In a clever preparation tactic, Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant batted for both sides during a thrilling warm-up encounter against Kashi Rudras on Thursday at Sports Galaxy Cricket Academy. This high-scoring affair served as the perfect appetizer for IPL 2026, set to ignite on March 28.
Batting first, LSG amassed a daunting score thanks to Pant’s fearless approach, complemented by the fiery cameos from Arshin Kulkarni and Shahbaz Ahmed. Facing their own arsenal—Mohammad Shami, Avesh Khan, and Mohsin Khan donning Kashi Rudras colors—the LSG top order faced a stern challenge from sharp swing and hostile short balls.
Kashi Rudras hit back hard in their innings. Pant, joined by Mukul Chaudhary, Shubham, and Abhishek from LSG, turned the pitch into a run-fest, regularly clearing the ropes and electrifying the young spectators packed into the academy stands.
LSG’s bowling attack was led by prodigy Mayank Yadav and crafty Digvijay Rathi, with Shahbaz Ahmed and Arjun Tendulkar providing tight support. The event attracted droves of local talent, turning it into a festival of cricket.
Players engaged warmly with fans afterward, offering autographs and selfies. Following a Chennai pre-season camp, LSG’s full domestic squad is now in Lucknow, fine-tuning for the opener.
IPL 2026 action for LSG begins April 1 versus Delhi Capitals at Ekana Stadium, where Pant’s leadership will be under the spotlight from the outset.