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LSG's Bharat Arun on Flexible Top-Order & Bowling Challenges in IPL 2026

Lucknow Super Giants bowling coach Bharat Arun stated the team's top-order batting strategy will remain flexible, adapting to match situations. He acknowledged the past success of the opening pair of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh while explaining strategic changes. Arun confirmed leg-spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi as a main spinner for the season, with his absence in the first game being a tactical batting decision. He also emphasized that the batter-friendly nature of T20 cricket presents a significant challenge and opportunity for bowlers to become heroes.

Key Points: LSG Coach Bharat Arun on IPL Strategy & Bowling Challenge

  • Top-order batting strategy is dynamic
  • Acknowledge past success of Markram & Marsh
  • Rathi is a main spinner despite missing first game
  • T20 is a challenge and opportunity for bowlers
2 min read

"The strategies keep changing all the time": LSG bowling coach Bharat Arun

LSG bowling coach Bharat Arun discusses flexible batting order, Rathi's role, and the bowler's challenge in batter-friendly T20 cricket ahead of SRH clash.

"The strategies keep changing all the time. - Bharat Arun"

Hyderabad, April 4

Lucknow Super Giants bowling coach Bharat Arun on Saturday said the team's top-order strategy will remain flexible as they prepare for their Indian Premier League 2026 clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Addressing questions about Rishabh Pant opening the innings in the first match, Arun said, "See, well, the strategies keep changing all the time, and I think the first four places should be very dynamic as far as the team is concerned."

The LSG bowling coach also acknowledged that last year's opening pair of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh performed exceptionally well. "We do understand that Mitch and Markram were a very, very good opening pair for us, but also sometimes strategically these things do happen," Arun added during the pre-match press conference.

Leg-spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi made his IPL debut for Lucknow in the last IPL season. Rathi, who picked up 14 wickets in the 2025 season, missed the opening fixture of LSG in the ongoing tournament.

Addressing questions regarding Rathi playing the upcoming match against SRH, the LSG bowling coach said that, "We have played just one match so far, and actually, Rathi not playing was because of the situation that we were in in batting, so we wanted an extra bat. He's a fantastic bowler, he's done exceptionally well for us in the past, and he would be one of our main spinners going ahead."

Bharat Arun also said that while T20 cricket is naturally batter-friendly, it presents both a challenge and an opportunity for bowlers to shine.

Speaking ahead of the IPL 2026 clash against SRH, Arun said, "T20 is always batter-friendly. And bowlers are expected, batters are expected to play big shots, and that's what most of the crowds come for. But I strongly feel there is a challenge for the bowlers. It's a big challenge and an opportunity for the bowlers to come good and become a hero."

He added that success on such pitches requires bowlers to trust their abilities. "Under batting circumstances, a bowler needs to trust his abilities to be able to do well," Arun noted, highlighting the mental and technical skills required to excel in high-scoring conditions.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I appreciate Arun's honesty about Rathi. It makes sense to pick the team based on conditions. But I hope they don't keep a talent like him on the bench for too long. He was brilliant last season! We need our Indian spinners to get game time.
V
Vikram M
His point about bowlers having a chance to be heroes is spot on. Everyone cheers for the sixes, but a clever Yorker or a turning delivery that gets a wicket is just as exciting. Bowlers win matches in crunch situations.
S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, I enjoy this strategic talk. It shows the depth of thinking behind the scenes. LSG seems to have a plan, but they're also willing to adapt. That's the sign of a good coaching staff.
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, I have to disagree a bit with the "extra bat" logic. If Rathi is one of your main spinners, you play him. You can't always play safe with batting depth. Sometimes you need your best bowlers to defend a total. Hope they back him soon.
K
Kavya N
Trusting your ability is key for any bowler, especially young Indians. The pressure in IPL is huge. Good to hear the coach emphasizing the mental game. All the best to LSG for the Hyderabad match! 🤞

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