Why Rishabh Pant is Not Keeping Today in RCB vs LSG Match?

The ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash is being played between the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. During the second innings of the match, there was a massive surprise as Rishabh Pant did not take the wicketkeeping gloves for LSG.

Pant got injured while batting during the first innings. He had to retire hurt, but ultimately came out to bat later, only to be dismissed without adding much to the total. As expected, he did not come out to keep the wickets.

Why Rishabh Pant is Not Keeping Today?

Pant, one of the best wicketkeepers in IPL, was struck painfully on the elbow by a delivery bowled by Josh Hazlewood early during the first innings, leaving him visibly uncomfortable at the crease. The physio was immediately called onto the field as Pant struggled to cope with the pain.

The pain was too much to handle, and Pant decided to walk off the field. While he was walking out, RCB bowler Hazlewood was seen patting him on the back. The incident raised concerns about his participation as the wicketkeeper as well.

As a result of the injury, Pant has not taken the field during RCB’s chase. Mukul Choudhary has stepped in as Rishabh Pant replacement for the wicketkeeping duties. The team will be hoping that the injury is not serious, especially given Pant’s importance both as a leader and a match-winner.

LSG were put under pressure early, and the side never really recovered and limped to a modest total of just 146 runs in the first innings of RCB vs LSG IPL 2026 match. It was a collective batting failure, with none of the top-order batters managing to convert their starts. RCB bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths throughout, ensuring that Lucknow Super Giants never gained any real momentum.

Who is LSG New Captain in the Absence of Rishabh Pant?

LSG's vice-captain Nicholas Pooran is leading the team in the absence of Rishabh Pant. Pooran, who is one of the most dangerous batsmen in IPL, led the team in the field as Pant was seen in the dug out alongside Tom Moody, LSG's Director of Cricket.

Currently, Pooran is going through a tough time in IPL 2026 while batting in the middle order. He has scored just 42 runs in five innings so far at a miserable average of 8.40. LSG will not only hope Pant to be fit for the next game but will also like Pooran to return to form soon.