Mumbai: Lucknow Super Giants find themselves under intense pressure once again after a rough run in IPL 2026, having lost six of their eight league matches. With playoff qualification now looking uncertain, attention has turned to the performances within the dressing room—especially captain Rishabh Pant, whose uneven batting form has been a major talking point.
LSG’s campaign under strain
LSG’s struggles have been driven in part by problems at the top of the order, but the season’s defining concern has been the inconsistency of their captain. Pant, bought for a record fee of Rs 27 crore ahead of the campaign, has not been able to provide the kind of impact expected from the franchise’s marquee signing.
Rishabh Pant’s IPL form: from 2025 to 2026
Pant’s challenges were already visible in IPL 2025. He finished that season with 269 runs from 14 matches, striking at 133.16 and averaging 24.45—his lowest output in the tournament since his debut year of 2016.
In IPL 2026, the left-handed wicketkeeper-batter has managed 189 runs in eight matches. His average stands at 27.00, while his strike rate is 126.84. So far, he has registered only one fifty, adding to concerns about his ability to consistently anchor or accelerate when required.
Role changes and ongoing questions
At the start of the season, Pant was used to open the batting. Later, the team shifted him back into the middle order, a move that was intended to find a better rhythm for his innings. Even with training support from former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh ahead of the tournament—aimed at reviving his white-ball skills—questions about his current performances have continued to linger.
Bharat Arun dismisses price-tag talk before LSG vs MI
Bowling coach Bharat Arun pushed back on the idea that the hefty price tag is weighing on Pant’s mind. Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of LSG’s clash against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium, Arun said he does not believe the money factor is the root cause.
- Arun said the Rs 27 crore tag is unlikely to have any direct impact on Pant’s mindset.
- He pointed to Pant’s batting across games, adding that in the second match of the season, Pant “took [the team] through the line.”
- Arun stressed he is not overly worried about Pant’s form, suggesting it is close to turning with “one innings away” from finding his rhythm again.
Thoughts on Shami and the pace group
Arun also addressed veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami, whose performance has stood out this season. Shami has taken seven wickets in eight matches, and Arun highlighted that the pacer’s approach remains focused and clear.
- Arun said Shami’s mindset is “very, very clear.”
- He noted Shami has repeatedly mentioned that selection is not in his control, but execution is.
- Arun added that Shami is doing exactly what he can to deliver results.
Mayank Yadav fully fit for action
On tearaway pacer Mayank Yadav, Arun confirmed the youngster is ready to play. He said Mayank is fit and available immediately, describing his pace and form as returning to where he started.
- Arun confirmed Mayank Yadav is fully fit and “ready to go right now.”
- He said the youngster is bowling quick and has returned to the form associated with his early burst.
Credit for Prince Yadav and Mohsin Khan; workload management for Mohsin
Arun further praised Prince Yadav and Mohsin Khan for their improvements this season. He also underlined the value of Shami’s experience in guiding the attack, while discussing how Mohsin’s comeback has been handled with care due to his injury history.
- Arun praised Prince Yadav and Mohsin Khan for stepping up this season.
- He credited Shami’s experience for helping guide the pace unit.
- On Mohsin, Arun said the franchise has managed his workload and fitness over the past few months to support a strong return.
