Nicholas Pooran’s struggles continue with just 51 runs in 6 innings, averaging 8.5 with a strike rate of 79.68, prompting LSG to consider Matthew Breetzke as a batting reinforcement option.
Rajasthan Royals have utilized young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as their primary impact player, with the 15-year-old emerging as one of their top contributors this season.
LSG deployed Himmat Singh against Punjab Kings in their last match, though he faced only one delivery.
LSG Impact Player Options
LSG’s Impact Sub strategy depends on whether Mayank Yadav features in the starting XI as a bowling reinforcement or if they need batting depth to cover Pooran’s inconsistent form.
If LSG Bowl First
Bowling-first scenarios favour batting reinforcements during the chase. Mayank Yadav starts in the XI for the bowling spell, leaving batting options as the Impact Sub to address middle-order concerns.
| Player | Role | Likely Replaces |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Breetzke | Batting All-Rounder | Nicholas Pooran |
| George Linde | Bowling All-Rounder | Avesh Khan |
| Himmat Singh | Batter | Top-order cover |
| Digvesh Rathi | Spinner | Middle-overs control |
Matthew Breetzke enters after the chase begins to replace the underperforming Pooran, replicating the match-winning form he displayed in the SA20 final. George Linde offers all-round flexibility as a left-arm pacer, while Himmat Singh provides additional batting depth after his brief appearance against PBKS.
If LSG Bat First
Batting-first scenarios need bowling reinforcements to defend totals under dew conditions. Pooran starts in the XI as the finisher, leaving bowling options as the Impact Sub to strengthen the attack.
| Player | Role | Likely Replaces |
|---|---|---|
| Mayank Yadav | Pacer | Avesh Khan |
| Digvesh Rathi | Spinner | George Linde |
| Abdul Samad | Batting All-Rounder | Middle-order cover |
| Mohammed Shami | Bowling reinforcement | Pace backup |
Mayank Yadav becomes the frontline bowling Impact Sub after his extended injury layoff, looking to replicate his explosive pace that has been missed this season. Digvesh Rathi offers mystery spin variety for middle-overs control, while Abdul Samad provides domestic finishing expertise if batting changes are needed.
RR Impact Player Options
Rajasthan Royals rotate their Impact Sub based on match situation and opponent strengths, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi emerging as their primary option this season.
If RR Bowl First
Chasing scenarios favour batting reinforcements to finish the innings successfully.
| Player | Role | Likely Replaces |
|---|---|---|
| Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | Young Batter | Lower-order cover |
| Shubham Dubey | Lower-order Batter | Middle-order depth |
| Ravi Singh | Middle-order Batter | Finisher role |
| Yash Punja | Leg-spinner | Bowling flexibility |
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, the 15-year-old prodigy, has established himself as RR’s go-to impact player with consistent performances this season. Shubham Dubey offers reliable lower-order batting experience despite not featuring in 2026, while Ravi Singh brings middle-order stability following his impressive performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
If RR Bat First
Defending scenarios require bowling reinforcements to strengthen death overs and control LSG’s batting lineup.
| Player | Role | Likely Replaces |
|---|---|---|
| Lhuan-dre Pretorius | Pacer | Bowling change |
| Yash Punja | Leg-spinner | Middle-overs control |
| Shubham Dubey | Batting reinforcement | Lower-order cover |
| Ravi Singh | All-round option | Match situation flexibility |
Lhuan-dre Pretorius, the young South African, brings fresh pace options after his IPL debut in 2025.
Yash Punja, the Karnataka leg-spinner who impressed on debut against Knight Riders, offers bowling variety, while the team maintains batting flexibility with Shubham Dubey and Ravi Singh as alternatives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Himmat Singh replaced a specialist batter as LSG’s impact player during their 54-run defeat to PBKS, though he faced only one delivery.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become RR’s primary impact player option this season, emerging as one of their top performers in the 2026 campaign.
LSG’s selection depends on whether they need bowling reinforcement (if batting first) with Mayank Yadav and Digvesh Rathi, or batting cover (if chasing) with Matthew Breetzke and George Linde as primary options.
Breetzke’s match-winning fifty in the SA20 final and proven ability to bat at multiple positions make him an ideal replacement for the underperforming Nicholas Pooran in the middle order.
