Desk Correspondent , Lucknow - Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has delivered a strong and timely message to Rishabh Pant and the Lucknow Super Giants ahead of their do-or-die clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday, May 7. With their campaign hanging by a thread, Chopra has urged the team management to avoid further experimentation and stick to a stable batting order.
The 2026 season has been far from ideal for LSG, despite entering the tournament with a star-studded batting lineup featuring Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Josh Inglis, and Nicholas Pooran. Constant changes in the batting order and lack of clearly defined roles have disrupted the team’s rhythm, resulting in inconsistent performances. Currently placed at the bottom of the table with just two wins in nine matches, LSG’s struggles have raised serious concerns over leadership and team strategy. Chopra emphasised that the team must return to a proven combination. He strongly backed the opening pair of Marsh and Markram, stating that both players are most effective at the top.
He also advised against pushing Inglis as an opener, instead suggesting he be utilized in the middle order. According to Chopra, Nicholas Pooran should continue at No. 3, where he has recently shown signs of returning to form, followed by Pant at No. 4 to maximise his aggressive style of play. Inglis, he recommended, should bat at No. 5, while Mukul Choudhary and Himmat Singh can handle finishing duties. “Do not mess with this batting order,” Chopra stressed, underlining the importance of consistency at a critical stage of the tournament.
With elimination staring them in the face, LSG now have no room for error. A win against RCB could keep their slim hopes alive, while a loss would end their campaign. More importantly, the match presents an opportunity to rebuild clarity and confidence within the squad. Whether Pant and his team heed Chopra’s advice could not only decide their fate this season but also lay the foundation for a stronger comeback next year.
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