Pant faces former team as Lucknow Super Giants open IPL 2026 campaign against Delhi Capitals
The storyline writes itself. Rishabh Pant, the most expensive player in IPL auction history at 27 crore, walks out as captain of the Lucknow Super Giants tonight to face the Delhi Capitals, the franchise that shaped him from a teenage wildcard into one of India's most recognisable cricketers. He spent nine seasons in Delhi's colours before Lucknow snapped him up in the 2025 mega auction, and this is the first time the two sides have met since that move.
What Lucknow bring to Ekana
LSG's pace attack looks fearsome on paper. Mohammed Shami, Anrich Nortje and Mayank Yadav give Pant three genuine fast bowling options, and all three are fully fit heading into the opener. Wanindu Hasaranga misses out through a fitness issue, with Gudakesh Motie coming in as the spin option.
The batting is built around Pant himself, alongside Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran. Ayush Badoni adds local knowledge and a knack for finishing under pressure. If the top order clicks, LSG have the depth to post big totals or chase anything.
Delhi's new look under Axar
Axar Patel captains a Delhi side that looks very different from the one Pant left behind. KL Rahul returns to the opening slot, confirmed by Axar himself in the build-up, and Pathum Nissanka is expected to partner him at the top. The middle order runs through Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs and David Miller.
Mitchell Starc misses the start of the tournament with shoulder and elbow trouble, which leaves Lungi Ngidi and Dushmantha Chameera to lead the pace attack. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar give Delhi plenty of spin, and Auqib Nabi Dar could get a chance on debut.
Conditions and what to expect
The Ekana Stadium in Lucknow has traditionally offered something for the bowlers, especially spinners. Dew could play a factor in the second innings, making the toss important. Scores around 161 have been the norm here, and both sides might lean towards a bowl-first approach if given the choice.
Delhi hold a 4-3 head-to-head advantage from seven previous meetings, and have won two of three matches at this ground. But with Pant now on the other side and LSG's pace battery firing, this feels like it could go either way.
First ball is at 7:30 PM IST.
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