India, April 19 -- Rishabh Pant has handed Lucknow Super Giants a timely lift ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against the Punjab Kings, with the LSG captain cleared to play after an injury score in the previous game against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The wicket-keeper batter had sparked concern after being struck on the left arm by a sharp Josh Hazlewood short ball during LSG's match against RCB on April 15, forcing him to leave the field in visible discomfort.

The incident came at a delicate time for the franchise. Lucknow are in a phase where every result matters, and Pant's availability is central not only because he is the captain and wicketkeeper, but also because he remains one of the side's biggest batting pillars despite a mo...