LSG vs DC Match Preview IPL 2026 — Fantasy Tips, Ekana Pitch & Prediction | CricketDream
Lucknow Super Giants host Delhi Capitals at BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1. Rishabh Pant leads LSG vs Axar Patel's DC. KL Rahul now at DC. Mohammed Shami returns at LSG. Expert fantasy picks and match prediction.
Share this article
DC produced one of the great IPL comebacks at Ekana, recovering from a shocking 30/4 in the powerplay to chase down 142 with 17 balls to spare. Sameer Rizvi was the hero — a stunning unbeaten 70 off 47 balls, stitching a match-winning 119-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs (39) that is the second-highest in IPL history from such a desperate position. LSG were bowled out for just 141, with Rishabh Pant dismissed early via run out at the non-striker's end and Abdul Samad's 36(25) the best of a mediocre batting effort. T Natarajan (3/29) and Lungi Ngidi (3/27) did the damage with the ball for DC, while Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with 2/31. DC pick up their first win of IPL 2026 in style.
Ekana Stadium offers a balanced surface that suits both pace (new ball) and spin (mid-overs). The average first innings score in IPL 2025 was around 175-190 — higher than its reputation suggests. Teams batting second have historically had an edge here (toss-winners won 14 of 21 IPL games). Spinners like Kuldeep are dangerous in the middle overs. Dew factor under lights can help the chasing team.
Tip: Always check the official playing XI announced on match day before finalising your fantasy team — last-minute changes happen.
Team Assessment
LSG are led by the explosive Rishabh Pant as captain-wicketkeeper. Mohammed Shami has moved from SRH and is fully fit for this opener. Mitchell Marsh (627 runs in IPL 2025, SR 163.71) and Aiden Markram are set to open, forming a dangerous overseas top-order pair. Nicholas Pooran provides explosive middle-order power. Mayank Yadav is confirmed fit and in the XI alongside Shami and Mohsin Khan — giving LSG a formidable three-pronged pace attack. Note: Wanindu Hasaranga is not fully fit and is excluded from suggested fantasy picks.
DC are captained by Axar Patel. KL Rahul has moved from LSG to DC as opener/wicketkeeper — a fascinating return to his former home ground. Kuldeep Yadav's wrist spin is DC's most potent weapon at Ekana. ⚠️ INJURY: Mitchell Starc is OUT for DC's early matches (shoulder/elbow). Lungi Ngidi and Dushmantha Chameera lead the pace attack in Starc's absence. Tristan Stubbs and David Miller add middle-order firepower.
Key Players to Watch
Pant as LSG captain is one of the most exciting appointments in IPL 2026. His fearless, aggressive batting style can destroy any attack on any surface. As the skipper at Ekana, he has the freedom to play his natural game and his keeper bonus adds extra fantasy value. A genuine match-winner.
Shami has made the move from SRH to LSG and is one of India's premier Test and ODI pace bowlers. When fit at Ekana, his ability to swing the new ball early and generate late movement makes him highly dangerous. His wicket-taking ability in the powerplay could be decisive for LSG.
Rahul knows Ekana conditions better than any other batter in this match — he was LSG captain here for years. Now at DC, he brings that intimate knowledge with extra motivation to prove a point against his old franchise. His wicket-keeper bonus adds excellent fantasy value.
Kuldeep is arguably the best wrist spinner in world T20 cricket. His ability to turn the ball both ways with deceptive variations and flight makes him perfect for Ekana. He is DC's most potent attacking weapon and the Ekana surface will assist him greatly.
Axar's accurate left-arm spin is incredibly difficult to attack on a slow surface. As DC's captain, he leads from the front with both bat and ball. His ability to score 30-40 runs at the death while also taking crucial wickets in the middle overs makes him a versatile and reliable fantasy pick.
Pooran is one of the most destructive middle-order batters in T20 cricket. His ability to hit sixes consistently and his aggressive approach make him a high-ceiling fantasy pick. Even on slower Ekana surfaces, he can be devastating if he connects in the power-hitting phase.
Fantasy Cricket Picks
Rahul returning to Ekana — the ground he captained at for years — is the standout captain choice. He knows every blade of grass here and plays with extra motivation against his former franchise. Opener with keeper bonus, playing on his favourite pitch. Highest ceiling in this match for double points.
Marsh opens for LSG and was in exceptional IPL 2025 form (627 runs, SR 163.71). He can clear the boundary from ball one at the top of the order and provides medium-pace wickets too. His all-round value and explosive ceiling make him the ideal VC. Aiden Markram (opens alongside Marsh, consistent 45+ IPL average) is the alternative VC if you prefer the safer floor.
Must Picks
LSG captain, WK bonus, fearless striker. The standout captain choice in this match.
Best spinner in the match on a surface made for him. 2-3 wickets and economy points near-guaranteed.
Knows Ekana intimately from LSG years. Keeper bonus + extra motivation against old franchise.
All-round value — bowling on a turning pitch + lower-order hitting. DC's captain adds extra motivation.
LSG's key pace acquisition from SRH. New ball swing and wicket-taking ability — crucial asset.
Differential Picks (Grand League)
Pooran as LSG's explosive middle-order bat is under-owned relative to his T20 quality. When he connects in the powerplay at Ekana, he can post 40-50 quickly and set LSG up. Perfect grand league pick.
Marsh bats in LSG's top order and can clear the boundary from ball one. His medium-pace also gives him wicket-taking potential early at Ekana when the pitch is at its freshest. Under-owned relative to his ceiling on a day he connects — ideal grand league differential.
Players to Avoid
⚠️ CONFIRMED OUT — Starc is unavailable for DC's early matches with a shoulder/elbow injury. Do not pick under any circumstances.
Ekana's slower surface can neutralise pace bowlers in the middle overs. Spinners (Kuldeep, Axar) are preferable to pure pace options in the 7-16 over window.
Suggested Fantasy XI
Match Prediction
This is a fascinating tactical contest — Rishabh Pant facing his old franchise, KL Rahul returning to his former home ground. Ekana suits spin, which gives Kuldeep (DC) a key middle-overs role. LSG's pace trio of Shami, Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan is formidable but DC have the spin edge. Expect a total around 170-180 with Marsh and Markram setting the platform for LSG. DC to edge it in a close chase, with KL Rahul laying on a point-to-prove masterclass.
Captain KL Rahul — he's playing at the ground he knows inside out with extra motivation against his old franchise. Mitchell Marsh as VC is the premium pick — explosive opener with all-round value. Markram as alternate VC if you want safer floor. Load up on spinners: Kuldeep and Axar are must-considers. Mohammed Shami with the new ball is your differential bowler. Do NOT pick Mitchell Starc — he is OUT for this match.
Build your Fantasy XI on CricketDream
Use these expert picks to build your team for LSG vs DC and compete for the top spot on the leaderboard.
Build Fantasy XI for LSG vs DC →