Gujarat Titans Eye LSG’s Batting Crisis As Rishabh Pant Struggles To Fire At No. 3

Rishabh Pant Gujarat Titans. [Source - AP]Despite winning 2 out of their 3 matches, LSG's batting has been underwhelming, with the worst strike-rate in IPL 2026, just 129.82. Given the names in their lineup, this is a surprising dip. Their batting average stands at a mere 20.77, highlighting their struggles to build partnerships and consistently score runs. Rishabh Pant has been struggling at No. 3 is another critical concern, especially since Nicholas Pooran, who scored 466 runs at a blistering 201.7 strike-rate last season, is now out of position. Pant’s inability to replicate Pooran’s success in that role is limiting LSG’s batting potential, preventing them from flourishing as they should.PreviewLSG is set to host Gujarat Titans in Match 19 of IPL 2026 on Sunday, April 12. The thrilling contest will take place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow and is scheduled to go live at 3:30 PM IST. LSGLucknow Super Giants have made a solid start to the season, with 2 wins in 3 games, largely thanks to their strong new-ball bowling attack. LSG lead the chart in powerplay bowling, having claimed 8 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 6.17.But post powerplay, they have taken only 4 wickets in 7-16 overs,at an average of 66.25 and a wicket every 45 balls, the worst in the league this season.Their batting remains a concern, as mentioned earlier. As they return home, improving their middle-order, where they are averaging just 21.2, will be crucial.Gujarat TitansGujarat Titans have had a rocky start to IPL 2026, losing their first two games but bouncing back with a last-over victory in their most recent match. Gujarat Titans top order has begun to click once again, as they have lost only 2 wickets with the bat inside powerplay in 3 games this IPL so far.But the middle-order remains a major concern, averaging just 19.75, second worst in IPL 2026.Gujarat Titans' new-ball bowling has been poor, managing only 1 wicket in the first 6 overs across 3 games and leaking runs at a rate of 10.39 per over. However, their middle-overs bowling has been more effective, taking 13 wickets at an average of 20.77 and a wicket every 13.85 balls.Key StatsLSG has won 3 of the last 5 games vs Gujarat Titans.LSG also has won 2 of the 3 games at Lucknow vs Gujarat Titans.Shubman Gill is leading run-scorer in LSG vs GT - 271 runs, 54.2 average and 147.28 strike-rate.Avesh Khan vs Shubman Gill in IPL - 71 runs, 124.6 strike-rate. Rashid Khan is leading wicket-taker in LSG vs GT - 9 wickets, 17.2 strike-rate, 8.4 economy.Sai Kishore has taken a wicket every 13 balls vs LSG in IPL.Prince Yadav has taken a wicket every over inside powerplay in IPL 2026 - 4 wickets, 6.25 economy, 6 strike-rate.Mohammed Shami has been the most economical bowler inside powerplay in IPL 2026 - 4.43 economy, 3 wickets.Prasidh Krishna has been the best pacer in middle-overs in IPL 2026 - 5 wickets, 13.40 strike-rate and 9.57 economy.LSG has taken just 4 wickets with spin at 42.25 in IPL 2026 so far.GT has been the most destructive batting side vs spin in IPL 2026 - 25.25 average, 177.19 strike-rate. Nicholas Pooran is in very poor form, averaging jusrt 13.4 in T20s this year.Also Read: Shreyas Iyer's Love Affair With SRH Continues; PBKS Captain Sets New IPL Record To Match ABDPossible ChangesSai Kishore in for Gujarat Titans?Gujarat Titans might try Sai Kishore to feature in their playing XI against LSG, as his left-arm orthodox spin can trouble LSG.LSG have lost seven wickets (most by any team) to this bowling type in IPL 2026,a total of 6 overs of left-arm orthodox spin has been bowled vs LSG inside powerplay this seasonwhere LSG has managed to score at just a 102.78 strike-rate.What To Expect?It's a day game, and the conditions are expected to be hot, making batting second more favorable. In the last two afternoon games in Lucknow, the team chasing has come out on top. With both teams possessing strong bowling attacks, albeit in different phases, we can expect a well-balanced contest between bat and ball.Also Read: Phil Salt Out, Jacob Bethell In? RCB Strongest XI vs MI for IPL 2026, Match 20