Lucknow Super Giants' decision to promote Josh Inglis to open alongside Mitchell Marsh has completely changed the team's approach at the top of the order in IPL 2026.
The impact of the new partnership is reflected in the numbers. Across their first eight matches of the season, LSG scored at a modest run rate of 7.9 in the powerplay while losing 13 wickets. In the five matches since Inglis moved to the top, that run rate has skyrocketed to 14.0, with the team losing just two wickets.
| Phase | Run Rate | Wickets Lost | Balls per Boundary | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First 8 Matches | 7.9 | 13 | 5 | 38 | 16 |
| Last 5 Matches | 14.0 | 2 | 3 | 36 | 28 |
That trend continued against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur on Tuesday.
After being asked to bat first, Marsh and Inglis came out aggressively from the outset, taking advantage of the batting-friendly conditions at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. The pair attacked Rajasthan's
bowlers from the start, racing to 83 runs inside the powerplay and putting the hosts under immediate pressure.
Inglis was particularly destructive, bringing up his third IPL half-century in just 23 deliveries. Marsh matched the tempo at the other end as the duo added 109 runs for the opening wicket, extending a partnership that has become one of the tournament's most productive in recent weeks.
Rajasthan finally found a breakthrough through Yash Punja, who bowled Inglis for 60. Attempting a slog sweep against a length delivery, the Australian missed the ball completely as it crashed into the middle stump.
By then, however, the damage had already been done, with LSG once again laying a dominant platform through their in-form opening pair.
