Ravichandran Ashwin, a former India cricketer, discussed the uncertainty surrounding Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant’s intention to open in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Pant started the innings in the team’s opening match against the Delhi Capitals (DC) but was dismissed in an unfortunate manner.
Pant was out after scoring seven runs from nine balls, and post-match, he was questioned about his batting position change. Previously, during his first season with the team in 2025, Pant had played in various batting positions, and his place at the top is not yet confirmed for 2026.
“I think it’s a 50-50 call, but we’ll see. But you will definitely see me in the top order,” Rishabh Pant mentioned during the post-match presentation.
Ashwin believes that Pant and the team management are not aligned on the opening combination for IPL 2026. LSG had a successful opening duo in Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram, which was altered to accommodate Pant.
“All of these statements will not confuse anyone, but himself. The reason why Rishabh gave such a statement is because there is some secret. It means that the team management is discussing this with him. There is no point of doubt in my mind. If I were there, Rishabh would open the innings for the entire season. But now, what is happening, there should be no inconsistency in what you are saying. I know he made a 100 at No.3, but opening suits him, so you should have some patience,” R Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Pant was run out in LSG’s season opener at the non-striker’s end after Mitchell Marsh’s shot was deflected by bowler Mukesh Kumar’s hand onto the stumps.
R Ashwin predicts winner of SRH vs LSG IPL 2026 match
According to Ashwin, the Ishan Kishan-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will go into the match against LSG as favorites after their recent confidence-boosting victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
“I agree (that SRH are favorites). SRH are coming back from a big away win, it is their first home game of the season. After seeing the pitch number, I will say that it will be a high-scoring match. Since LSG have a good bowling attack, SRH will dish out a flat wicket, and I am looking forward to yet another high-scoring game,” Ashwin added.
Historically, LSG has performed well against SRH at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, securing victories in 2023 and 2025, but they faced a 10-wicket defeat in 2024.
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Edited by Gokul Nair
