The road to the IPL 2026 playoffs may seem distant for Lucknow Super Giants, which sits at the bottom of the table.

However, bowling coach Bharat Arun believes all is not lost yet. “There is light at the end of the tunnel. For us, there’s no other way. Every game is a knockout for us right from here,” Arun said.

Bharat Arun’s brief at Lucknow Super Giants was clear: rebuild the team’s bowling identity. The early indicators are encouraging.

Mohammed Shami, recruited from Sunrisers Hyderabad, led the charge against Delhi Capitals alongside Mohsin Khan and Prince Yadav, pushing the side into a corner within the PowerPlay. While the lack of runs eventually allowed the Capitals to claw back, it shouldn’t overshadow the progress LSG’s bowling unit is visibly making.

“T20 is batter-friendly. They are expected to play big shots and that’s what the crowds come for. But I strongly feel there is a challenge for the bowlers. It is also an opportunity for them to come good and become a hero. Under batting circumstances, a bowler needs to trust his abilities to be able to do well,” Arun expressed.

He also downplayed concerns over the absence of Digvesh Rathi, LSG’s leading wicket-taker last season (14), against Capitals.

“Rathi did not play because we wanted an extra batter. He is a fantastic bowler. He has done exceptionally well for us in the past and he would be one of our main spinners going ahead.”

Arun also spoke about the team’s batting combinations, especially at the top of the order, where Rishabh Pant opened the innings – just the second time he has done so in IPL. The move didn’t pay dividends, as Pant managed just seven runs off nine balls.

“Strategies change all the time. I think the first four places should be very dynamic. We do understand that Mitch (Marsh) and (Aiden) Markram were a good opening pair for us. But sometimes, strategically, these changes do happen.”