Rishabh Pant remains one of the most important players for Lucknow Super Giants as they prepare to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 23 of IPL 2026.
Pant is known for his aggressive style, but his biggest challenge has always been consistency. This match gives him a strong chance to return to top form against an opponent he has enjoyed facing in the past.
Why Pant is LKN’s Best Batter Against BLR
Pant has an excellent record against BLR in IPL history. His numbers clearly show how dangerous he can be in this matchup.
| Matches | Not Outs | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 3 | 539 | 118* | 53.9 | 158.06 | 1 | 4 |
He scored a brilliant unbeaten 118 in the last meeting between the two teams, playing at number 3. He has also never been dismissed for a duck against BLR, which shows his reliability in this fixture.
Another key point is his batting position. Most of his fifties against BLR have come at number 4, while his century came at number 3. This gives the team flexibility in how they use him.
Recent Form and Middle-Order Concerns
Despite his strong record, Pant’s current form in IPL 2026 has been mixed.
| Match | Runs |
|---|---|
| LKN vs GT | 18 |
| LKN vs KOL | 10 |
| LKN vs SRH | 68* |
| LKN vs DC | 7 |
He has shown signs of form with an unbeaten 68, but has not been consistent in other matches.
This has created pressure on the middle order. Nicholas Pooran has also had a quiet season so far, which has made things more difficult for LKN’s batting lineup.
There is now a discussion about whether Pant should bat at number 4, where he has previously succeeded, or continue at the top order.
Also See : RCB vs LSG Dream11 Prediction Today – Match 23, Pitch Report, Fantasy Tips IPL 2026
What to Expect in Match 23
LKN will depend heavily on Pant in this match. If he can find rhythm early, he can control the game and build a big innings.
Some key things to watch:
- How Pant starts against BLR bowlers
- Whether he bats at number 3 or number 4
- His ability to convert starts into a big score
- Partnerships with middle-order players
If Pant can repeat his performance from 2025, he can put LKN in a strong position.
Role in LKN’s Game Plan
Pant is not just a batter, he is the player who can change the match quickly.
LKN’s plan could be:
- Let Pant attack early and put pressure on BLR
- Build partnerships around him
- Use his experience to guide the innings
If he plays a long innings, LKN can challenge even a strong BLR batting lineup.
Final Thoughts
Rishabh Pant’s record against BLR makes him the biggest hope for LKN in this match. Even though his form has been up and down, his ability to deliver in big games cannot be ignored.
This match could be very important for Pant. A strong performance will not only help his team but also bring back his confidence for the rest of the season.
Fans will be watching closely to see if he can once again dominate BLR and play a match-winning knock.
