Rishabh Pant Injured By Josh Hazlewood’s Fiery Delivery, Forced To Leave Field In IPL 2026 Clash (Watch)
The IPL 2026 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants took a dramatic turn as two major moments defined the early phase — Rishabh Pant walking off the field injured and Nicholas Pooran falling to a sharp delivery from Josh Hazlewood.
Playing at the high-scoring M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the match was expected to be a run-fest, but early setbacks for Lucknow Super Giants shifted the momentum in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s favour. After being put in to bat, LSG looked to build a strong start, but things quickly began to unravel.
The biggest concern for LSG came when captain Rishabh Pant suffered an injury scare. During the innings, Pant appeared uncomfortable and was eventually forced to walk off the field, raising concerns among fans and team management. While the extent of the injury was not immediately confirmed, his departure dealt a psychological blow to the side, given his importance as a leader and middle-order batter.
A worrying moment in this blockbuster clash 👀😟@RishabhPant17 walks off retired hurt after a blow to the elbow, concern in the LSG camp as he leaves the field 🤕
Big setback or just a scare? 👀#TATAIPL | #IPLRivalryWeek 2026 ➡️ #RCBvLSG | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/nyGp1mrMqj pic.twitter.com/ASMS401DCX— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 15, 2026
Shortly after, LSG suffered another crucial setback when Nicholas Pooran, one of their most explosive batters, was dismissed. Josh Hazlewood, returning to the RCB playing XI, made an immediate impact by removing Pooran with a disciplined and well-executed delivery. Pooran’s wicket was significant, as he is known for changing the game in just a few overs, especially on batting-friendly pitches like Bengaluru.
🚨Rishabh Pant retired hurt 🚨
– He got hit by Josh Hazlewood.
– Get well soon Pant. #RCBvsLSG pic.twitter.com/D8EuJoZwns— Indian Cricket (@IPL2025Auction) April 15, 2026
FEEL FOR RISHABH PANT 💔
Rishabh Pant retired out due to elbow injury.💔 pic.twitter.com/4UlL5PQINj— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) April 15, 2026
Hazlewood’s breakthrough not only dented LSG’s scoring momentum but also boosted RCB’s confidence early in the innings. The Australian pacer showcased control and accuracy, proving why he remains a key asset in RCB’s bowling lineup. His ability to strike in crucial moments has often been a difference-maker in tight IPL encounters.
With Pant off the field and Pooran back in the dugout, LSG found themselves under pressure, struggling to stabilise their innings. The early blows exposed the middle order, forcing the remaining batters to adopt a more cautious approach instead of the aggressive style usually associated with T20 cricket.
On the other hand, RCB capitalised on the situation with disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. The decision to bowl first seemed to be paying off, as they managed to keep LSG in check despite the batting-friendly conditions at Chinnaswamy.
As the match progresses, all eyes will be on Pant’s injury update and whether LSG can recover from the early setbacks. For RCB, the early advantage could prove decisive if they continue to maintain pressure in the middle overs.
SEE ALSO: Ben Stokes Undergoes Surgery After Shocking Net Session Injury; Says He’s ‘Lucky To Be Alive’
