IPL 2026, LSG vs DC: Lucknow Super Giants head coach Justin Langer declined to reveal where captain Rishabh Pant will bat ahead of their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match against Delhi Capitals on Wednesday. Langer said the team would keep its plans confidential to avoid giving the opposition any tactical advantage. “I’m not going to tell you where Rishabh Pant is going to bat,” Langer said during the pre-match press conference. “If we reveal it now, Delhi Capitals will prepare for it tonight. You’ll have to wait and see like everyone else.”
Pant’s batting position has been a subject of discussion following an inconsistent 2025 season. The left-hander was used in multiple roles, batting at No. 4 in most matches but also appearing as low as No. 7 in one game. He did find success at No. 3, notably scoring a century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final league match of the season.
The innings sparked speculation that he could take up the No. 3 spot permanently in IPL 2026. LSG head coach Justin Langer, however, refused to reveal Pant’s batting position ahead of the opening match.
Langer acknowledged the challenge of fitting multiple top-order players into the lineup, including Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh. “It’s a good headache to have,” Langer said, referring to the abundance of batting options.
Pant has a strong record at No. 3 in the IPL, scoring 558 runs in 15 matches at an average of 46.5 and a strike rate of 172.75, including one century and two half-centuries.
However, he will be looking to improve on his 2025 season, where he managed 269 runs in 14 matches.
With multiple batting combinations available, Lucknow Super Giants are expected to finalize their strategy closer to match time as they aim for a strong start against Delhi Capitals.
