During today's IPL 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Twitter's reaction to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) powerplay batting has been dominated by concern over their slow start and a major injury blow to captain Rishabh Pant.Fans and analysts like Harsha Bhogle noted that a powerplay score of 35/1 on a renowned batting paradise like Chinnaswamy is well "under-par". The average powerplay rate this season is over 10 rpo, making LSG’s 5.83 rpo a major talking point.
The platform was flooded with "Get well soon" messages and concern for the LSG captain. Users described him as looking "gutted" and in "serious pain" as he walked off, with many calling it a "massive blow" to LSG's campaign.Twitter praised the disciplined opening spells from Josh Hazlewood (who returned to the XI today) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar for keeping Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram quiet.
Critics on Twitter once again questioned LSG's "lack of intent" in the first six overs, a recurring theme for the team this season.
Krunal padya ne sabse bada vicket liya Mitchell Marsh ka jo kii puri team sambhal rahe the.#rcbvslsg#RCB#ipl2026
— Khushwant (@KDadariya84899) April 15, 2026
Yeh 4 control ho gaye toh match Jeet Gaye. Aur yahi LSG ki weakness h. High scoring ground per 82-3/11overs Win win situation for RCB.#RCBvsLSG pic.twitter.com/qfPUWheLPe
— Sachin Sagar🧢 (@sachin_31sagar) April 15, 2026
Its too defensive approach by mitch marsh in powerplay. you have disturb the bowler by doing things like stepping out of crease or trying different shots.#rcbvslsg #ipl
— Cricket Heritage (@cricketheritag) April 15, 2026
Lsg jab captain hi test player hai Toh other player T20 format kaise hongee😂😂🤡🤡🤡#RCBvsLSG
— कट्टर नास्तिक ☝️ (@AnkitRay9765) April 15, 2026
Krunal gets another one. He is on a roll here. Removes Abdul Samad on a duck. LSG 4 down now.#RCBvsLSG#IPL2026
— pathakridhima (@pathakridhima) April 15, 2026
After this performance from LSG. Goenka Saab will specifically find a place without camera coverage and have one to one discussion with team. He also contacted Sachin for bat grips.#IYKYK#RCBVSLSG
— Criclogic (@Beginner211009) April 15, 2026
LSG faces early blow during powerplay
In today’s match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) suffered a major early blow when captain Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the left elbow by a delivery from Josh Hazlewood. During the 5th over, Josh Hazlewood delivered a sharp, short-length ball that hurried Pant. While attempting a pull shot, Pant was late and the ball struck him painfully on the left elbow.
Pant was in visible discomfort, wincing in pain and struggling to move his left hand. After being treated by the LSG physio with a spray, he decided to leave the field retired hurt on 0 off 3 balls.As the team's captain, wicketkeeper, and primary middle-order anchor, Pant's departure was described as a "body blow" that disrupted LSG’s momentum.
