IPL 2026: Rishabh Pant opens up on his new batting role in the LSG playing XI

The Match No. 5 of the Indian Premier League 2026 was played between Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals at Bharat Ratna Shree Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. Thanks to the bowlers' incredible performance and Sameer Rizvi’s match-winning 70 runs, the visitors, DC, defeated the hosts, LSG by 6 wickets. 

During the match, LSG took the field with a new strategy. The LSG captain stepped out as an opener this season; however, their strategy failed miserably in the first match, as Pant (7) was unfortunately run out. He had a very forgettable IPL 2025 season, when he batted at 4. But this season, he is playing as an opener. After the match, he explained about this interesting move. He said that they want to utilise a left-right combination, which would trouble the opposition bowlers—especially the left-handed spinners.

"I think the idea was very simple, with Nicholas Pooran taking charge in the middle overs. He's not batting in the top order anymore because I'm batting up the order. And the swipe happened because we wanted to explore that left-right option at the top, so they couldn't bowl a left-arm spinner. pant said.

"Unfortunately, I got out at the wrong time. Otherwise, Axar still had to bowl one over in the power play, and that gives us the edge over them. But at the same time, you know, this is part and parcel of the game, and that's the role we are defining for Ayush Badoni. You know, when the situation is tough like that, when we lose an early wicket, that's the time he needs to make a mark," he added. 

When Pant was asked whether he would be seen opening in the upcoming cricket matches of the IPL 2026 season, he replied that they would have to wait and see how this move plays out, but he will certainly feature in the top order.

“It's a 50-50 call, we'll see. But you will definitely see me at the top," he said.

Lucknow will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next cricket match on April 5 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

This is not the first time Rishabh Pant has featured in the opening slot. Before this, he had played as an opener 23 times in T20 matches. In T20Is, he has also opened the innings for India five times. Although he does not have very good stats as an opener, he is doing this job for LSG in IPL 2026.