SRH retain Livingstone and Harshal, LSG opt to chase in Hyderabad

Toss Update: LSG captain Rishabh Pant opted to bowl first against SRH in HyderabadToday afternoon saw another thrilling match in the IPL 2026, where Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) took on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Home ground of SRH. While Pant termed the pitch a “good wicket,” he suggested bowlers could get some help early on, before scoring after the powerplay would likely become difficult.

The batting spot of Pant had an added dimension of curiosity, though — he was listed at No. 3 in the team sheet — as it remained uncertain whether he would open the innings. LSG were forced into multiple changes in their lineup and brought legspinner Digvesh Rathi and left-arm spinner M Siddharth plus pacer Avesh Khan On the other hand, Shahbaz Ahmed, Anrich Nortje and Mohsin Khan were dropped. Ayush Badoni will play a part as an Impact Player in the chase.

Sunrisers Hyderabad too made a change in their combination with Liam Livingstone and Harshal Patel included in the playing XI. The only exclusion was Salil Arora with overseas pacers Eshan Malinga and David Payne still in the mix as Impact Player propositions

It is on pitch No. 2, a surface that typically yields high-scoring games. The last of those afternoon games, in IPL 2025 here over the weekend resulted in a run-fest with SRH scoring 286 and Rajasthan Royals coming close to chasing them down with 242. With 63 and 68-meter square boundaries, as well as a straight boundary of 75 meters, conditions should again make for an interesting bat-and-ball contest.

The game features LSG, who lost to Delhi Capitals in their previous match and will be looking for redemption against SRH after Sunrisers Hyderabad overcame Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens (albeit following a loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru).

With both teams adapting strategically and the surface offering something for everyone, the fans can expect a contest in this battle to take place at Hyderabad.