Chennai Super Kings' playoff hopes suffered a serious setback after a seven-wicket defeat to Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Friday, leaving the five-time champions in a must-win situation heading into the final stretch of the IPL league stage.
Rishabh Pant was left searching for answers after Lucknow Super Giants failed to make the most of a flying start and eventually lost to Mumbai Indians by six wickets in their Indian Premier League 2026 match at the Wankhede Stadium here on Monday.
Lucknow Super Giants head coach Justin Langer defended the decision to send Nicholas Pooran in Sunday’s Super Over against Kolkata Knight Riders, despite the batter’s poor form, after the move backfired in their fifth straight defeat in Indian Premier League 2026.
Rajasthan Royals, the inaugural IPL champions, will be aiming to stop their recent slump when they face Lucknow Super Giants at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday, with the visitors particularly concerned about the poor form of their middle order, especially captain Riyan Parag.
Punjab Kings will look to extend their strong run of form and consolidate their position atop the points table when they take on Lucknow Super Giants in Mullanpur on Sunday, entering the IPL 2026 contest with momentum firmly on their side.
Lucknow Super Giants will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday, hoping for a stronger and more balanced season after a difficult previous year.
The SA20 is scheduled to begin on December 26 and will run for a month, providing an extended window for structured training.
With five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, Mumbai Indians trading in Shardul Thakur and Sherfane Rutherford, the 2026 season retention and trading window has become more intriguing, especially with the retention deadline fast approaching on November 15.
The Lucknow-based franchise had reached the playoffs in its debut IPL seasons in 2022 and 2023.
This was Rathi's third Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 this season.
