LSG are eliminated from IPL 2026. Image Credits- AP
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were the first team to be eliminated from IPL 2026. Despite big names like Rishabh Pant, Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram in their ranks, LSG have had one of their poorest seasons.
With just four victories this season, LSG have left with just two league games in the IPL 2026. On Tuesday, the Rishabh Pant-led side will take on Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, before playing their final game against Punjab at home.
In their previous game, Lucknow spoiled CSK's party, who are still in race for a playoff spot, with Mitchell Marsh singlehandedly winning the game with his six-hitting spree.
Aiden Markram leaves LSG camp amidst IPL 2026
Ahead of the RR vs LSG clash, it has been learnt the South Africa star batter Aiden Markram has left the Lucknow camp. He has flown back home with two more league games to go, as revealed by ESPNCricinfo.
Markram featured in LSG's previous match against CSK and fielded for 20 overs, but he didn't get his chance to bat. It is worth mentioning that, the 31-year-old has been demoted down the order with Lucknow's batting disenchanted in IPL 2026.
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The South African white-ball captain had a gun last season, finishing with 445 runs in 13 innings at an average of 34.23 and an incredible strike rate close to 150.
However, his numbers dipped this season - 231 runs in 11 innings at 25.67 without even a half-century.
Why has Aiden Markram left India?
Although there has been no official statement on Aiden Markram, it has been understood that the star cricketer and his wife, Nicole Daniella O'Connor, are expecting their first child.
The power couple tied the knot in July 2022 and announced their pregnancy last December. Recently, O'Connor posted pictures of her baby shower on her Instagram handle.
LSG's downfall in IPL 2026 decoded
Lucknow has one of the most dazzling fast bowling groups, featuring Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Mayank Yadav. However, they lacked a quality spin bowler, especially after Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of the season.
Meanwhile, LSG’s fiery batters like Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram remained in unsatisfactory form throughout the season.
Having said that, Lucknow have identified a solid core group, and if the backroom staff works on it properly, they might bounce back next season.
So far, the Super Giants have won four games, all against top teams such as SRH, RCB, CSK, and KKR. Their remaining two matches are against RR and PBKS, and if they win both the games, they might save themselves from finishing at the top of the IPL 2026 Points Table.
Nevertheless, LSG are in Jaipur to place the Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on May 19.
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