooran and Badoni] 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," he concluded.

DC Secures Thumping Win

DC started the 2026 IPL season with a thumping six-wicket win over LSG at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday. DC have now secured five consecutive wins against LSG in the IPL, making them the third team against whom DC has achieved such a streak. (ANI)

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