IPL 2026: 3 reasons why LSG vs DC will be the ultimate revenge clash

LSG vs DC in IPL 2026 feels less like a league fixture and more like a revenge clash. With Delhi leading the head-to-head 4-3, the emotions of this contest are massive. So much has happened between these two teams in just a few years that their clashes now grab immense attention. The off-field drama, the trades, the bold decision, and the shifting loyalties have all added to this personal tie. Below is a list of three reasons why this game is seen as an ultimate revenge match.

Here are 3 reasons why LSG vs DC is ultimate revenge match

3. Digvesh Rathi vs Nitish Rana

The clash between Nitish Rana and Digvesh Rathi is part of the growing LSG vs DC rivalry ahead of IPL 2026. With Rana traded from Rajasthan Royals to Delhi Capitals and Digvesh Rathi retained by Lucknow Super Giants, they will go against each other; this time in IPL.

The tension comes from their infamous DPL 2025 clash, where a heated on-field spat nearly escalated into a physical confrontation. The spat occurred over the spinner’s provocation and Rana’s mimicry of Rathi’s celebration. Now, with both going against each other in IPL, the match-up will once again draw immense eyeballs, with fans expecting another on-field drama.

2. Rishabh Pant vs Delhi Capitals

Rishabh Pant’s exit from the Delhi Capitals and his record-breaking move to Lucknow Super Giants have made the LSG vs DC rivalry. After nearly a decade with Delhi, Pant’s release stunned many, especially because it was not about money, but about differences in vision and leadership philosophy.

Once DC chose not to retain him, LSG grabbed the opportunity at the auction with an INR 27 crore bid, making Pant the most expensive player in IPL history.  For LSG, Pant represents a marquee signing and the face of the franchise. Now, as Pant has been retained by the Lucknow-based team and returns to face his former team in the upcoming season, the LSG vs DC is one of the ultimate revenge matchups of the season.

1. Sanjiv Goenka vs KL Rahul

The game between LSG and DC could turn into one of the most personal battles after the now-famous on-field confrontation between LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka and former captain KL Rahul. Their heated exchange after LSG’s 10-wicket loss to SRH in IPL 2024 became one of the biggest controversies of the season, with Goenka’s animated discussion of Rahul going viral. However, Rahul was released ahead of the 2025 mega auction, despite being LSG’s highest run-getter, with Goenka’s subtle jibe about wanting players with a winning mindset adding more fuel to fire.

Now wearing DC colours, Rahul has already had an impressive debut season with them. So when LSG meets Delhi next, it will grab attention as it will be looked at as Rahul facing the franchise that let him go and the owner who publicly questioned him. Notably, KL recently took an apparent jibe at Goenka, speaking about why an IPL season leaves him more exhausted than the international calendar.