Lucknow Super Giants’ Skipper Rishabh Pant (ANI Photo) Lucknow Super Giants have received a major boost ahead of their crucial IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings, with skipper Rishabh Pant declared fit to play despite recent injury concerns.Pant suffered a painful blow to his left elbow after being hit by a 145km/h delivery from Josh Hazlewood during LSG’s previous match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 15 April. The incident raised fears of serious injury and cast doubt on his involvement. However, LSG bowling coach Bharat Arun confirmed ahead of the match that the skipper is “perfectly fine” and “absolutely fit” to take the field.
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The injury update brings relief
Medical scans revealed Pant’s injury was only a bruise and not a fracture. The batsman has since resumed full training with the team, allaying concerns in 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.While fitness is no longer an issue, Pant will be under pressure to deliver with the bat. The LSG captain has scored 105 runs in five matches this season, with a strike rate 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.
Predicted Playing XI PBKS vs LSG
Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Cooper Connolly, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.Impact Player: Vijaykumar VyshakLucknow Super Giants (Playing XI): Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (c/wk), George Linde, Mukul Choudhary, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav.Impact Player: Mayank Yadav
