New Delhi: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach Justin Langer refused to reveal Rishabh Pant’s batting position during the pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. LSG will open their campaign against DC at the Ekana Stadium on Wednesday, April 01.
There is buzz around Pant’s batting position in the LSG line-up after his dismal campaign last season. The Indian wicket-keeper batter was bought for a huge sum of Rs 27 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, becoming the most expensive player in IPL history. However, he endured a poor campaign in his debut season for LSG, managing only 269 runs in 14 matches at a disappointing average of 24.45.
LSG failed to make it to the playoffs as Pant struggled for runs throughout the season. The swashbuckling left-hander, who is known for his explosive batting, batted at multiple positions during IPL 2025. He shuffled across no.3 to no.7, but failed to find success until smashing a ton in LSG’s final match of the season against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
His hundred came while batting at no.3 for LSG. Amid the ongoing IPL 2026 season, some reports have suggested that Pant is set to be utilised at no.3 this season despite Nicholas Pooran enjoying a stellar run at the position last year with 466 runs in 12 matches, including five fifties to his name. When asked about Pant’s batting position, Langer refused to answer.
The LSG head coach said he doesn’t want to reveal Pant’s batting position to keep DC guessing ahead of the game on Wednesday. Langer said DC might plan against Pant if he were to reveal his batting position before the match.
“I’m not telling you. Well, the truth is, I’m not gonna sit here and tell you where Rishabh Pant’s gonna bat tomorrow. I appreciate you asking, but if you want a straight answer, I’m not telling you where he’s gonna bat tomorrow because then DC knows where he’s gonna bat, and then they’ll have to deal with it tonight, not tomorrow at 7:30. Thanks for asking, though, you’ll wait and see like everyone else,” Langer told reporters at the press conference.
How has Rishabh Pant performed at no.3 in IPL?
Pant has great numbers while batting at no.3 in the IPL. The wicket-keeper batter has played 15 matches while batting at no.3 for his current side, LSG and former team Delhi Capitals. He has 558 runs to his name in 15 matches at an impressive strike rate of 172.75 and an average of over 46, including a century and two fifties.
It remains to be seen if the Lucknow Super Giants will use Pant at no.3 in the ongoing season or will continue with Pooran at the crucial position after the West Indies batter’s terrific success last season.