Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant’s bold tactical move to open the innings in IPL 2026 didn’t go as planned, as he suffered an unfortunate run-out early in the match against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow.

Coming into the season, LSG had a settled opening combination in Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh. However, in a surprising decision, Pant promoted himself to the top of the order alongside Marsh, signaling an aggressive intent and a desire to lead from the front. The move created significant buzz, with fans eager to see how the left-hander would adapt to the role.

Pant started cautiously, trying to get his eye in while Marsh looked to take charge at the other end. But just when he was beginning to settle, disaster struck in the third over. Mukesh Kumar bowled a length delivery that Marsh drove firmly straight back towards the bowler. In a reflex action, Mukesh got a faint touch on the ball, which deflected onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end.  

Pant, who was backing up quite a long way, had no chance to return to the crease. The ball crashed into the stumps before he could react, resulting in a highly unfortunate run-out. He walked back after scoring just 7 runs off 9 balls, cutting short what could have been a significant innings in his new role as an opener.

The dismissal was more about bad luck than poor judgment, as Pant was simply caught out by a sharp deflection. Nevertheless, it raises questions about LSG’s new opening strategy and whether Pant will continue in this role going forward.

WATCH: Rishabh Pant gets run out in most bizarre manner; leaves field disappointed

For Delhi Capitals, the early breakthrough provided a crucial momentum boost. Meanwhile, LSG will hope their skipper can bounce back strongly in the coming matches despite this unlucky start to IPL 2026.