Lucknow Super Giants batter Josh Inglis made a stunning return to the playing XI during the crucial IPL 2026 match against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter, who joined the season midway, had a forgettable start earlier, playing against Mumbai Indians but failing to make an impact before suffering an injury that sidelined him for the next game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Immediate Impact with the Bat
After recovering, Inglis was drafted back into the lineup for the CSK clash and delivered one of the finest knocks for LSG this season. He attacked from the outset, making full use of the field restrictions. Inglis reached his half-century in just 17 balls, marking the third-fastest fifty for LSG in IPL history.
Fastest Fifties for LSG (by balls faced)
- 15 - Nicholas Pooran vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2023
- 16 - Nicholas Pooran vs MI, Mumbai WS, 2026
- 17 - Josh Inglis vs CSK, Chennai, 2026
- 18 - Nicholas Pooran vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2025
- 19 - Nicholas Pooran vs MI, Mumbai, 2024
Inglis eventually smashed 85 off 33 balls, powering LSG to 91 runs in the powerplay—their highest-ever powerplay score. He signaled his intent in the very first over, taking 16 runs off Akeal Hosein, including two fours and a six. Even after centurion Mitchell Marsh from the previous match was dismissed early, Inglis continued his aggressive strokeplay, maintaining a high scoring rate.
LSG's Record Powerplay
LSG reached the 50-run mark in just 3.4 overs against CSK, matching their previous fastest team fifty set against the same opponents in 2023. The powerplay score of 91/1 is now the highest for LSG, surpassing their previous best of 90/1 against MI in 2026.
Highest Powerplay Scores for LSG
- 91/1 vs CSK, Chennai, 2026
- 90/1 vs MI, Mumbai, 2026
- 80/1 vs CSK, Chennai, 2023
- 77/1 vs SRH, Hyderabad, 2025
- 74/2 vs PBKS, Mohali, 2023
Earlier, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and elected to field first. Inglis's blistering innings proved to be the difference as LSG posted a formidable total.
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