Why Ayush Badoni is Opening in PBKS vs LSG Match?

Punjab Kings produced a proper run-fest against Lucknow Super Giants in match 29 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. After being asked to bat first, PBKS put up a massive total of 254 runs on the scoreboard, thanks to Priyansh Arya's explosive 93 off 37 and Cooper Connolly's 87 off 46 deliveries.

The pitch eased out after the powerplay, allowing the batters to dominate, leaving LSG to chase a daunting target of 255 runs. Meanwhile, LSG surprised the fans by sending the talented Indian batter Ayush Badoni to open alongside Mitchell Marsh instead of their regular opener Aiden Markram.

Why Ayush Badoni is Opening Today?

The decision to change Ayush Badoni batting position to the top appears to be a gamble. According to Cricbuzz, with the new ball swinging early and Punjab Kings pacer Arshdeep Singh known for troubling top-order batters, LSG likely wanted to shield Aiden Markram from that matchup. Arshdeep has historically had success against key LSG batters, making the early overs crucial.

By sending Badoni, LSG aimed to absorb the initial pressure and allow their main batters to come in once conditions eased out. It also offered Badoni freedom to play aggressively without the burden of anchoring. With a massive 255 target, LSG needed an unconventional approach and Badoni opening was part of that calculated gamble.

Apart from being one of the best batsmen in India, Badoni is seen as the future of Lucknow Super Giants. The franchise has invested heavily over the last few years and there are plenty of expectations from him.

Ayush Badoni Impresses At the Top

Ayush Badoni justified LSG’s move by delivering a solid start at the top of the order. Opening the innings, he scored 35 runs off just 21 balls during the PBKS vs LSG IPL 2026 match, including five fours and one six. While he got out in the last ball of the powerplay to Vijaykumar Vyshak, Badoni gave LSG early momentum in a daunting chase of 255 runs.

Badoni looked confident against the new ball, handling the swing well and rotating the strike very smartly while also hitting continuous boundaries. He stitched a crucial 61-run opening stand with Mitchell Marsh, ensuring LSG stayed in the hunt during the powerplay.

On the other hand, LSG's usual opener, Aiden Markram batting position was moved to No. 5, and as expected, he struggled to hit the boundaries. The South African skipper is one of the best T20 batsmen going around and his batting spot is going to be a talking point.