The high-octane drama of IPL 2026 continues as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) take on Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 5 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. This isn’t just a game; it’s a narrative of swapped loyalties, with Rishabh Pant leading LSG against his former side, while KL Rahul returns to face the Lucknow franchise he once captained.

Whether you’re looking for the Ekana Stadium pitch report, LSG vs DC Dream11 prediction, or deep tactical analysis, we’ve got you covered.

LSG vs DC Match Overview: Date, Time, and Venue

• Match: Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals, IPL 2026 Match 5
• Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
• Time: 7:30 PM IST (Toss at 7:00 PM)
• Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
• Live Streaming: JioHotstar | TV: Star Sports Network

Ekana Cricket Stadium Pitch Report: Slower Surface or Red Soil Bounce?

The pitch report for today’s IPL match is the biggest talking point. Historically, the Ekana surface has been one of the slowest in India, rewarding spinners and cutters. However, the latest reports suggest a red soil square has been prepared for the 2026 season opener.

• Pace vs. Spin: While the red soil offers better bounce for pacers like Mohammed Shami and Anrich Nortje, the 81-meter straight boundaries (the longest in India) mean spinners will remain lethal in the middle overs.
• The “Spin Gap”: LSG will miss Wanindu Hasaranga (fitness issues), leaving a void in their spin department. DC, however, boasts the elite duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.
• Toss Factor: Dew often plays a role in Lucknow. Historically, teams bowling first have a slight edge (54% win rate), as the ball comes onto the bat better under lights.
• Par Score: A competitive total is 170+, while 185 is considered a winning score on this ground.

LSG vs DC Head-to-Head Stats

In their brief history, this rivalry has been incredibly tight.

• Total Matches: 7
• Delhi Capitals Won: 4
• Lucknow Super Giants Won: 3
• Last Meeting: DC currently holds a 4-match winning streak against LSG after losing the first three.

Fantasy Cricket Tips: LSG vs DC Dream11 Prediction

To win big in your fantasy leagues today, consider these “Must-Haves” and “Budget Picks.”

1. The Captaincy Picks

• Safe Choice: Axar Patel (DC). His ability to bowl four tight overs and bat in the middle order makes him an asset on a gripping surface.
• Risky Choice: Rishabh Pant (LSG). He is playing against his old team and will be motivated to prove a point, despite a modest run last season.

2. Must-Have Players

• Kuldeep Yadav (DC): Has dismissed Pant 3 times in T20s; he loves the big boundaries at Ekana.
• Aiden Markram (LSG): Comes into the IPL in red-hot form from the T20 World Cup.
• Nicholas Pooran (LSG): A beast in the death overs, though he must navigate the long straight boundaries.

3. Differential Picks

• Mayank Yadav (LSG): The speedster is back from injury. His 150+ kmph thunderbolts could rattle the DC top order if the pitch offers any carry.
• Tristan Stubbs (DC): A reliable finisher who can handle spin better than most overseas batters.

Predicted Playing XIs for Today’s Match

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Rishabh Pant (C/WK), Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Mohammed Shami, Anrich Nortje, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan.

(Impact Player: Deepak Hooda/Avesh Khan)

Delhi Capitals (DC)

KL Rahul, Pathum Nissanka, Prithvi Shaw, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (C), Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, Kyle Jamieson, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed.

(Impact Player: Ashutosh Sharma)

Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today?

DC enters as the slight favourites due to their Superior Spin Duo. On an Ekana track where the middle overs are won by spin, Axar and Kuldeep provide more control than LSG’s current lineup.

Our Verdict: If Mohammed Shami can get early breakthroughs for LSG, they can win. However, if the game goes deep, DC’s batting depth and spin variety give them a 55% chance of victory.

FAQs for IPL 2026: LSG vs DC