IPL 2026: Rishabh Pant apologizes to fans, Arjun Tendulkar makes debut for LSG

Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant apologized to fans of the franchise ahead of their final match of the 2026 Indian Premier League season on Sunday, May 24. LSG, who once again endured a tough campaign in the tournament, are languishing at the bottom of the points table with just four wins from 13 matches.

Speaking at the draw ahead of their clash with Punjab Kings at the Ekana Stadium, Pant admitted that the season has been tough for both players and fans. The goalkeeper thanked the fans across Uttar Pradesh for continuing to support the side despite their struggles and promised that the team will come back stronger next season.

“You see, everyone knows it was a tough season for us. But we learned a lot as a team and as individuals. We just want to apologize to our fans. They came in large numbers to support us from different parts of the country, especially all over UP. It was tough for us. We want to come back stronger and we will give it 100 percent,” Panst said.

LSG vs PBKS, IPL 2026: UPDATE | SCORECARD

Pant also revealed two changes to the LSG playing XI for their final match of the season, including the much-anticipated debut of Arjun Tendulkar, son of Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.

“We have two changes. Arjun and Arshin are coming since Mitch went home,” added Pant.

Arjun, who was traded from Mumbai Indians for Rs 30 crore ahead of IPL 2026, spent the first 13 matches of the season on the bench before finally getting his chance in the final match of the campaign.

The left-arm pacer has long remained a subject of curiosity among fans due to his famous surname, but options at the IPL level have remained limited over the years. With LSG already out of the playoffs, the franchise finally decided to give the legendary Tendulkar surname a chance on the big stage.

LSG PLAYING XI vs PUNJAB KINGS

Rishabh Pant may not have been accurate when he mentioned the changes the team has made in their line-up. Apart from Arjun Tendulkar and Arshin Kulkarni, Mukul Choudhary and Mohammed Shami have returned to the squad.

Arjun, who is a bowling all-rounder by profession, is expected to play the role of a lower-order batsman. He replaced Mayank Yadav in the team.

Arjun bowled alongside Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav and Mohsin Khan who have been good with the ball this season.

Team LSG vs PBKS

Josh Inglis, Arshin Kulkarni (in place of Mitchell Marsh), Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (c/wk), Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary (in place of Shahbaz Ahamad), Arjun Tendulkar (in place of Mayank Yadav and on LSG debut), Mohammad Akashin Shaningh (in place of Mohamed Shami and Khaning

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Issued by:

Kingshuk Kusari

Published on:

23 May 2026 19:21 IST

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