Who Will Be Josh Inglis New Opening Partner in Mitchell Marsh’s Absence for LSG?

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are all set to lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their last match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The match will be played at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Saturday, May 23.

LSG will be playing for pride and would be hoping to end the season on a high note after a disastrous tournament. While, a lot will be on the stakes for PBKS as they are still alive in the playoffs race for the one last step.

With the LSG vs PBKS IPL 2026 match around the corner, the home side faced a massive blow as their star batter Mitchell Marsh was ruled out of the clash due to his international commitments. He has left India to play the ODI series in Pakistan. This gives rise to the question - who will be LSG new opener against PBKS.

Who will Open With Josh Inglis For LSG In Mitchell Marsh Absence?

Mitchell Marsh’s absence will leave a massive void in LSG playing XI for the PBKS clash. He has been their best batter and is the leading run-scorer for the side with 563 runs in 13 innings, including one century and three half-centuries. Adding to it, he was also a prime contender for IPL Orange Cap list this season.

In his absence, the LSG management will have a massive headache as to who they should draft as an opener in the side for the last game. While Josh Inglis will take the one stop, the other will be hard to pick as they have quite a few options.

However, it is expected that captain Rishabh Pant might take the spot of Josh Inglis new opening partner for this match. Pant opened the innings in the first game but was then demoted to the middle order. Also, with Aiden Markram and Matthew Breetzke not being in India, Pant seems to be the front-runner to take the slot.

Pant has struggled to come up with consistent performances in the IPL 2026 and will be heading into the match against Punjab Kings under pressure. He also has faced a lot of criticism as a leader as well as a batter. However, the match will be a great opportunity for him to finish the season on a high note.

Josh Inglis, Rishabh Pant To Open For LSG

If Rishabh Pant comes to open the innings for this game, a lot would be reliant on him. He needs to fill in the shoes of Marsh, who has scored the bulk of runs for Lucknow Super Giants this season.

The combination of Inglis and Pant might well work for LSG as the left-right combination often always poses a threat to the opposition. Also, with both being one of the most dangerous batsmen in IPL, it could well change the fortunes for the home side as they look to finish the season on a high.

The Super Giants are currently at the bottom of the IPL points table but can go up if they win this game. However, it won't be easy as PBKS are in a must-win situation, and would be desperate for a win here.