The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have suffered a massive setback ahead of their final match in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026). LSG is gearing up to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their last game of this season on Saturday, May 23, at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
However, LSG’s hopes of finishing their IPL 2026 campaign on a winning note have faced a massive jolt as their in-form opener Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of the Lucknow clash against PBKS.
Mitchell Marsh dominated IPL 2026 with fearless batting
Mitchell Marsh was in sensational form for Lucknow Super Giants in the ongoing IPL 2026. The explosive Australian opener has completely dominated bowlers with his fearless attacking style and has scored 563 runs this season at an average of over 43 and a strike rate of more than 163.
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Marsh’s best knock of this season came against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) when he smashed a brilliant 111. Apart from that century, he has also hammered three fifties, including back-to-back 90 and 96 against Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.
Interestingly, the Australian white-ball captain is a quality all-rounder, but he has not bowled a single over in the tournament. Marsh has played only as a specialist batter in IPL 2026. He was not used by the LSG with the ball on Cricket Australia’s request to manage his fitness and avoid extra pressure on his body.
Mitchell Marsh unavailable for LSG’s final IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings
Meanwhile, an ESPNCricinfo report suggested that Mitchell Marsh is not available for the LSG vs PBKS clash in Lucknow on Saturday. It is a huge blow to the Lucknow Super Giants because of the opener was in red-hot form in the ongoing IPL 2026.
Actually, Marsh is all set to lead Australia in the upcoming three-match ODI series in Australia, starting on May 30 in Rawalpindi. And there are strong chances that the all-rounder had left for Australia after Lucknow’s last match against the Rajasthan Royals on May 19.
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Since the Australian squad is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on 23 May to begin training at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium for the ODI series, Marsh had no option but to leave the LSG squad early for the national commitments. They will now take on PBKS without their key batter.
Marsh to lead Australia in BAN, PAK series
After the Pakistan tour, the Kangaroos will travel to Bangladesh for the three ODIs and three T20Is in June 2026. Marsh will be in charge for these white-ball games as Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood are missing both Pakistan and Bangladesh tours.
Speaking about Lucknow Super Giants, they have already crashed out of the IPL 2026 playoffs after losing nine of their 13 games in the tournament. Now, they can spoil Punjab Kings’ playoff chances as they are also searching for their first win after six straight defeats in the tournament.
