Lucknow Supergiants have received a big boost ahead of their crucial IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings, with captain Rishabh Pant being declared fit to play despite recent injury concerns.Pant suffered a traumatic left elbow injury during LSG’s previous match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on 15 April after being hit by a 145 kmph ball from Josh Hazlewood. However, LSG’s bowling coach Bharat Irwin confirmed before the match that the skipper was “absolutely fine” and “absolutely fit” to take the field.
“He is fine, fit enough to play tomorrow,” LSG’s bowling coach Bharat Irwin told the media ahead of the game against PBKS which will be played in the afternoon.
Injury updates bring relief.
Medical scans revealed that Pant’s injury was only a bruise and not a fracture. The wicketkeeper-batsman has since resumed full training with the squad, allaying concerns within 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.Although fitness is no longer a concern, there will be pressure on Pant to bat. The LSG captain has scored 105 runs in five matches so far this season at a strike rate of 122.35, which is below his usual standard. With LSG currently struggling in the points table, Pant’s form will be crucial against a confident Punjab Kings side.
PBKS vs LSG Playing XI Prediction
Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhasmaran Singh (wicket), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Cooper Connolly, Nihal Vadhira, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Johnson, Xavier Bartlett, Arsdeep Singh, Yuzvinder Chahal.Impact Player: Vijay Kumar VeshakLucknow Supergiants (Playing XI): Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Baduni, Rishabh Pant (c/wk), George Linde, Mukul Chaudhary, Mohammad Shami, Aveesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav.Impact Player: Mayank Yadav
