As Delhi Capitals gear up to face Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026, the spotlight shifts firmly to team combinations, with both sides expected to field balanced XIs reflecting fresh strategies after rebuilding phases.
Delhi Capitals are likely to bank on a restructured batting unit. KL Rahul is expected to open while also taking up wicketkeeping duties, alongside Pathum Nissanka. Nitish Rana and Tristan Stubbs are in the middle order, which gives the team a mix of stability and aggression. Captain Axar Patel anchors the side as a key all-round option, with experienced finisher David Miller making the lower middle order stronger. Prithvi Shaw gets another chance at redemption.
Ashutosh Sharma adds depth with his finishing ability, while the bowling unit includes a blend of youth and experience. Dushmantha Chameera is likely to lead the pace attack, supported by Indian options, while Kuldeep Yadav remains central to the spin department. Delhi’s focus on flexibility and new talent is evident in the additions of players like Vipraj Nigam and Auqib Nabi.
Lucknow Super Giants, led by Rishabh Pant, present a power-packed batting lineup. Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram are expected to open, followed by the explosive Nicholas Pooran at No. 3. Pant is in the middle order, and promises to bring both aggression and leadership.
Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad add depth and finishing ability, while Akshat Raghuwanshi and Shahbaz Ahmed bring balance. Mohammed Shami and Avesh Khan will be very important to Lucknow’s bowling attack, especially with the new ball and at the death, with additional support from their spin options.
Predicted XIs:
Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul (wk), Prithvi Shaw/Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel (c), David Miller, Ashutosh Sharma, Vipraj Nigam, Auqib Nabi, Dushmantha Chameera, Kuldeep Yadav. Impact Sub: T Natarajan
Lucknow Super Giants: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c, wk), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi. Impact Sub: Anrich Nortje
