IPL founder Lalit Modi caused a stir on social media after criticising franchise owners, following a viral incident during the IPL 2026 match between Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals. Lucknow Super Giants lost the match by six wickets at home, which raised concerns about their batting and led to discussions beyond the field.

Modi used strong words and called Sanjiv Goenka a “complete loser,” which quickly caught the attention of fans on social media.

The comments came right after the match and added more drama to the IPL 2026 season. Modi has previously spoken strongly about team management and decisions. Fans reacted quickly online, with some agreeing with him and others saying the words were too harsh. The incident has once again highlighted off-field talks during the tournament.

I told you this guy @DrSanjivGoenka owner of @LucknowIPL is a complete looser and joker of the highest order - i am seriously embarrassed with his behaviour. I created the @IPL for fans and players alike. Not for this to happen every time every year. If I was still Chairman and… https://t.co/5mHzg8RAY1

— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) April 2, 2026

Lalit Modi’s fresh attack on Sanjiv Goenka grabs attention

After yesterday’s loss, Goenka was seen having an animated discussion with LSG captain Rishabh Pant, with head coach Justin Langer also part of the conversation. While no audio was available, the visuals suggested a “serious and intense discussion.”

The moment brought back memories of a similar incident during the 2024 IPL season, when Goenka was seen having a public exchange with then-captain KL Rahul after a defeat, an episode that had drawn “widespread criticism” at the time.

Addressing this matter, Lalit Modi took to X and posted a “strongly worded message,” seemingly aimed at IPL team owners.  He wrote, “I told you this guy, Dr Sanjiv Goenka,  the owner of Lucknow Super Giants, is a complete loser and a joker of the highest order. I am seriously embarrassed by his behaviour. I created the IPL for fans and players alike, not for this to happen every time, every year. If I were still Chairman and Commissioner, I would have BANNED him immediately and made him forfeit his ownership of the team forever. He is a complete pompous clown. There is a clause in the franchise agreement for this exact issue. #BCCI, implement it—keep integrity above all. Sucking up to the powers that be is not the way to allow him to get away. Fans and players alike will remember.”

See also -Lalit Modi vs Sanjeev Goenka saga heats up as IPL bid list surfaces ahead of 2026

What triggered the latest remarks after the LSG vs DC match

During the IPL 2026 match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC), LSG lost by six wickets at home. The defeat raised concerns about their batting and also sparked discussions beyond the field.

After the loss, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka was seen having an animated discussion with captain Rishabh Pant, with head coach Justin Langer also part of it. There was no audio, but the video showed a “serious and intense discussion.”

The clip quickly went viral on social media, with fans and analysts guessing what was said. The moment reminded many of a similar incident in the 2024 IPL season, when Goenka had a public exchange with then-captain KL Rahul after a defeat, which had drawn “widespread criticism” at the time.

Fans react as controversy escalates in IPL 2026

Fans react strongly as IPL 2026 controversy grows, with Goenka’s on-field exchange and LSG’s loss sparking debates on social media. Here is how the netizens react:

He is very desperate for the results, he don't have patience, things takes time but his so much involvement in the team is putting pressure on the players as well as destroying his own image too.

— KG Sports (@TheKGSports) April 2, 2026

Is there any way that this eccentric and greedy man can be banned from the players’ hotel and stadium during IPL 2026, and next year his ownership can be taken away? #LALITMODI pic.twitter.com/Lf6R6HVXPM

— Cricket Panchayat (@CrickPanchayat) April 2, 2026

Don't worry. You are the Godfather of IPL.

— RAJ (@rajkr_2012) April 2, 2026

Will get furious everytime someone write "looser" instead of "loser". It's basic and both are completely different meaning

— Cric_Foot 🌞 (@ICC__FIFA) April 2, 2026

Nice PR stunt to pick on a successful owner. Guess you, we don’t give a f about what you feel

— Aambee🇨🇦 (@_aambee_) April 2, 2026

At least write “loser” correctly

— Salil (@SalilPrash) April 2, 2026

You are always bang on . About csk fixing you were spot on and about @DrSanjivGoenka who is sour loser !

— Praveen Kumar G (@PraveenKum44266) April 2, 2026

When the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) got bundled out for 141 runs before their allotted 20 overs against the Delhi Capitals during their opening game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, the Capitals were expected to make an easy chase.

However, the surface wasn’t an easy one for the visitors to start the chase on a high note. They lost their opener, KL Rahul, on the opening game of the chase and found themselves struggling with four down inside the first five overs of the second innings. The DC camp looked a bit concerned.

Hemang Badani sprints from DC dug-out to make bold move

In the run chase of 142, DC found themselves limping at 26/4. That was the time when David Miller was all set to make his debut with the bat when their head coach, Hemang Badani, came running down the stairs from the dressing room to the dug-out and told the veteran Protea batter to wait.

Watch the video here: 

The moment that changed the match for DC yesterday. pic.twitter.com/PLs7yuq4Tz

— John (@John1853403581) April 2, 2026

Instead of putting Miller into the middle, Badani and the DC management decided to use Sameer Rizvi as the impact player, followed by Tristan Stubbs at number six. The move paid off as the latter absorbed the pressure against the aggressive pace unit of the Super Giants and calmed down the situation.

Stubbs and Rizvi ended up contributing an unbeaten 119-run stand for the fifth wicket to complete the six-wicket victory in 17.1 overs and started their campaign on a winning note.

Sameer Rizvi’s impact knocks shoulders DC to memorable win

Rizvi used the pace of the fast bowlers beautifully in guiding the big shots around the park. His upper-cuts for boundaries and sixes were amazing to enjoy over the wicket-keeper’s head. He was equally good at pulling the short deliveries and remained unbeaten on 70 runs in 47 balls with the help of five boundaries and four sixes at a strike rate of nearly 150.

See Also: Watch: Sanjiv Goenka-Rishabh Pant heated exchange after LSG vs DC IPL 2026 clash sparks fresh controversy

He was calmed down beautifully by Tristan Stubbs, who remained undefeated on 39 runs in 32 deliveries at a strike rate of 122, thanks to three boundaries and one six.

Fans’ reaction to Badani’s sprint for DC in IPL 2026 clash vs LSG

Here is how the fans have reacted to the sprint of Hemang Badani during the chase against LSG in IPL 2026-

That decision really made a difference, and the execution from Rizvi and Stubbs was excellent.

— Vishal Yadav (@vishaly33) April 2, 2026

Good decision by Badani !

— Signature of Cricket ! (@BabajiSutar3) April 2, 2026

End of the game this looks a perfect way decision

— Annurag P Rekhi (@Dravidict) April 2, 2026

Those were very bold calls rizvi was struggling at the start and seemed a poor decision then he started going

— SanjayGandhi (@SanjayGandhi41) April 2, 2026

Ultimate call by DC management

— Rao Amit 🇮🇳 (@RoyalRao47) April 2, 2026

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) didn’t make a strong start to their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign with a disappointing defeat against the Delhi Capitals at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The six-wicket loss was the result of their exposed batting concerns, but also sparked conversation outside the field. 

Lucknow, under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, made a good start with the ball in their defense, with four wickets inside the power play, keeping a low score during the second innings. But they couldn’t hold the dominance longer before the partnership between Tristan Stubbs and Sameer Rizvi. 

Sanjiv Goenka and Rishabh Pant engaged in heated altercation

Post the conclusion of the game, the Super Giants’ owner, Sajiv Goenka, was seen in an on-field conversation with their captain Pant, with head coach Justin Langer also being part of the entire discussion. There was no audio available of the video that surfaced on social media, but it suggested an intense exchange after their opening clash.

Watch the video here: 

Sanjiv Goenka and Rishabh pant 😭 pic.twitter.com/0RzMSkp0vE

— Faiyaz (@FaiyazWhat) April 1, 2026

The video quickly gained engagement as the moment brought back the memories of a similar incident between Goenka and their former LSG captain, KL Rahul, post their 10-wicket defeat inside the 10 overs against the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the same ground.

That episode was viewed as a public fallout between the two, and comparisons were also made.

LSG’s exposed batting disappoints home fans

Lucknow got bundled out for only 141 runs in 18.4 overs after being put into bat first. Only two of their batters, Mitchell Marsh and Abdul Samad, crossed the 25-run mark, with the former getting 35 runs in 28 balls as Samad smashed 36 runs in 25 balls with the help of three boundaries and one six.

See Also: Watch: Prince Yadav’s double-wicket over dents Delhi in LSG vs DC IPL 2026 clash

Meanwhile, Delhi completed the chase by six wickets in 17.1 overs, thanks to the 119-run stand for the fifth wicket. Sameer Rizvi remained unbeaten on 70 runs in 47 balls with five boundaries and four sixes at a strike rate of nearly 150. 

Fans’ reaction to Goenka-Pant altercation in IPL 2026

Here is how the fans have reacted to the heated conversation in IPL 2026 between Goenka and Pant-

Pant has seen God's blessing in life threatening accident so he will hardly fear the franchise owner who tries to be in frame always. He should learn from KKR owner or most of others

— vijay koul (@vijaykoul13) April 2, 2026

🚨 WHAT KIND OF BEHAVIOR IS THIS ? 🚨

BEFORE KL Rahul, NOW Rishabh Pant 💔

Wins and losses are part of cricket, but how you treat your players in those moments defines true leadership. Sanjiv Goenka’s public reaction once again raises serious questions.because conversations… pic.twitter.com/daxcDwyE5E

— Muffatball vikrant (@Vikrant_1589) April 2, 2026

Sanjiv Goenka is having a chat with Rishabh Pant and the coaching staff after the loss against DC 🏏
Sanjeev Goenka will not like the behavior he showed with KL Rahul, today he has again shown the same behavior with Rishabh Pant after losing today's match. 😡
Why do they tolerate… pic.twitter.com/XnLiQnHqKK

— Prem Kumar (@cbhushanamazon) April 1, 2026

Sanjiv Goenka asking Pant: “Bhai, 27 crore mein yehi tha?” 💀😭 pic.twitter.com/0WAJSHfDrr

— lndian Sports Netwrk (@IS_Netwrk29) April 1, 2026

On the fifth day of the IPL 2026, although Delhi Capitals (DC) claimed a comfortable win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the visitors DC had a rough start, while the chase was below par by modern standards. While DC were struggling at chase, LSG pacer Prince Yadav and DC batter Tristan Stubbs had a heated moment. 

Both teams, LSG and DC, started their IPL 2026 journey with this match, as both teams were excited to begin the new season with a solid win. After Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel won the toss, he sent the hosts LSG to bat first.

DC bowlers controlled the first innings strongly, as the hosts were all out for 141 runs. DC pacers Lungi Ngidi (3/27) and T Natarajan (3/29) were on top with the ball, while only two home batters managed to reach the 20-run mark.

See Also: Watch: Lungi Ngidi outfoxes Nicholas Pooran in LSG vs DC IPL 2026 clash

Tense exchange between Prince Yadav and Tristan Stubbs grabs attention

On the fifth ball of the fifth over, Tristan played a defensive shot to the pacer Prince and, staying outside the crease, he shouted no to the non-striker end batting partner Sameer Rizvi. Prince attempted to pick the ball on his follow-through as he would target the striker-end stumps, as the batter was outside the crease for a short time. 

However, Prince failed to grab the ball, but continued his charging body language to the batter with a straight look. Then Tristan and Prince had a little exchange of words, where both seemed heated. 

𝙗𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙗𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚𝙞𝙣… 𝙖𝙞𝙨𝙞 𝙘𝙝𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙞 𝙘𝙝𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙞 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙧𝙖𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙩𝙞 𝙧𝙚𝙝𝙩𝙞 𝙝𝙖𝙞 😉🔥
Things getting spicy in the middle 🌶️😏

Bhojpuri ka asli mazza sirf JioHotstar par dekhiye! 🎉#TATAIPL 2026 | #LSGvDC | LIVE NOW 👉… pic.twitter.com/PKSx9UroQ7

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 1, 2026

What triggered the on-field altercation in LSG vs DC match

It was the time when DC were under pressure at 30/4 while chasing the target of 142 runs. Coming to bat at no.6, while DC were battling at 26/4, Tristan hit a four on his first ball facing. Prince, who bagged two wickets along with delivering three wides in that over, produced a well-directed bouncer to the new batter Tristan, who stood still and hit for a four to the deep square leg. The heated argument happened on the very next delivery. 

Sameer and Tristan had a 119-run partnership for the unbroken fifth wicket that helped DC to comfortably chase down the target in 17.1 overs. Sameer scored 70 not out off 47 balls, while Tristan provided strong support with 39 not out off 32 balls. 

Mohammed Shami made an immediate impact on his debut for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2026, delivering a wicket with the very first ball of his spell against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Wednesday.

After LSG posted a modest total of 141, Shami provided the perfect start while defending the target. Opening the bowling, he dismissed KL Rahul for a duck on the first delivery, with the batter caught by Mohsin Khan near the boundary.

The moment marked a memorable debut for Shami, who joined LSG from Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the 2026 season. His instant success reinforced his reputation as one of the most effective new-ball bowlers in T20 cricket.

Watch Mohammed Shami strike with the first ball on his LSG debut:

What a start by Mohammed Shami! 🔥

A wicket for Mohammed Shami on his very first ball for #LSG, & it’s a big one in the form of KL Rahul! 👀

GAME ON at Ekana! #TATAIPL 2026 👉 #LSGvDC | LIVE NOW: https://t.co/1FhyvMxHq4 pic.twitter.com/Od6uaZohhn

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 1, 2026

Mohammed Shami delivers dream start with first-ball wicket

After Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)were bowled out for 141, Mohammed Shami provided an ideal start with the ball during Delhi Capitals (DC)’s chase. Opening the bowling, he struck on the very first delivery of his debut match. DC opener KL Rahul was caught by Mohsin Khan near the boundary.

Shami delivered a well-shaped outswinger, and Rahul went for an aggressive drive. The ball took a thick edge and flew towards third man, where Mohsin completed a safe catch. Rahul departed for a duck, handing LSG a perfect early breakthrough. While Rahul was left stunned, Shami celebrated the crucial wicket.

This marked the second time Shami has dismissed Rahul for a golden duck in the IPL, the previous instance coming in 2022. The numbers underline Shami’s dominance in this contest, with Rahul finding it difficult to counter him in T20 cricket.

Notably, Shami now holds the record for the most wickets taken on the first ball of an IPL innings, having achieved the feat five times. It highlights his exceptional ability to strike early and put opposition teams under immediate pressure.

See also -Shami Puts in the Hard Yards at India’s First Training Session Ahead of England T20Is

KL Rahul’s early dismissal puts LSG under immediate pressure 

It was a crucial early breakthrough for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who were defending a modest total. The dismissal of KL Rahul shifted the momentum in LSG’s favour following their underwhelming performance with the bat.

Delhi Capitals (DC) soon found themselves in deep trouble as wickets fell in quick succession. They slumped to 26/4 within the Powerplay, putting their chase under severe pressure.

After Mohammed Shami removed Rahul, Mohsin Khan struck in his opening over to dismiss Nitish Rana. The pressure intensified when Prince Yadav picked up two wickets in the following over, removing Pathum Nissanka and DC captain Axar Patel, leaving the visitors in disarray.

LSG’s bowlers capitalized on the early momentum, maintaining disciplined lines and restricting scoring opportunities. As a result, the required run rate continued to climb, further compounding DC’s difficulties.

However, Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs led a measured recovery. The pair built a composed partnership, rotating the strike effectively and selecting their shots with care. Their 50-run stand for the fifth wicket brought stability to the innings, guiding DC to 83/4 in 11 overs.

Their effort helped steady the chase and kept DC in contention despite the early collapse.

Brief Score:

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): 141 all out

Delhi Capitals (DC): 145/4 in 17.1 overs (Target: 142)

Result: DC won by 6 wickets with 17 balls remaining.

When the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were packed up for 141 runs in less than their allotted 20 overs, thanks to the three-wicket hauls from Kuldeep Yadav and Lungi Ngidi during their opening clash of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, many reckoned it would be an easy contest for the visitors.

But the Delhi Capitals didn’t make a great start and lost their way in the middle with four wickets down inside the powerplay. It started with KL Rahul going after a wide first delivery and finding the fielder to be back in the pavilion for a golden duck. And then came Prince Yadav in the fifth over.  

Prince Yadav turns game with crucial double-wicket over

After bowling two wides in the first two legal deliveries of the fifth over, Prince Yadav, who was struggling to find his line and length at the start, ended up getting the two wickets of Axar Patel and Pathum Nissanka during the fifth over.

Watch the video here: 

@StarSportsIndia pic.twitter.com/hfEqwC51wS

— Cricket Everywhere✍🏻 (@Subhamk79241601) April 1, 2026

On the second delivery of the over, it was a good length delivery just outside the off stump as Nissanka backed himself on the slog and got a thick top-edge that went straight up and behind the wicket-keeper, where Rishabh Pant grabbed a fine catch to send the batter back into the pavilion.

The next delivery was wide. But on the very next ball, Prince sent back Axar Patel for a golden duck. It was a fuller length delivery as the ball shaped back into the southpaw, who was undone for pace as he looked to flick and got beaten on the inside edge. The ball ricocheted off the pad and crashed into the middle stump. 

Delhi Capitals suffer setback as momentum shifts to LSG

Delhi Capitals struggled to start on a good note. Around the two wickets in the same over and the dismissal of Rahul, Nitish Rana was also hit by the aggressive delivery of Mohsin Khan. The left-handed batter got an outside edge into the hands of Abdul Samad at the slip region.

See Also: Watch: Rishabh Pant starts IPL 2026 with unlucky run-out

They made their way to 53/4 in their eight overs with Tristan Stubbs and Sameer Rizvi trying their best to make the chase stable and get their way back into the clash.

Brief Scores: DC 84/4 (Sameer Rizvi 33*, Prince Yadav 2/14) vs LSG 141 (Abdul Samad 36, Lungi Ngidi 3/27) 

Fans react to Yadav’s game-changing spell in IPL 2026

Here is how the fans have reacted to the game-changing spell of Prince Yadav in IPL 2026-

Heated moment between Tristan Stubbs and Prince Yadav 💀 pic.twitter.com/dbDrYfJTr4

— S@urabh (@___100rabh) April 1, 2026

Prince Yadav 🔥🔥🔥

— Harshit  (@I_am_Harshit_17) April 1, 2026

LSG Means Entertainment. pic.twitter.com/kDdIM0gSML

— GillTheWill (@GillTheWill77) April 1, 2026

🚨What a bowling display by Lucknow Super Giants - Delhi Capitals reduced to 26/4 😳🔥

KL Rahul and Axar Patel out for ducks, and a sensational first over from Prince Yadav 👏🏻

Outstanding start from LSG!!! pic.twitter.com/6y98hBFJs0

— Mention Cricket (@MentionCricket) April 1, 2026

DC is now immediately on the back foot in a 142-run chase.
26/4. Prince Yadav Every ball is either W or WD."🔥#LSGvsDC

— GAURAV (@crazyGaurav_) April 1, 2026

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) started the IPL 2026 on Wednesday night (April 1) at Lucknow, where Delhi bowlers dominated in the first innings. In that innings, DC pacer Lungi Ngidi produced a gem delivery to outfox one of the dangerous T20 batter Nicholas Pooran, who smashed the most sixes last IPL season. 

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel chose to field first after winning the toss. LSG top-order batters failed to provide a strong start, as the team's batting line-up struggled post-power play. 

DC pacers and spinners both delivered a strong message on the field, as their dominant bowling got 10 LSG wickets before the end of the 19th over, where the hosts managed to score 141 runs. 

See Also: Watch: Virat Kohli takes on hilarious self-trivia challenge during IPL 2026

Lungi Ngidi delivers crucial breakthrough for DC

South African right-arm fast bowler Lungi Ngidi completely stunned LSG batter Nicholas Pooran, as his 112.3 kmph full-length delivery had no answer for the dangerous batter. Pooran was yorked, who missed the ball to defend, as it took away his wicket through the bowled. Pooran was dismissed for a run-a-ball eight runs, while it was Ngidi's first wicket this IPL season. 

Through the defence 😯

🎥 Lungi Ngidi foxes Nicholas Pooran with his brilliance 🔥

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/lfP7dRNKfg#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #LSGvDC | @DelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/7RQyWsBUhA

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 1, 2026

Nicholas Pooran’s early dismissal puts LSG under pressure

LSG were already struggling, while Pooran's dismissal put them more dangerous position at 65/4. Only the opener Mitchell Marsh (35) and the middle-order batter Abdul Samad (36) managed to cross the 15-run mark in that innings. 

Among the DC bowlers, pacers Lungi Ngidi (3/27) and T Natarajan (3/29) got three wickets each. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav (2/31) and captain Axar Patel (1/17) shared three wickets between them. 

Fans react to Ngidi’s clever bowling in IPL 2026 match

Fans are highly praising the South African fast bowler Lungi Ngidi for his brilliant delivery to dismiss the Caribbean star Nicholas Pooran. Some fans have even called it one of the best balls this season. 

Lungi Ngidi didn’t just pierce Pooran’s defence, he walked straight through his thinking in this LSGvsDC spell it almost felt like Ngidi knew the stroke before Pooran even began to play it.

— Swagat (@0xM0rtal) April 1, 2026

Lungi Ngidi brings that T20 World Cup fire straight into IPL 2026 and boom, Pooran’s castle sent flying!
That’s a massive blow for LSG, pushed onto the back foot now. Game slipping unless they pull something special from here

— Sporting Vibe (@sportingvibe_) April 1, 2026

One of the best ball this season🔥

— Cric n Tonic (@CrTonic) April 1, 2026

This guy is so good, beautiful delivery

— Dhilan:) ⚽️⁸ ³⁷ ¹⁰🏎¹⁶ ⁴⁴ (@dhxlxn_) April 1, 2026

Goenka pata nahi kya karega aaj 😭

— Surbhi (@SurrbhiM) April 1, 2026

The IPL 2026match between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) kicked off with high energy at Ekana Cricket Stadium. The captain of Delhi Capitals, Axar Patel, won the toss and decided to bowl first. Although the crowd was energetic, the bowlers of Delhi Capitals came with a strategy to gain control over the game from the very beginning.

Lucknow got off to a decent start, but they were unable to sustain it for a long time. The first breakthrough came in a rather unusual way in the third over. Mukesh Kumar got a lucky moment when a powerful straight drive from Mitchell Marsh deflected off his hand and hit the stumps at the non-striker’s end, catching Rishabh Pant short of his crease for 7 runs off 9 balls.

The pressure continued to build as LSG lost another key wicket inside the Powerplay. Axar Patel took the game into the favor of Delhi Capitals with an intelligent bowling strategy to dismiss Aiden Markram for 11 runs on 8 balls. With the loss of two senior players at the beginning, the game was completely turned against LSG, putting the team in an difficult situation in the initial overs.

Axar Patel strikes early to give DC crucial breakthrough

Rishabh Pant’s dismissal was a big turning point and came in an unlucky fashion. In the 2.6 over, Mukesh Kumar bowled a good-length delivery at 140.3 kph on the stumps. Mitchell Marsh drove it straight back, but the ball brushed Mukesh’s right hand and crashed into the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Pant, who was backing up too far, was well out of his crease and had no chance to return. The TV umpire confirmed the contact, and Pant was given out, making it 19/1.

Watch the videos here

After the powerplay: 49/2. A slow start by Lucknow Super Giants. Rishabh Pant is out for 7 (9) — unlucky dismissal.

Mukesh Kumar and Axar Patel have bowled very well, picking up one wicket each.

Aiden Markram Out On 11 (8) #IPL2026 #DCvsLSGpic.twitter.com/O1PiXY7O8x

— Khan (@ccricket713) April 1, 2026

See Also: Who is Mukul Choudhary? Rising wicketkeeper-batter makes IPL 2026 debut for LSG

After this breakthrough, DC tightened their grip on the game. The bowlers tried to keep the game tight by using variations to restrict scoring. Markram, who walked in next, found it difficult to settle as Delhi kept building pressure during the Powerplay overs.

Aiden Markram’s early dismissal puts pressure on batting side

Aiden Markram’s innings was short but aggressive, scoring 11 runs off 8 balls with one four and one six at a strike rate of 137.50. However, in the 5.5 over, Axar Patel delivered a brilliant ball at 94.3 kph. It was pitched on a length outside off and sharply came back in towards the stumps. Markram rocked back to cut against the angle but missed the inside edge completely. The ball crashed into the stumps, and Axar celebrated in style after the big wicket.

Axar Patel STRIKES BACK!
Captain Axar responds in style after being hit for a six by Aiden Markram #AxarPatel #AidenMarkram #LSGvsDC #ipl2026 pic.twitter.com/CGr34gxiC4

— Vivek Kumar Mishra🇮🇳 (@vivek23mishra) April 1, 2026

With Markram back in the pavilion, LSG’s middle order was exposed early. The team was unable to gain momentum with the smart bowling of Delhi Capitals. At 50/3 after 7 overs, Delhi Capitals were in complete command of the game, with Axar Patel's smart bowling.

As of writing, Lucknow Super Giants are 105/5 after 13 overs, with Mohsin Khan (14 off 10) and Abdul Samad (16 off 12) at the crease, while Delhi Capitals remain in control with Kuldeep Yadav delivering a tight spell of 1/22 in 2 overs.

In the fifth game of the IPL 2026, the Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals (LSG vs DC) match is set to be played at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium (Lucknow) on Wednesday night (April 1). Both teams are set for their first match of the season, while both teams have the goal to lift their first title. 

Lucknow Super Giants are among the two newest IPL teams. Making their debut in the 2022 edition, LSG reached the Eliminator in the 2022 and 2023 editions. However, in their last two season, they failed to reach the Playoffs by finishing in seventh position in each season. 

On the other hand, the IPL 2020 runners-up Delhi Capitals have failed to reach the Playoffs in the last four seasons. In the 2025 edition, they were very close, as the franchise finished in the fifth position.  

In their seven overall meetings, LSG won three times, while DC won four matches. Although LSG won all their first three meetings, DC won all their last four encounters. 

See Also: Watch: Arjun Tendulkar opens up on life beyond cricket ahead of LSG vs DC IPL 2026 clash

IPL 2026, Match 5 - LSG vs DC: Toss Update

Arjun Tendulkar, son of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, is set to begin a new phase of his career with the Lucknow Super Giants in the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League. He first entered the league in 2021 with the Mumbai Indians, where he stayed until 2025, although he had limited opportunities to play. His move to Lucknow is expected to give him more chances to prove his abilities on the field.

In a recent interaction with journalist Shubhankar Mishra, the LSG all-rounder spoke about a question that many fans often ask—how he manages to stay calm and composed while playing in such a high-pressure tournament. His response offered a glimpse into his personality beyond cricket.

Arjun shared that spending time with his five dogs at his home in Goa helps him relax and stay grounded. He explained that playing with his pets and being around them allows him to keep a peaceful mindset, which ultimately helps him remain focused and calm during demanding cricket schedules.

Watch the special video here:

Shubhankar Mishra ~ अपने आप को कूल कैसे रखते हो आप?

Arjun Tendulkar_ मेरे पास गोवा में पांच डॉग्स है जिनकी साथ में खेलता हूं!

Shubhankar Mishra~ क्रिकेटर दोस्त हैं आपके?

Arjun Tendulkar_ मेरे क्रिकेटर दोस्त नहीं है मेरे ज्यादातर दोस्त क्रिकेट नहीं खेलते! pic.twitter.com/IzrolfX0gZ

— लेखराज गुर्जर हिंडोली बूंदी (@LekharajaB76180) March 31, 2026

Arjun Tendulkar Opens Up on IPL Journey and MI Experience

During an interview on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast, Arjun Tendulkar opened up about his experience at the Mumbai Indians and the limited opportunities he received at the franchise.

"You played a few matches for Mumbai Indians (MI) and bowled well. Your swing was good, so did you feel you should have gotten more opportunities?" Arjun was asked.

He replied, "Who doesn't feel that? No one wants to sit on the bench. But we want to work hard and perform when we get a chance."

Arjun also shared his thoughts on a debatable rule in the Indian Premier League—the Impact Player—which has been criticised by several Indian internationals. Arjun echoed similar views, saying cricket is a game of 11 players and that is how it should be played.

"Pick 11 and play. Because in international T20s, and in any other league, there is no Impact Player. So, I am personally against the Impact Player rule."

See also -Watch: Arjun Tendulkar ties knot with Saania Chandhok in Mumbai ahead of IND vs ENG T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final

Views on Team Role and Personal Life

The Lucknow Super Giants are often seen as a side with strong top-order batting, but their middle and lower-middle order has appeared slightly fragile. While Arjun is not currently a regular starter, he could get an opportunity to bat at number 6, 7, or 8 to showcase his skills. Although he remains uncertain about how many chances he will receive this season, he has expressed his readiness to bat at any position assigned to him.

When asked about his team's middle order, the all-rounder said: "Our middle order is also very powerful. T20 is a game where anyone can beat anyone, so I think we have a bright chance to do well in this tournament."

The conversation also offered insight into Arjun’s personal life. When asked whether most of his friends are cricketers, he shared that this is not the case. He revealed that he does not have many close friends in professional cricket, and most of his friends are from outside the sport. This honest admission surprised many fans, as it is often assumed that cricketers mainly socialize within their own circle.

Fans appreciated Arjun’s honesty throughout the interview, noting that it revealed a different and more personal side of him. As he continues his journey with the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026, supporters are not only following his performances but also connecting with his calm and grounded personality.