Lucknow Super Giants Skipper Rishabh Pant (ANI Image)
Lucknow Super Giants received a major boost ahead of their crucial IPL 2026 encounter against Punjab Kings, with skipper Rishabh Pant declaring himself fit to play despite recent injury concerns.Pant suffered a painful blow to his left elbow after being hit by a 145km/h shot from Josh Hazlewood during LSG’s previous match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 15. The incident raised fears that he might be seriously injured, putting his participation in doubt. However, LSG’s bowling coach Bharat Arun confirmed before the match that the skipper was “absolutely fine” and “absolutely fit” to take the field.
He watches
Ajinkya Rahane press conference: On another defeat for Cameron Green and more
“He is absolutely fine, fit enough to play tomorrow,” LSG’s bowling coach Bharat Arun told the media ahead of the match against PBKS in the afternoon.
Injury update brings relief
Medical examinations revealed that Pant’s injury was just a bruise and not a fracture. The wicketkeeper-batsman has since resumed full training with the team, alleviating concerns within the camp. His availability comes as a timely boost for LSG, who are looking to bounce back from back-to-back defeats and regain momentum in the tournament.
Although fitness is no longer a concern, Pant will be under pressure to deliver with the bat. The LSG skipper has scored 105 runs in five matches so far this season, at an average of 122.35, numbers that are not up to his usual standards. With LSG currently struggling in the points table, Pant’s form will be crucial against a confident Punjab Kings side.
Expect the PBKS XIs to play against LSG
Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Cooper Connolly, Nihal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marko Janssen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.Influential Player: Vijaykumar VishakLucknow Super Giants (Playing XI): Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Aayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (c/wk), George Linde, Mukul Choudhury, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav.Influential player: Mayank Yadav