Abishek Porel missed out as Delhi Capitals open their Indian Premier League 2026 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, April 1. Porel was a regular part of the DC setup last year, having played in 13 of the 14 matches for them.
Porel was used as a floater in middle order and at the top last year, having played as an opener six times. He joined Jake-Fraser McGurk at the top last time. However, he was not picked for DC’s opener against the Super Giants in Lucknow.ย
Why is Porel not playing for DC in LSG clash?
Porel’s absence for the LSG clash is most likely to be a tactical move. Axar Patel had earlier confirmed that KL Rahul will be opening for the Capitals this year. They had more options for the second opener’s slot in Prithvi Shaw and Pathum Nissanka. It was Nissanka who got the nod ahead of Shaw and Porel for the LSG clash.ย
DC opt to bowl first against LSG
DC captain Axar Patel won the toss and he confirmed that the Capitals will be bowling first. “We will bowl first. First match, fresh wicket, it’s a red solid wicket and might help in the first 6 overs. Data says a lot of matches are won by the team batting first, but we thought it’s the first game and we will bowl. We started well last time, but we slipped in the middle, we’re not thinking too far ahead. Nissanka, Miller, Stubbs and Lungi Ngidi, our four overseas players,” Axar said at the toss.
Meanwhile, LSG skipper Rishabh Pant stated that batting or bowling first does not matter much at this venue. “I think it doesnโt matter here on a wicket like this, you know. Itโs always good to have what you want but at the same time thereโs not much gonna change except for the coming game of view,” he said.
Pant opened up on the change of LSG jersey, logo and colour. “I think itโs a completely new energy for sure. You know, we have changed our color, logo, and definitely the mindset. From the last year, what we had positive and working on the negative side of this stuff for sure. But at the same time feeling good. I think thatโs the only thing Iโm gonna say that Iโm feeling good and ready to roll. See, definitely last season there were lots of concern about injuries and all, but at the same time, you know, as a cricketer and as a captain, you donโt dwell on that too much. But yes, weโre gonna like take learning from the last season, but I think the bowlers are really fit and ready again,” Pant stated.
Pant opened up on his team combination. “You know, everyone is willing to go on the field and just make an impact. I think almost three overseas are the same, but Nortje is in, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran. Nicholas Pant, you know, we have changed his name to Nicholas Pant and Nortje for sure,” he said.