Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants will kick start their IPL 2026 campaigns on Wednesday at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. The two teams failed to make the playoffs last year, but will aim to get off to a flyer for this season. Captain Axar Patel won the toss and opted to field first.
Delhi Capitals have handed debuts to David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Nitish Rana and Pathum Nissanka in the team huddle. For Lucknow, Anrich Nortje makes his debut for the franchise.
Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary, Mohsin Khan, Mohammed Shami, Anrich Nortje, Prince Yadav
Delhi Capitals (Playing XI): KL Rahul(w), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Axar Patel(c), Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Vipraj Nigam, Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan, Mukesh Kumar
LSG vs DC Pitch Report
The pitch offers a noticeable imbalance in square boundaries, measuring around 56 and 64 metres, which could influence shot selection. Described as a “beautiful wicket” by Kevin Pietersen, the surface is expected to favour batters, particularly in chasing scenarios.
The red-soil track has been relaid, leading to a significant rise in scoring rates — from approximately 7.5 to close to 9 runs per over. Historically, teams batting second have enjoyed more success here, with six of the eight matches last season being won by the chasing side, reinforcing the advantage of pursuing a target under these conditions.
