IPL 2026 | ‘I would say sorry’: Why Rishabh Pant apologized in LSG’s last game against Punjab Kings

Rishabh Pant (Image credit: BCCI/IPL) NEW DELHI: Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant has apologized to fans of the franchise after Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to play in Match 68 of IPL 2026 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday.Already eliminated from the playoffs, LSG are only playing for pride in their last league game of the season, while Punjab Kings need a win to keep their hopes of qualification alive. Speaking at the draw, Pant said that LSG would also favor bowling first and predicted a high-scoring contest.“We would also bowl first. This wicket is good for cricket regardless of bowling or batting. This is one of the better batting wickets; it could be a high-scoring match. Two changes – Arjun and Arshin Kulkarni are in,” Pant said during the toss.Pant also apologized to the fans for the franchise’s disappointing campaign.“It was a tough season, but at the same time we learned a lot, both for the team and personally. I apologize to the fans, they came from all over UP. It was difficult for us, but we will give 100% today,” said the LSG captain.LSG have endured a poor season in IPL 2026. Despite boasting a star-studded line-up, Pant’s side managed just four wins and nine losses in 13 matches.They were also the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs this season.This is the third year in a row that the Lucknow franchise has not qualified for the IPL playoffs after finishing seventh in both IPL 2024 and IPL 2025.Meanwhile, Punjab Kings opted to bowl first after winning the toss.“We will be bowling first. Two changes – Marco and Vyshak are in. The feeling is exciting, I would say it is a good match for us. We have never been in this situation before and the boys are waiting to give their best,” Iyer said during the toss.Teams:Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh(w), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer(c), Suryansh Shedge, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.Punjab Kings (Impact Players): Harpreet Brar, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Vishnu Vinod, Praveen Dubey.Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI): Josh Inglis, Arshin Kulkarni, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (w/c), Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary, Arjun Tendulkar, Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav, Mohsin Khan.Lucknow Super Giants (Impact Players): Shahbaz Ahmed, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Manimaran Siddharth, Himmat Singh, Akash Maharaj Singh.