Lucknow: The story speaks for itself as Lucknow Supergiants prepare to take on Delhi Capitals on Wednesday. The stage is set, the lights are brighter than ever and all eyes will be on one man – Rishabh Pant. Pant, a leader, a match-winner and a player who thrives under pressure, was at the heart of this high-pressure clash.
The LSG captain will face his former team while hoping to win the opening game at home. D.C. leads 4-3 in head-to-head meetings since their first meeting in 2022.
Pant had a busy pre-match night under the lights on Tuesday – checking the pitch, doing some shadow practice and then having a long chat with Mitchell Marsh on the pitch.
Pant struggled for two weeks in the preparation camp before the start of the season. After mediocre returns last season, with Pant scoring just 269 runs, he understands the onus on him to prove himself. When asked which position Pant will play, LSG head coach Justin Langer declined to say. “I’m not going to reveal that. There’s a lot of talent there, but there might be a question of who to pick or who not to pick,” he said.
Apart from Langer, the LSG squad has a number of thought leaders guiding them, including a strong line-up of global director Tom Moody, strategic cricket consultant Kane Williamson and bowling coach Bharat Arun. The responsibility of the top order will once again rest with overseas players Adien Markram, Mitch Marsh and Nicholas Pooran, while the middle order has very Indian faces.
LSG’s pace battery, led by the experienced Mohammed Shami, appears ready for a long season ahead. Shami will be assisted by Anrich Nortje, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan Mohsin Khan, Naman Tiwari and Akash Singh. Digvesh Rathi, M Siddhartha and Wanindu Hasaranga belong to the spin department.
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The Ekana ground staff have prepared a clay phalanx which is expected to provide good bounce to the pacers.
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5 – LSG have lost 5 of their last six IPL matches played between April 22, 2025 and May 27, 2025. Stats: Rajesh Kumar |