Lucknow Supergiants have received a major boost ahead of their crucial IPL 2026 match against Kings XI Punjab with captain Rishabh Pant declared fit for the match despite recent injury woes.On April 15, during LSG’s match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Pant was hit by Josh Hazlewood’s shot at a speed of 145 kilometers per hour, and his left elbow was hit hard. The incident raised fears of a serious injury, calling his eligibility into question. However, LSG bowling coach Bharat Arun confirmed before the match that the skipper is “absolutely fine” and “absolutely fit” to field.“He is absolutely fine, fit and ready to play tomorrow’s game,” LSG bowling coach Bharat Arun told the media ahead of the afternoon match against PBKS.
Injury update brings relief
Medical scans revealed that Pant’s injuries were just bruises and not fractures. The wicketkeeper-batsman has since resumed full training with the team, easing concerns within the camp. His introduction is a timely boost for LSG as they look to bounce back from consecutive defeats and regain momentum in the tournament.While fitness is no longer an issue, Pant will be under pressure to deliver with the bat. The LSG captain has scored 105 points in five games so far this season with a strike rate of 122.35, a figure below his usual standards. With LSG currently struggling at the top of the table, Pant’s form will be crucial against a confident Kings XI Punjab.
Predict the match line-up for PBKS vs LSG
Kings XI Punjab (Starting XI): Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Cooper Connolly, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.Impact Player: Vijaykumar VyshakLucknow Supergiants (XI): Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (week), George Linde, Mukul Chaudhry, Mohammad Shami, Avish Khan, Digwish Rathi, Prince Yadav.Impact Player: Mayank Yadav
