Lucknow Super Giants are gearing up to host Delhi Capitals in the fifth match of IPL 2026 on Wednesday at Ekana Stadium. Both teams are stacked with strong squads heading into the match, with KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant once again set to square off against franchises that played a major role in shaping their IPL journeys.

The showdown will be more interesting because their opening clash in the 2025 season turned into a thriller. Delhi, chasing a challenging total of 209, found themselves in deep trouble early on. However, a stunning counterattack led by Ashutosh Sharma, who entered as an impact player, turned the tide to power DC to victory. Lucknow will be led by Pant despite a relatively underwhelming season with the bat last year. However, he will be eager to come back strongly.

One of Lucknow’s biggest strengths is their top order. Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram were instrumental last year, consistently providing explosive starts. The presence of Nicholas Pooran at number three is another massive boost for LSG. In the middle order, Pant will look to find the rhythm. Their bowling unit also is quite balanced with the likes of Mohammed Shami and Anrich Nortje and pace sensation Mayank Yadav.

On the other hand, Delhi will be looking to build on the positives from last year. Last year, they suffered a late-season collapse that cost them a playoff spot. Under the leadership of Axar Patel, DC have a well-rounded squad, boasting the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, KL Rahul (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs and David Miller. DC will, however, miss the services of experienced pacer Mitchell Starc, who is unavailable due to injury.

Head-to-head

Matches - 7

DC won - 4

LSG won - 3

LSG possible XII: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c&wk), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, Digvesh Rathi, Anrich Nortje

DC possible XII: KL Rahul (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (c), David Miller, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Auqib Nabi, Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav, T Natarajan