Ashwin Picks LSG XI: Pant as Opener, Big Name Dropped Sparks Buzz

• Ravichandran Ashwin suggests Rishabh Pant to open for LSG with Mitchell Marsh, benching Aiden Markram.
• Pant has opened in both IPL and T20Is, including once in IPL 2025 and five times in T20Is in 2022.
• Ashwin's proposed XI includes Ayush Badoni, Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, and a strong bowling lineup.
• Ashwin believes Pant should bat freely without captaincy pressure, reserving leadership for wicket-keeping.
• Aiden Markram, despite excellent form and leading South Africa in T20 World Cup, is omitted due to combination issues.

Key Questions Answered

Will Rishabh Pant open for LSG in IPL 2026?

Rishabh Pant will not open for LSG in IPL 2026; he is expected to bat at number three. Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh are anticipated to open the innings.

How will Ashwin's XI impact LSG's team balance?

Ravichandran Ashwin's proposed XI for LSG involves Rishabh Pant opening with Mitchell Marsh, potentially benching Aiden Markram.

Could Aiden Markram be benched for the season?

Aiden Markram could be benched for the season, as Ravichandran Ashwin suggested including him in the Lucknow Super Giants XI even if it meant benching Markram.