Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are slight favourites to beat Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 5 of IPL 2026 at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow on Wednesday, April 1. Bookmakers price LSG around 1.78-1.82 odds (implied win probability of ~55-56%).
Both teams missed the playoffs in 2025, and both are chasing a maiden IPL title. Rishabh Pant faces his former franchise DC, while KL Rahul goes up against the team he once captained. This article covers the odds, predicted XIs, pitch report, weather, head-to-head record, and match prediction.
LSG and DC’s Road to IPL 2026
Lucknow Super Giants had a disappointing 2025, failing to make the playoffs. Rishabh Pant endured a forgettable campaign with just 269 runs, though he ended on a high note with an unbeaten century against RCB.
LSG have strengthened their bowling significantly. Mohammed Shami was traded in from SRH for ₹10 crore, and Anrich Nortje adds express pace as an overseas option. Most excitingly, Mayank Yadav is fully fit and ready to unleash his 150 kph rockets. However, Wanindu Hasaranga is unavailable due to an NOC issue with Sri Lanka Cricket.
On the other side, Delhi Capitals finished fifth in 2025, narrowly missing the playoffs. Axar Patel takes over as full-time captain after the franchise parted ways with Rishabh Pant. DC made some smart auction moves, signing David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, and Auqib Nabi.
The big setback for DC is the absence of Mitchell Starc, who is sidelined with shoulder and elbow injuries. Ben Duckett has also withdrawn from the tournament. However, KL Rahul (5,222 IPL runs at avg 46.21) adds batting class, and Tristan Stubbs (705 IPL runs at SR 163.20) provides explosive middle-order firepower.
LSG vs DC Match Details
Here are the key details for Match 5 of IPL 2026.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | LSG vs DC, 5th Match |
| Tournament | Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 |
| Date | Wednesday, April 1, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Ekana Stadium, Lucknow |
| Live Streaming | Star Sports Network / JioHotstar |
LSG vs DC Betting Odds Comparison
LSG are slight favourites at home. Their explosive top four and improved bowling attack give them an edge, while DC’s well-rounded squad keeps the contest evenly poised.
| Platform | LSG Win Odds | DC Win Odds | Implied LSG Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stake | 1.82 | 1.98 | ~55% |
| Bet365 | 1.80 | 2.00 | ~56% |
| 1xBet | 1.80 | 2.00 | ~56% |
| Betfair | 1.78 | 2.05 | ~56% |
LSG sit at roughly 55-56% implied win probability. The gap is narrow enough for DC to cause an upset, especially if KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav fire. However, LSG’s home advantage and their pace battery of Shami, Nortje, and Mayank Yadav tilts the odds in their favour.
LSG vs DC Predicted Playing XIs
Wanindu Hasaranga is unavailable for LSG due to an NOC issue, while Mitchell Starc and Ben Duckett are both out for DC.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Predicted XI
Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Anrich Nortje, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Digvesh Rathi.
LSG’s top four is terrifying. Marsh and Markram formed a destructive opening pair in 2025. Nicholas Pooran (524 runs, 40 sixes, SR 194.30 vs DC in IPL 2025) provides the power at No. 3, and Rishabh Pant anchors at No. 4.
The pace quartet of Shami, Nortje, Avesh Khan, and Mayank Yadav is arguably the fastest bowling attack in IPL 2026. All four can consistently clock 145+ kph, making them a nightmare for any batting lineup.
Delhi Capitals (DC) Predicted XI
Pathum Nissanka, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (c), Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, T Natarajan.
KL Rahul opens alongside Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka, forming a new partnership. Without Starc, DC lean on Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan for pace. Kuldeep Yadav (15 wickets at economy 7 in IPL 2025) is their primary spin weapon.
The middle order of Stubbs (SR 163.20 in IPL), David Miller, and captain Axar Patel gives DC genuine finishing power. Ashutosh Sharma adds Indian all-round depth.
Ekana Stadium Pitch Report
The Ekana Stadium has evolved into a better batting surface in recent seasons. The average first-innings total is around 175, and high-scoring games are becoming more frequent.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Behaviour | Good batting surface with even bounce. Gets tougher as the match progresses. |
| Batting Conditions | Stroke-play rewarded. True bounce helps batters play through the line. |
| Bowling Conditions | Spinners get grip and turn. Tight lines rewarded. Pacers effective early. |
| Avg. 1st Innings Score (IPL) | Around 175 |
| Par Score (Expected) | Around 170-185 runs |
| Toss Impact | Chasing teams won 6 of 8 matches here in IPL 2025. Dew is a major factor. |
How Will Dew Affect This Match?
Dew is a significant factor at Ekana Stadium. In IPL 2025, teams chasing won 6 out of 8 matches here. The ball gets slippery in the second innings, and slower deliveries become ineffective.
Both captains are expected to bowl first if they win the toss. The team batting second will have a clear advantage, making the toss a potentially decisive factor in this match.
Weather Forecast for LSG vs DC
Lucknow is experiencing extreme heat right now. Expect a scorching evening with no rain concerns at all.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Around 30-36°C (hot and dry) |
| Weather | Mostly cloudy turning clear, no rain expected |
| Rain Probability | Only 10% chance |
| Humidity | Low to moderate (35-45%) |
| Wind | Light breeze |
The extreme heat will test the fitness of fast bowlers. LSG’s pace-heavy approach could be a double-edged sword if their seamers tire in the death overs. Dew will still settle despite the heat, favouring the chasing side after 8:30-9:00 PM IST.
LSG vs DC Head-to-Head Record in IPL
DC hold a slight edge in this young rivalry. However, the contests have been closely fought, and neither team has been dominant.
| Statistic | Result |
|---|---|
| Total IPL Matches Played | 7 |
| DC Wins | 4 |
| LSG Wins | 3 |
| DC Win % | 57.14% |
| Most Recent Result | DC won (IPL 2025, April 22) |
| LSG’s First Win vs DC | April 2022 (their first-ever fixture) |
| Both Teams’ IPL Titles | 0 (both chasing maiden title) |
The Pant vs DC and Rahul vs LSG Subplot
Rishabh Pant was the face of Delhi Capitals for years before moving to LSG at the 2024 mega auction for a record ₹27 crore. He will be desperate to prove he was worth every rupee, especially against his former team.
On the flip side, KL Rahul was LSG’s first-ever captain in 2022 and led them to the playoffs in their debut season. He left the franchise after a fallout and now arrives in DC colours. Both players have personal scores to settle, adding spice to an already intense encounter.
Recent IPL Results Between LSG and DC
| Season | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| IPL 2025 (Apr 22) | DC | Won |
| IPL 2025 (Apr 5) | LSG | Won |
| IPL 2024 (May) | DC | Won |
| IPL 2024 (Mar) | LSG | Won |
| IPL 2023 | DC | Won |
The results alternate frequently, with neither side managing consecutive wins in this rivalry. DC won the most recent meeting, which gives them a slight psychological edge heading into Wednesday.
Key Players to Watch
Both squads are loaded with game-changers. Here are the players most likely to decide Wednesday’s outcome.
| Player | Team | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Marsh | LSG | 627 runs in IPL 2025, LSG’s top scorer and batting engine. His ability to dominate powerplays makes him the key man at the top. |
| Nicholas Pooran | LSG | 524 runs and 40 sixes in IPL 2025. Strike rate of 194.30 vs DC. The most destructive power-hitter in the match. |
| Rishabh Pant | LSG | 269 runs in a poor 2025, but ended with a century vs RCB. Faces former franchise DC. Captaincy adds extra pressure and motivation. |
| Mayank Yadav | LSG | Express pace at 150+ kph. Fully fit after injury concerns. Could be the X-factor with raw speed on a true Ekana pitch. |
| KL Rahul | DC | 5,222 IPL runs at avg 46.21 in 145 matches. Consistent anchor who faces his former franchise LSG. Experience at Ekana is invaluable. |
| Kuldeep Yadav | DC | 15 wickets at economy 7 in IPL 2025. Key spinner on Ekana’s big boundaries. His wrist spin can trouble LSG’s right-handers. |
| Tristan Stubbs | DC | 705 IPL runs at SR 163.20. Explosive South African who can clear any boundary. His finishing ability in the death overs is crucial. |
Toss Prediction
The toss is crucial at Ekana Stadium. Teams chasing won 6 of 8 matches here in IPL 2025, and dew makes the second innings significantly easier for batting.
Both Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel will want to bowl first and chase. The team that wins the toss gets a meaningful advantage. Out of 22 total IPL matches at Ekana, the chasing team has won 59%.
Match Prediction
Two maiden-title chasers, two captains facing their former franchises, and a venue that heavily rewards the toss winner. This match has all the ingredients for a dramatic contest.
Where LSG Holds the Edge
Home advantage at Ekana is significant. LSG know this ground intimately, and the crowd support adds pressure on the visiting side. Their top four of Marsh, Markram, Pooran, and Pant is one of the most destructive batting units in IPL 2026.
LSG’s pace attack is their trump card. Shami (new-ball control), Nortje (express pace), Mayank Yadav (150+ kph raw speed), and Avesh Khan (variations) give them four genuine pace threats. Against DC’s batting, which lacks Starc’s x-factor with the ball, this attack could dominate.
Where DC Holds the Edge
DC’s spin department is their biggest weapon. Kuldeep Yadav (15 wickets in 2025) and captain Axar Patel form a quality left-arm spin pair. On Ekana’s pitch, which offers grip for spinners, they could strangle LSG’s scoring in the middle overs.
Additionally, KL Rahul and David Miller bring enormous IPL experience. Rahul’s 5,222 runs at an average of 46 makes him one of the safest bets in T20 cricket. Tristan Stubbs at SR 163.20 provides the finishing power that DC lacked in previous seasons.
DC also have the head-to-head advantage (4-3) and won the most recent meeting in 2025, providing a slight mental edge.
Key Concerns for Both Teams
LSG’s concern is their batting depth beyond the top four. Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad at 5 and 6 are talented but inconsistent. Without Hasaranga, they also lack a quality spin all-rounder, which limits their bowling variety.
DC’s concern is the loss of Mitchell Starc and Ben Duckett. Their pace department relies on Lungi Ngidi and T Natarajan, a solid but not elite pairing. Moreover, captain Axar Patel has never led a franchise full-time, and the captaincy transition could take time to settle.
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Final Verdict: LSG Holds Home Advantage
LSG hold a narrow edge at around 55-56%. Home advantage, a devastating pace attack, and a destructive top four make them slight favourites.
DC’s spin attack and batting experience with KL Rahul and David Miller give them a realistic shot at an upset. The toss will be decisive. Whoever chases under dew will have a significant advantage.
Expect a score around 170-185 if batting first. LSG’s pace battery gives them the best chance of defending a total if they bat first, but chasing will be the preferred option for both sides.
