IPL 2026: LSG vs DC - Delhi Look to go 5-0 against Lucknow

IPL 2026: LSG vs DC - Match Preview

Both Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season, and while neither has undergone a complete overhaul, both have made notable adjustments ahead of IPL 2026. Interestingly, the similarities between the two sides extend beyond just their recent results.

Early availability concerns

LSG will begin their campaign without Wanindu Hasaranga, who is yet to arrive in India as he awaits clearance after a fitness test from Sri Lanka Cricket. DC, meanwhile, will be without Mitchell Starc for the early part of the season, with the Australian pacer recovering from shoulder and elbow injuries despite being retained for INR 11.75 crore.

Pant vs Pooran: the No. 3 question

Another key decision revolves around Rishabh Pant’s batting position. He delivered a stunning unbeaten 118 from No. 3 in LSG’s final game of IPL 2025, but Pooran has been a regular at that slot, playing 12 of his 14 innings there last season. Since then, Pooran has featured 20 times at No. 3 across leagues, while Pant hasn’t played a T20, making this a crucial call for team balance.

LSG’s balance dilemma

In Hasaranga’s absence, LSG could turn to pace by bringing in Anrich Nortje, especially given the red-soil surface in Lucknow that typically aids seamers. However, they will also be wary of leaning too heavily on their overseas batting core of Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran. All three crossed the 400-run mark last season, while LSG’s Indian batters collectively managed only 835 runs.

DC’s top-order puzzle

Delhi Capitals, too, have some decisions to make at the top. Pathum Nissanka, who recently had an extended practice session with KL Rahul, is a strong contender to open. Nitish Rana, DC’s leading run-scorer in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26, could slot in at No. 3—a position he occupied in five of his seven innings during that tournament.

Head-to-head

DC hold a dominant 4-0 record over LSG in previous meetings, including two wins in Lucknow. As the two sides meet again, the hosts will be keen to ensure that record doesn’t extend further in Delhi’s favour.

LSG vs DC: Pitch Conditions

The average first innings score at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium is 172 runs. This suggests that batting first at this venue tends to produce moderately competitive totals, indicating a balanced pitch that offers some assistance to both batters and bowlers.

Since 2019 in T20s, teams batting first have won 52% of the games while the teams chasing have won 48% of the matches. Clear indication that the pitch doesn't change much during the game. The only differential in the batting phases is in the death. While batting first, the average runs from overs 16-20 is 50, this falls down to 32 in the second innings. Control the death overs and you'll win the game.

Team News and Starting XIIs

Lucknow head coach Justin Langer confirmed that Mayank Yadav is fit and will start the season. The pacer can absolutely ramp it up and it'll be interesting to see what speeds he hits in LSG's season opener. Mitch Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran and Anrich Nortje are the expected overseas players for the Super Giants.

Probable XII: Mitchell Marsh*, Aiden Markram*, Nicholas Pooran*, Rishabh Pant (c/wk), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Akshat Raghuwanshi/Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, Digvesh Rathi, Anrich Nortje*

Auqib Nabi is all set to start for the Delhi Capitals. All eyes will be on the right-arm pacer who bagged the most wickets in Ranji Trophy this season. David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Pathum Nissanka will be certain starters. Lungi Ngidi had a brilliant T20 World Cup campaign and is expected to beat Dushmantha Chameera to the playing twelve.

Probable XII: KL Rahul (wk), Pathum Nissanka*, Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs*, Axar Patel (c), David Miller*, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Auqib Nabi, Dushmantha Chameera*/Lungi Ngidi*, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan

Stats and Trivia

• Tristan Stubbs has a dot ball percentage of only 26 in 74 domestic innings.

• Delhi Capitals has won 57% times when Prithvi Shaw has scored more than 50 runs.

• 72% of Kuldeep Yadav's T20 wickets have come in the middle-overs

  
  

Who do you think will win the LSG vs DC contest tonight? And, who do you think will be the top scorer in the game? Comment and tell us now.