Before the match between LSG and DC in IPL 2026, both the teams have suffered big setbacks. Hasaranga and Starc are out, while there is suspense over Pant’s batting position. A high scoring match is expected at Ekana Stadium.
LSG vs DC IPL 2026 Today Match: The fifth match of IPL 2026 is being played today on Wednesday, April 1 between Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals. This match is being held at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Let us tell you that both Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) could not reach the playoffs last season. However, before IPL 2026, both the teams have reset themselves to some extent. But apart from these similarities, the situation of both the teams seems different.
LSG vs DC Toss Update: Who won the toss?
The toss of today’s match took place at 7 pm. Delhi Capitals captain Akshar Patel won the toss and decided to field first. That means now Lucknow Super Giants will bat first. The match will start at 7:30 pm. LSG have suffered a big blow ahead of their first match as Wanindu Hasaranga has not reached India yet. He has not passed the fitness test, which is a requirement for Sri Lankan cricket. Whereas for DC, Mitchell Starc will not be available in the initial matches, as he is recovering from shoulder and elbow injury.
LSG vs DC: Ekana Stadium pitch report and weather updates
Pitch number 4 will be used for this match at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The temperature during the match in Lucknow will be around 28°C and there is no chance of rain. Average score last season: 187 runs. Average in 2024: 203 runs.
LSG’s strategy: reducing dependence on foreign players
LSG may give a chance to Anrich Nortje in place of Hasaranga, especially considering the red clay pitch of Lucknow. But the team does not want to depend completely on foreign batsmen like Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran. In the last IPL, all three had scored 400+ runs, while the total score of Indian batsmen was only 835 runs.
Question on Rishabh Pant’s batting position
The biggest question for LSG is regarding the batting position of Rishabh Pant. In 2025, he scored 118 runs while playing at number 3. Whereas Puran played most of the matches at number 3 last season. After IPL 2025, Puran batted at number 3 in many leagues, while Pant has not played any T20 match yet.
DC’s top order challenge
DC also needs to strengthen its top order. There is a possibility that Pathum Nissanka may open more. Whereas Nitish Rana can come at number 3, who had performed brilliantly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Head to head record: DC has the upper hand
DC’s record against LSG is 4-0, with two matches also played in Lucknow. This time LSG would like to change this record on its home ground.
Playing XI and Impact Player Options
If Norkhia plays, LSG will have to field an Indian batsman as an impact sub. Probable names are Akshat Raghuvanshi, Mukul Chaudhary and Himmat Singh. LSG coach Justin Langer has said that Mayank Yadav is completely fit.
DC’s bowling strategy and middle order strength
DC may give a chance to T Natarajan in place of Starc. Either or both of Dushmantha Chameera and Lungi Ngidi can play fast bowling. DC has strong options in the middle order like Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel and David Miller. Apart from this, there is also a possibility of debut of Aaqib Nabi.
Statements from players and coaches
Coach Justin Langer said that pressure is a part of every season and he knows how to handle it. Whereas Dushmantha Chameera said that good pitches and small grounds for batting in India are a challenge for the bowlers.
Lucknow Super Giants Probable Playing 11
Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper and captain), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga, Digvesh Rathi, Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav.
Delhi Capitals Probable Playing 11
Akshar Patel (captain), KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Karun Nair/Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, Aaqib Nabi, Thangarasu Natarajan.