By Battingfirst | April 1, 2026 | IPL 2026, Match 5
Welcome to our Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals match for IPL 2026. Lucknow Super Giants take on Delhi Capitals in Match 5 of IPL 2026 tonight at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. Toss is at 7:00 PM IST and the first ball at 7:30 PM IST.
If you are looking for the best dream 11 team for LSG vs DC today, the right captain and vice-captain picks, a detailed pitch report, and the confirmed playing 11 — you are in the right place. Both teams missed the playoffs last season and will be desperate to start IPL 2026 with a win. This makes for a highly competitive match and a fantasy goldmine.
Read our full LSG vs DC dream11 team prediction today match IPL 2026 below.
LSG vs DC Match Details – IPL 2026
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals |
| Also searched as | DC vs LSG Dream11 Prediction Today Match |
| Tournament | IPL 2026 – Match 5 |
| Date & Time | Wednesday, 1 April 2026 | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar / Star Sports Network |
| Toss | 7:00 PM IST |
LSG vs DC Pitch Report Today IPL 2026 – Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
The Ekana Stadium pitch report for today’s IPL 2026 match is something every fantasy player needs to understand before picking their team. The surface at Lucknow is a mixed pitch — part black soil, part red soil — which means it behaves differently across both innings.
In the first innings, the new ball moves around and fast bowlers get help off the surface. As the game goes on and dew kicks in, the pitch gets noticeably easier to bat on. This is why the pitch report today IPL for Ekana almost always points in the same direction — batting second is the smarter choice.
In IPL 2025, six out of eight matches at Ekana were won by the chasing team. The average first innings total here has been around 175 to 185. Spinners do get some help from the second innings onwards but dew limits their effectiveness under lights. The DLS method is unlikely to come into play tonight as no rain is forecast, but if the game is shortened, it is worth knowing that batting teams tend to benefit at this venue.
For your LSG vs DC dream 11 team, the key takeaway from this pitch report is simple — wait for the toss, then heavily back the batters from the team batting second as your captain and vice-captain picks.
Weather Report – Lucknow, April 1
Good news for fans and fantasy players alike. There is no rain forecast in Lucknow tonight. Temperature will stay between 24°C and 28°C during match hours. Humidity will gradually rise after 9 PM, which is when dew becomes a factor. No DLS concerns expected for this LSG vs DC today match prediction 2026 IPL.
LSG vs DC Head-to-Head Record
Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals have met seven times in IPL history. DC lead the head-to-head 4–3, and they have also won both their previous matches in Lucknow. That psychological edge matters, but LSG’s squad looks stronger this season.
The last time these two sides met at Ekana, Delhi chased down 159 with eight wickets and more than two overs to spare. LSG’s middle order collapsed under pressure that day. With Rishabh Pant now as captain and Mohammed Shami back in the squad, LSG will be looking to reverse that trend tonight.
LSG vs DC Team News & Injury Updates
Lucknow Super Giants
The biggest talking point ahead of tonight’s LSG vs DC match prediction today is the return of Mayank Yadav. The pace sensation who bowled at 150kph+ in IPL 2024 has been out with injuries since then and missed the entire IPL 2025 season. LSG head coach Justin Langer has confirmed Mayank is fully fit and will play — this is genuinely massive news.
Mohammed Shami is also available and expected to lead the pace attack. He adds the kind of experience and control that LSG’s bowling sorely lacked last season.
Wanindu Hasaranga is the one concern — the Sri Lankan all-rounder is yet to arrive in India and needs to clear a fitness test. He is doubtful for tonight. If he misses out, Anrich Nortje is likely to come into the XI as the fourth overseas option.
Delhi Capitals
DC’s big blow is the absence of Mitchell Starc. The Australian quick was retained for a huge price but is recovering from a shoulder and elbow injury and will miss the early games. T. Natarajan is the likely replacement as DC’s left-arm pace option.
Dushmantha Chameera could start ahead of Lungi Ngidi as the overseas seamer. One name to watch is Auqib Nabi — the young Kashmiri all-rounder had a brilliant domestic season and could make his IPL debut tonight.
KL Rahul, Axar Patel, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Kuldeep Yadav — all confirmed fit and available for tonight’s game.
LSG vs DC Playing 11 Today IPL 2026 – Probable XI
The official LSG vs DC playing 11 today IPL 2026 will only be confirmed after the toss. Until then, here are the most likely lineups based on squad news and team combinations.
LSG Probable Playing 11
- Mitchell Marsh
- Aiden Markram
- Nicholas Pooran
- Rishabh Pant (C & WK)
- Ayush Badoni
- Abdul Samad
- Akshat Raghuwanshi / Himmat Singh
- Shahbaz Ahmed
- Mohammed Shami
- Mayank Yadav
- Digvesh Rathi / Anrich Nortje
DC Probable Playing 11
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Nitish Rana
- Tristan Stubbs
- David Miller
- Axar Patel (C)
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Vipraj Nigam
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Dushmantha Chameera / Lungi Ngidi
- T. Natarajan
⚠️ Update: Final playing 11 will be confirmed at toss. Always finalise your Dream11 and dream 11 team only after the official announcement. Bookmark this page — we will update it immediately after toss.
LSG vs DC Dream11 Prediction Today Match IPL 2026 – Fantasy Picks
Here is our complete LSG vs DC dream11 prediction 2026 with the best fantasy picks across all categories. This is based on current form, pitch conditions, player roles, and the Ekana Stadium history.
Top Fantasy Picks – Best Dream 11 Team LSG vs DC
Mitchell Marsh (LSG, 9 Cr) — The most important name in your LSG vs DC dream 11 team prediction today match. Marsh was LSG’s top scorer last season — 627 runs in 13 innings at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 163. He opens the batting, faces maximum deliveries, and can bowl medium pace too. He is the first name on your team and the safest captain pick in this match.
KL Rahul (DC, 9 Cr) — One of the most reliable IPL batters of the past decade. Rahul has scored over 5,200 runs in the IPL at an average of 46. He scored 539 runs last season at a strike rate of nearly 150. He also hit a match-winning fifty against LSG in the previous edition. The safest DC pick and an excellent vice-captain option for any DC vs LSG dream11 prediction today match.
Aiden Markram (LSG, 9 Cr) — Five fifties and 445 runs last season. Markram times the ball beautifully, can open or come in at three, and also bowls off-spin in the middle overs. His dual value makes him a premium pick and a strong differential captain for Grand League.
Kuldeep Yadav (DC, 8.5 Cr) — The standout bowler in this match on current form. Kuldeep gets serious turn at Ekana once the surface settles. He takes wickets at regular intervals and picks up bonus points for dot balls and maiden overs. A must-have in every best dream 11 team for LSG vs DC today.
Budget and Differential Picks
Vipraj Nigam (DC, 7.5 Cr) — An underrated all-rounder who bowls in the middle overs and can contribute with the bat at number eight. His low ownership makes him the best differential pick for Grand League teams in this LSG vs DC fantasy team.
Mayank Yadav (LSG, 7.5 Cr) — If he even touches 145kph tonight, DC’s top order will struggle. At just 7.5 Cr, he could be the highest points-scorer among bowlers if he fires. Low ownership because of his injury history — that is exactly why you pick him in Grand League.
Digvesh Rathi (LSG, 7 Cr) — The young leg-spinner took 14 wickets in his debut IPL season. At 7 Cr, he frees up credits for bigger names while still delivering wicket-taking returns from the middle overs.
Players to Avoid Today
Mitchell Starc — Confirmed out with injury. Do not pick under any circumstances.
Nitish Rana — Likely to bat at number three for DC but has been inconsistent across the last two seasons. High risk at 8 Cr when better options are available.
Lungi Ngidi — May not even make the playing 11 if Chameera is picked. Avoid until the team is officially confirmed.
LSG vs DC Captain and Vice-Captain Picks – Dream11 IPL 2026
Getting the LSG vs DC captain and vice-captain right is the single biggest factor in winning your Dream11 contest today. Here is our guide based on the LSG vs DC dream11 prediction today.
- Best Captain: Mitchell Marsh — Opens the batting, highest fantasy ceiling, proven IPL performer. Safe C pick for small leagues and head-to-head contests.
- Best Vice-Captain: KL Rahul — Rock solid, consistent, and has a superb record at Ekana. Pair him with Marsh as C/VC for the safest possible combination.
- Grand League Differential Captain: Aiden Markram — Lower ownership but a massive points ceiling. His off-spin could bring bonus wicket points on top of his batting. Best GL captain pick.
- High Risk Captain: Rishabh Pant — Completely unpredictable in the best possible way. Could score a match-winning 80 off 35 balls or get out for a duck. Only use as captain in large Grand League pools where you need to separate from the crowd.
For the LSG vs DC 2026 dream11 prediction captain summary: Marsh C + Rahul VC for small leagues. Markram C + Marsh VC for balanced Grand League. Pant C for ultra-aggressive Grand League only.
LSG vs DC Best Dream11 Team Combinations – IPL 2026
Team 1 – Safe Team (Small League & Head-to-Head)
WK: KL Rahul (VC), Rishabh Pant | BAT: Mitchell Marsh (C), Pathum Nissanka | ALL: Aiden Markram, Vipraj Nigam | BOWL: M Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Digvesh Rathi
Marsh C + Rahul VC. Proven, high-floor combination. Best for head-to-head and small pool contests.
Team 2 – Balanced Team (Grand League)
WK: KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran | BAT: Mitchell Marsh (C), Pathum Nissanka (VC) | ALL: Aiden Markram, Vipraj Nigam | BOWL: M Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav
Nissanka as differential VC adds separation from the crowd. Good structure for mid-size Grand League pools.
Team 3 – Aggressive Team (Ultra Grand League)
WK: Rishabh Pant (C), KL Rahul | BAT: Mitchell Marsh (VC), David Miller | ALL: Aiden Markram, Axar Patel | BOWL: Mayank Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Digvesh Rathi, Vipraj Nigam
Pant C is the bold call. If he explodes tonight, this team wins big. Pure Grand League play — high risk, highest reward.
LSG vs DC Toss Prediction & Strategy
The toss is going to be massive tonight. Given the strong chasing record at Ekana and the expected dew factor, both Rishabh Pant and Axar Patel will want to bowl first if they win the toss. The team batting second has a significant advantage here.
For your fantasy team — if you can wait until toss to finalise, do it. Load up on the top-order batters from whichever team is batting second, and make them your captain and vice-captain. The LSG vs DC toss prediction today 2026 IPL is: both captains will choose to bowl first. Whoever wins the toss will field.
For small leagues, stick with Marsh and Rahul as your C/VC regardless of toss — they score heavily in both innings. For Grand League, toss is critical. Shift your captain to the chasing team’s opener after the coin is flipped.
LSG vs DC Today Match Prediction 2026 – Who Will Win?
This is a genuinely close contest on paper. Let us break down the key factors for tonight’s LSG vs DC today match prediction 2026 IPL.
LSG have home advantage and a fearsome batting lineup — Marsh, Markram, Pooran, and Pant can all win a match on their own. The return of Mayank Yadav adds a dimension to their bowling attack that they completely lacked last season. Mohammed Shami is also back, which gives them experience up front.
DC, however, have quality throughout their batting order with KL Rahul at the top, Miller and Stubbs in the middle, and a world-class spinner in Kuldeep Yadav. Their problem is the absence of Starc, which takes away a genuine match-winner with the new ball.
The head-to-head record (DC 4–3) favours the visitors, and DC have won both their games in Lucknow. But we think LSG’s home advantage and superior bowling this season tips the balance.
Our prediction: LSG to win. Confidence split — LSG 55%, DC 45%.
Predicted top scorer: Mitchell Marsh. Predicted best bowler: Kuldeep Yadav.
LSG vs DC IPL 2026 – Points Table Context
Both teams are yet to play a game this season, so they are both sitting at zero points. This is a season opener for both franchises and a win here sets the tone for the next two months. LSG finished 7th last season with six wins from 14 games, missing the playoffs. DC finished 5th with seven wins. Both teams have too much talent to repeat those underperformances — tonight is where the reset begins.
QUICK TIPS BOX
- Pick at least 3 specialist spinners if bowling second.
- Nicholas Pooran is a must-have in small leagues.
- Don’t ignore Mohammed Shami’s wicket-taking ability in the Powerplay.
- Pathum Nissanka is the best budget enabler today.
- Watch out for the long 81-metre boundaries!
FAQs – LSG vs DC Dream11 Prediction IPL 2026
Q: Who is the best captain for dream11 today in LSG vs DC?
Mitchell Marsh is the safest captain pick. He opens the batting for LSG and was their highest run-scorer last season. For Grand League, try Aiden Markram or Rishabh Pant as a differential captain.
Q: What is the best dream 11 team for LSG vs DC today match?
For small leagues: KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Mitchell Marsh (C), Pathum Nissanka, Aiden Markram, Vipraj Nigam, M Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Digvesh Rathi. Always wait for the playing 11 to be confirmed after toss before finalising.
Q: What is the pitch report for LSG vs DC today IPL 2026?
The Ekana Stadium pitch is balanced to batting-friendly under lights. Dew is a big factor — chasing teams have won six of eight recent matches here. Average score is 175–185 in the first innings. Spinners get some help but dew limits their effectiveness after 9 PM.
Q: What is the DLS method situation for LSG vs DC today?
No rain is expected in Lucknow tonight so DLS is unlikely to come into play. However, if weather changes, the team batting second at Ekana generally has the advantage under DLS as well given the typical scoring patterns here.
Q: What time does LSG vs DC IPL 2026 match start today?
Toss is at 7:00 PM IST and the match starts at 7:30 PM IST on Wednesday, 1 April 2026. Live streaming on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network.
Q: Who will win today — LSG or DC?
LSG are slight favourites at home, especially with Mayank Yadav returning fit and Shami leading the pace attack. Our prediction is LSG to win with a 55–45 edge. However, DC’s head-to-head record and KL Rahul’s form make them dangerous.
Q: Who is the best dream11 team captain for today’s IPL match?
Mitchell Marsh is the best captain for today’s IPL dream11 team. KL Rahul is the best vice-captain. For Grand League, Aiden Markram as captain is the smart differential pick.
Q: Who is the best captain for LSG vs DC Dream11 today? A: Mitchell Marsh and KL Rahul are the top choices due to their roles and past records at this venue.
Q: What is the average score at Ekana Stadium? A: The average first innings score is around 165, but 170+ is considered a winning total.
💬 Who will be your Dream11 captain today — Mitchell Marsh or KL Rahul? Drop your pick in the comments!
Disclaimer: This LSG vs DC dream11 prediction today match is based on analytical reasoning, current form, pitch conditions, and fantasy cricket insights. It does not guarantee results. Player availability may change — always check the official toss and playing 11 update before finalising your team. Please play fantasy cricket responsibly.
🔄 Update: This article will be updated immediately after toss with confirmed playing XI and final dream 11 team picks. Bookmark this page!
