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Lucknow Super Giants have received a major boost ahead of their crucial IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings, with captain Rishabh Pant declared fit to play despite recent injury concerns.Pant had suffered a painful blow to his left elbow after being struck by a 145 km/h delivery from Josh Hazlewood during LSG’s previous match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 15. The incident had raised fears of a serious injury, putting his participation in doubt. However, LSG bowling coach Bharat Arun confirmed ahead of the match that the skipper is “perfectly alright” and “absolutely fit” to take the field.
“He is perfectly alright, fit enough to play tomorrow,” LSG bowling coach Bharat Arun told media ahead of the game against PBKS which will be played in the afternoon.
Injury Update Brings Relief
Medical scans revealed that Pant’s injury was only a bruise and not a fracture. The wicketkeeper-batter has since resumed full training with the squad, easing concerns within the camp. His availability comes as a timely boost for LSG, who are looking to bounce back after consecutive defeats and regain momentum in the tournament.While fitness is no longer a concern, Pant will be under pressure to deliver with the bat. The LSG captain has scored 105 runs in five matches so far this season, at a strike rate of 122.35, numbers that fall short of his usual standards. With LSG currently struggling in the points table, Pant’s form will be crucial against a confident Punjab Kings side.
Predicted playing XIs of PBKS vs LSG
Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (c), Cooper Connolly, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra ChahalImpact Player: Vijaykumar VyshakLucknow Super Giants (Playing XI): Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (c/wk), George Linde, Mukul Choudhary, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi, Prince YadavImpact Player: Mayank Yadav
