Lucknow Super Giants will play their first IPL 2026 match against the Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. Ahead of their match, the LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka told the media that he doesn’t only want the team to reach the playoffs but also win the title to earn the “respect”.
The owner also said the team is still shaping its identity and that the measure of the success of a franchise is measured by the trophies won and not just the consistency.
"I think the true identity is still evolving. For any sports team, until you win, you don't receive the same level of respect or affection that comes with lifting the trophy. Yes, we've made the playoffs twice, but that’s not clearly good enough. You win some, you lose some. But we have to win our first trophy," Goenka said.
Goenka also pointed out the positives that the team managed to win four of their first six matches despite the injured bowlers. He also talked about the emergence of Digvesh Rathi and his consistency to perform since match 1 in 2025. The young Delhi bowler caught headlines last year due to his interesting celebration and the want to prove himself every match. He was the golden find for the franchise last year.
Will LSG qualify for the playoffs this year?
LSG struggled to win the second half of the 2025 IPL, and their key bowlers, Mayank Yadav and Avesh Khan, had picked up injuries at the beginning of the tournament. This year, however, things look a little better for the team as they have a balanced bowling depth and multiple backup options.
