19 April,2026 07:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rishabh Pant (Pic: File Pic)
In the IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) skipper Rishabh Pant has won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh.
The Super Giants will enter the clash with only one change, where Digvesh Rathi will make way for Manimaran Siddharth.
After winning the toss, LSG skipper Pant said, "We are going to bowl first. Coming here, we want them to set a total for us. They've been one of the best team in the tournament, but at the same time, it gives us that freedom that we can play more freely with them. Generally, I feel, playing for 220 runs is better than playing for 200 sometimes. (Manimaran) Siddharth comes in and (Digvesh) Rathi misses out".
On the other hand, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer said, "I feel it's a great challenge for us since we haven't batted first so far. I had mentioned that when you are getting better it's about us vs us. A comprehensive win is what need to fulfil. Same team".
Currently, the Kings are enjoying the top spot on the points table. So far in five matches, they have secured victories in four matches and have a net run rate (NRR) of +1.067 and nine points. One match was abandoned. The side will look to continue on the winning momentum in front of the home crowd.
The Super Giants are placed in the eighth position with two victories and three defeats in five games. They have a net run rate (NRR) of -0.804 and four points. Pant-led team will be eager to secure a win tonight against PBKS.
It will be interesting to see if Rishabh Pant and co. will be able to defeat the unbeaten Punjab.
Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (C), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Lucknow Super Giants: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (C) (WK), Ayush Badoni, Nicholas Pooran, Mukul Choudhary, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Prince Yadav, Manimaran Siddharth, Mohsin Khan.
