Both Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) fell short of a playoff berth last season, prompting both sides to undergo partial revamps ahead of IPL 2026. Their similarities extend beyond that.

LSG will begin their campaign without Wanindu Hasaranga, who was signed for INR 2 crore, as he is yet to arrive in India pending clearance in a fitness test by Sri Lanka Cricket. Meanwhile, DC will also be without Mitchell Starc for the initial phase of the tournament, with the left-arm quick recovering from shoulder and elbow injuries despite being retained for INR 11.75 crore.

In Hasaranga’s absence, LSG could bring in pace option Anrich Nortje, especially considering the red-soil conditions in Lucknow. However, they will also be cautious about overdependence on their overseas batting trio—Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran—all of whom scored over 400 runs last season. In contrast, LSG’s Indian batters collectively managed only 835 runs.

Another key question for LSG revolves around Rishabh Pant’s batting position. He had delivered an unbeaten 118 from No. 3 in their final game of IPL 2025, but that slot was largely occupied by Pooran, who played 12 of his 14 innings there last season. Since then, Pooran has continued to feature at No. 3 across leagues, while Pant has not played a T20 match.

DC, on the other hand, are still fine-tuning their top order. Pathum Nissanka, who was seen training extensively alongside KL Rahul in the lead-up to the match, is a strong contender to open. Nitish Rana, who topped Delhi’s run charts in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26—primarily batting at No. 3—could slot into the same position for DC.

Historically, DC have dominated this fixture, winning all four previous encounters against LSG, including two in Lucknow. The hosts will be eager to change that narrative this Wednesday.

Team News: Mayank declared fit

If Nortje replaces Hasaranga, LSG may need to field an Indian batter as their Impact Substitute, with options including Akshat Raghuwanshi, Mukul Choudhary, and Himmat Singh. Head coach Justin Langer has confirmed that Mayank Yadav is fully fit and ready to start the season.

LSG (probable): Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (capt, wk), Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Akshat Raghuwanshi/Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, Digvesh Rathi, Anrich Nortje

DC may look to replace Starc with another left-arm pacer in T Natarajan. One of Lungi Ngidi or Dushmantha Chameera is expected to feature, although both could play if the team combination allows. Unlike LSG, DC boast a solid middle order comprising Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, and David Miller. Promising domestic performer Auqib Nabi is also in line for his IPL debut.

DC (probable): KL Rahul (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (capt), David Miller, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Auqib Nabi, Lungi Ngidi/Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan