IPL 2026 LSG vs DC Live Score: Catch live match updates, team lineups, captain insights and pitch conditions from the high-voltage clash at Ekana Stadium
New Delhi: In the fifth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Lucknow Super Giants hosted Delhi Capitals at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 1. The evening match started at 7:30 PM IST and carried extra importance as both teams were beginning their campaigns after missing the IPL 2025 playoffs.
Even before the first ball was bowled, the toss became an early talking point, highlighting two very different captaincy approaches and setting the tone for a tactical battle.
Toss Result
At 7:00 PM IST, Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel called correctly at the toss and chose to bowl first.
This also created a small milestone for the season, as Delhi Capitals became the first away team to win the toss in IPL 2026. With the coin favouring the visitors on LSG’s home ground, the decision immediately brought strategy into focus.
Captains’ Perspectives: Pant’s Confidence vs Axar’s Data-Based Decision
Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant, facing his former franchise, did not appear concerned about losing the toss.
After the toss, Pant said:
“Not much will change on this wicket, so toss won’t matter. It’s a completely new energy, new logo, colour and mindset. We’re feeling good and ready to go. Injuries were a concern last year, but we won’t focus too much on that. Our bowlers are fit and everyone wants to make an impact. Markram, Marsh, Pooran and Nortje are our overseas players.”
Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel explained the thinking behind his decision.
“It’s a fresh wicket with red soil. We want to see if the pitch helps the pacers early. Data shows chasing teams win more often, but it’s a new tournament and we think starting with the ball is the right move. Last year we started well but lost momentum in the middle of the season. We want another strong start. Our overseas picks are three batters – Miller, Nissanka, Stubbs – and the bowler Ngidi.”
Their comments reflected two contrasting mindsets: Pant focused on team confidence and a fresh start, while Axar relied more on pitch behaviour and historical data.
Playing Elevens: Star Players and Tactical Choices
Both teams named balanced XIs with a mix of experience and young talent.
Lucknow Super Giants XI
Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (captain & wicketkeeper), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary, Mohsin Khan, Mohammed Shami, Anrich Nortje, Prince Yadav.
Impact player options: Digvesh Rathi, Avesh Khan, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akshat Raghuwanshi.
One notable absence from the starting XI was express pacer Mayank Yadav.
Delhi Capitals XI
KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Vipraj Nigam, Axar Patel (captain), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar.
Impact player options: Ashutosh Sharma, Auqib Nabi, Sameer Rizvi, Dushmantha Chameera, Karun Nair.
Mukesh Kumar was preferred in the pace attack over Auqib Nabi.
The overseas combinations also stood out:
- LSG: Markram, Marsh, Pooran, Nortje
- DC: Miller, Nissanka, Stubbs and Ngidi
Pitch and Venue: Conditions Favor Chasing Teams
The Ekana Stadium pitch was described as a fresh red-soil surface.
The square boundaries measured 56 metres and 64 metres, offering opportunities for aggressive stroke play.
Recent IPL data suggests that chasing teams enjoy a clear advantage at the venue. Since 2024:
15 matches played
- 10 wins for chasing teams
- 5 wins for teams batting first
- Other venue statistics include:
- Average first innings score: around 189
- Average powerplay score: 57 runs
- Death overs scoring rate: 10.5 runs per over
- Wickets by pacers: 70%
- Wickets by spinners: 30%
Six of the last eight IPL matches at Ekana were won by the side batting second, which explains the thinking behind the decision at the toss.
Rivalry Snapshot and Season Context
Historically, Delhi Capitals hold a slight edge in this rivalry.
- Matches played: 7
- DC wins: 4
- LSG wins: 3
Both teams entered IPL 2026 with renewed motivation after falling short of the playoffs last year.
For Lucknow Super Giants, this match also marked a home opener under Rishabh Pant’s captaincy, along with a new team identity featuring fresh colours and logo.
Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals, under Axar Patel, are aiming to build early momentum after their campaign faded midway through IPL 2025.
Match Officials
- On-field umpires: Ulhas Gandhe and Rohan Pandit
- Third umpire: J Madanagopal
- Match referee: Javagal Srinath
Early Match Action
Lucknow Super Giants began their innings with Mitchell Marsh and Rishabh Pant opening the batting after Delhi opted to bowl first.
The powerplay has already seen some early momentum for the home side, with Marsh looking aggressive while Pant settles in at the other end. Delhi’s pace attack, led by Mukesh Kumar, is attempting to exploit the fresh surface and find an early breakthrough.
With plenty of overs still remaining in the innings, the contest at Ekana Stadium is shaping up to be an intriguing tactical battle between Pant’s revamped LSG side and Axar Patel’s Delhi Capitals.
