IPL 2026: Rishabh Pant’s powerplay dismissal was the turning point, says Piyush Chawla

Former Indian cricketer Piyush Chawla has called Rishabh Pant’s dismissal in the powerplay as the key turning point in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) on Wednesday, April 1.

The leg-spinner mentioned that LSG openers Pant and Mitchell Marsh started strongly, but the LSG captain’s run-out following a brilliant effort by Mukesh Kumar shifted the momentum in favour of DC.

“For me, the dismissal of Rishabh Pant in the power play was the turning point of the game for Delhi. It is very important for opening batters to get their side off to an aggressive start. The new-look opening pair of Mitchell Marsh and Rishabh Pant was looking good. They added 19 runs for the opening wicket. Marsh was busy terrorising the bowlers with his strokes while Pant was batting with caution. But when Pant got out, that proved to be the turning point. After his dismissal, the others were not able to do well, and the pressure came on Marsh,” Chawla said on JioHotstar.

Chawla credited Mukesh for his composure, highlighting his crucial role in Pant’s run-out during the powerplay, which shifted the momentum decisively. DC began their IPL 2026 campaign with an impressive six-wicket victory over LSG at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. Sameer Rizvi played a match-winning knock, remaining unbeaten on 70 off 47 balls. His composed innings guided DC to chase down a target of 142 runs comfortably, finishing the game with six wickets in hand and 17 balls to spare.

“So credit to Mukesh Kumar for maintaining his composure during that over and getting his hand in contact with the ball to get Pant run out. Rishabh Pant will want to forget this dismissal,” Chawla said.

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has urged Pant to persist with his opening role despite the setback against DC. Ashwin expressed disappointment not only over Pant’s dismissal but also his uncertainty regarding continuing as an opener, emphasizing the need for clarity and confidence in his approach. He further added that Pant should play with complete freedom and not be burdened by the fear of failure.

“It was very unfortunate the way Rishabh Pant got out, and even more unfortunate the way he talked after the match. He was asked whether he would open the innings, and he replied 50-50. I request you with folded hands, please open in every match. Justin Langer, or whoever is there in the LSG team management, should go and tell Rishabh Pant to go out there and play freely in the powerplay. Go and play the entire 14 games as an opener,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.