It Is Game Time — DC vs LSG Goes Live at 7:30 PM IST
The lights are on at Ekana Cricket Stadium. The pitch is rolled. The crowd is pouring in. Match 5 of IPL 2026 is minutes away, and you need to be watching.
Delhi Capitals travel to Lucknow to face Lucknow Super Giants in what promises to be one of the most emotionally charged games of the early season. The reason is obvious: Rishabh Pant lines up against the franchise he once called home.
[GO LIVE NOW](/live) for ball-by-ball coverage, real-time predictions, and live commentary.
Toss Prediction: Bat First Under Lights
Ekana has historically been a surface that offers something early for the seamers before flattening out under lights. Dew tends to creep in during the second half of the innings, making chasing slightly easier.
CricMind.ai prediction: The captain winning the toss will elect to bat first. Both Axar Patel and Rishabh Pant will want runs on the board to neutralize the dew factor with scoreboard pressure. Expect the toss at 7:00 PM IST sharp.
Last-Minute Team News
LSG
Mohammad Shami, traded in from SRH this season, is reportedly fit and in contention to play. If he partners Mayank Yadav and Avesh Khan, LSG will unleash arguably the most fearsome pace battery in the tournament. Wanindu Hasaranga remains an injury concern — watch the toss for confirmation on his availability. Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh add serious middle-order muscle.
DC
KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka are expected to open, giving DC a blend of anchor and aggression at the top. Mitchell Starc will spearhead the pace attack, and Kuldeep Yadav could be devastating on a surface that historically offers grip for wrist spinners in the middle overs. Tristan Stubbs is one to watch in the lower middle order as a designated finisher.
The Storyline You Cannot Ignore
Rishabh Pant captaining LSG against DC. That is the headline. That is the atmosphere inside this stadium tonight. Every run he scores, every decision he makes behind the stumps, every tactical call — the Lucknow crowd will roar, and Delhi fans will feel the sting.
On the other side, Axar Patel leads a DC squad rebuilt around KL Rahul, David Miller, and Mitchell Starc. This is no longer the team Pant left behind. This is a side built to compete.
How to Follow
Tune in right now. The toss drops at 7:00 PM IST. First ball at 7:30 PM.
[GO LIVE](/live) for real-time ball-by-ball updates, win probability, and CricMind.ai predictions.
Check Match 5 Predictions for our AI-powered forecast and the Points Table to track the early standings.
FAQ
What time does DC vs LSG start?
First ball is at 7:30 PM IST on match day, with the toss scheduled for 7:00 PM IST at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
Who is the LSG captain in IPL 2026?
Rishabh Pant captains Lucknow Super Giants this season, facing his former franchise Delhi Capitals in this match.
Is Mohammad Shami playing tonight?
Mohammad Shami, who was traded from SRH to LSG ahead of IPL 2026, is reportedly fit and in contention. His inclusion will be confirmed at the toss.