Why is Mitchell Marsh not playing tonight's LSG vs PBKS clash of IPL 2026?
Mitchell Marsh has been the leading run-scorer for LSG this season.
Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings (LSG vs PBKS) are squaring off in the 68th match of the Indian Premier League 2026. The encounter got underway on May 23 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
This match has different repercussions for both sides. While Shreyas Iyer’s PBKS are fighting for their playoffs lives, LSG have found themselves rooted to the bottom of the table.
A victory for the Punjab Kings tonight is an absolute must, and even then, they will need the Mumbai Indians to beat the Rajasthan Royals on Sunday.
PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl first. They made two changes to their team, bringing in Marco Jansen and Vijaykumar Vyshak in the playing XI. For LSG, their top run-scorer, Mitchell Marsh, is absent from the playing XI.
Why is Mitchell Marsh not part of the LSG vs PBKS match?
Marsh has been ruled out of the clash; however, the reason behind his absence is yet to be officially confirmed.
The 34-year-old will lead Australia in a three-match ODI series against Pakistan starting May 30 in Rawalpindi, and that upcoming international commitment is widely understood to be behind his early departure from the LSG squad.
With Aiden Markram and Matthew Breetzke also unavailable, LSG reshuffled their opening combination. They have made two changes to their playing XI for this match. Arshin Kulkarni and Arjun Tendulkar have been given the nod. In Marsh’s absence, Kulkarni opened the innings with Josh Inglis.
“We would have bowled first as well. This wicket is good for cricket regardless of bowling or batting. This is one of the better batting wickets, it could be a high scoring match. It’s been a tough season, but at the same time, there has been a lot of learning, both for the team and personally. I’d say sorry to the fans, they have come from all over UP. It’s been tough going for us, but we’ll give our 100% today,” Pant said at the toss.
On the must-win situation, Shreyas Iyer said, “We’re going to bowl first. It is suddenly exciting. It’s like a do or die game for us. I would say rather do. So it’s looking forward to the challenge. Never been in this situation before, as in the league table. But the boys are super excited. They’re eagerly waiting to see how it turns out at the end of the day.”
Why is Mitchell Marsh not part of the LSG vs PBKS match?
Mitchell Marsh left the LSG squad early. According to some reports, he left early to prepare for Australia’s ODI series against Pakistan starting May 30.
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Ajay Gandhar has been part of Khel Now since 2023 and has expertise across a wide range of Olympic sports. While his coverage spans the Olympic spectrum, he is passionate about Badminton, Tennis, Football, and Track and Field. Beyond his primary focus areas, Ajay is also an avid kabaddi enthusiast and closely follows the sport.