Why is Aiden Markram not playing tonight’s LSG vs PBKS clash of IPL 2026?
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
Aiden Markram scored 231 runs in 11 innings for LSG in IPL 2026.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are currently facing each other in their final league-stage match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. The fixture remains crucial for PBKS in the race for the final playoff spot, while LSG are already out of qualification contention this season. LSG have struggled with inconsistency throughout IPL 2026 despite having one of the stronger squads on paper. Injuries, batting collapses, and multiple changes in combinations affected their campaign during the second half of the season.
One of the major talking points during the match has been the absence of Aiden Markram. The South African batter had been a regular part of LSG’s middle order before missing recent matches for the franchise.
Why is Aiden Markram not playing in LSG vs PBKS match?
Aiden Markram is not playing Saturday’s IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings because of personal reasons. Recent reports confirmed that Markram has left the Lucknow Super Giants camp and returned to South Africa, which forced the franchise to try out other combinations.
According to reports, Markram travelled back home as he and his wife, Nicole Daniella O’Connor, are expecting their first child.
The South African batter had already missed LSG’s previous fixture against the Rajasthan Royals for the same reason. Ayush Badoni replaced Markram in the playing XI and has continued to feature in his absence against the Punjab Kings as well.
Markram featured in multiple matches for Lucknow Super Giants during IPL 2026 and scored important runs in the middle order during the season. His absence has further weakened LSG’s batting unit during the final phase of the tournament.
Why is Aiden Markram not playing against PBKS?
According to reports, Markram travelled back home because he and his wife are expecting their first child.
Who replaced Aiden Markram
Ayush Badoni has replaced Aiden Markram in the LSG squad for the final two matches of IPL 2026.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Anubha Anandita Pathak is a sports enthusiast with a strong passion for cricket and basketball, shaped by her experience as a district-level basketball and kabaddi player. A loyal Golden State Warriors supporter, she closely follows Stephen Curry’s style of play. With on-ground reporting experience covering the Indian Super League and Karnataka’s hockey circuit, Anubha brings both perspective and passion to her storytelling.