IPL 2026: Good news for Lucknow Super Giants, Rishabh Pant is 'perfectly fit' for game against Punjab Kings

Rishabh Pant has been declared fit for Lucknow Super Giants’ clash against Punjab Kings despite an elbow scare, but his underwhelming IPL 2026 form remains a concern.

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Rishabh Pant against Sunrisers Hyderabad (BCCI/IPL)

Rishabh Pant against Sunrisers Hyderabad (BCCI/IPL)

Story Highlights:

Bharat Arun confirms Rishabh Pant is fit to play against Punjab Kings after injury scare.

Pant struggles for consistency continue despite recovery and availability.

Lucknow Super Giants will lock horns against Punjab Kings in their upcoming IPL 2026 game on Sunday, April 19 at the PCA New Cricket Stadium, Tira. Ahead of the clash, LSG have received a big boost as Rishabh Pant is being said to have achieved full fitness.

Good news for LSG

In an interaction with reporters, LSG's bowling coach Bharat Arun has confirmed Pant's availability saying that the wicketkeeper-batter is perfectly fine to participate in the clash against the Shreyas Iyer-led side on Sunday.

"He is perfectly alright, fit enough to play tomorrow (Sunday)," said Bharat Arun.

 

 

What happened to Rishabh Pant?

Rishabh Pant was forced to leave the field after being retired hurt in the clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru while batting on 0 off four, as he was hit on the elbow by a Josh Hazlewood delivery.

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Although, the star India batter came to bat again in the 17th over, but was dismissed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar for 1 off six deliveries. LSG crumbled to 146 all out, and RCB won the game by five wickets with 29 balls to spare.

Rishabh Pant's struggle with LSG continues in IPL 2026

Rishabh Pant is yet to make a mark with bat at Lucknow Super Giants, as he has endured a tough start to the IPL 2026 season, amassing only 105 runs in five innings at an average of 26 and a disappointing strike rate of 122.

So far, the left-handed batter has scored only one half-century in the tournament which came in the win against Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

Earlier in the 2025 season, Pant was signed by LSG for a whopping Rs 27 crore in the mega auction. However, he failed to justify his massive price tag by scoring only 269 runs at an average of 24.45 in 13 innings at an average of 24.45 with a slow strike rate of 133.16.

However, Pant managed to score one century in a game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he hit an unbeaten 118 runs.

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