The ongoing IPL 2026 might have had a blockbuster start, but the real drama unfolded even before the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Delhi Capitals (DC) faced each other on April 1. Nitish Rana and Digvesh Rathi have finally ended their rivalry before the LSG vs DC clash in Lucknow, thanks to Rishabh Pant.
Rana and Digvesh Rathi were involved in an infamous on-field spat during the Delhi Premier League (DPL) eliminator in August 2025 between the West Delhi Lions and the South Delhi Superstarz.
Flashback to Nitish Rana and Digvesh Rathi rivalry
During the Eliminator, Rathi suddenly stopped mid-bowling as Rana was about to play a shot, which angered the Delhi Lions’ captain. On the next delivery, Rana backed away, which sparked a heated verbal fight. After hitting Rathi for a six, Rana mocked the spinner’s signature “notebook celebration” by copying it on his bat.
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And the situation escalated instantly, almost turning physical, and umpires and teammates had to intervene. Later, Rana and Rathi both were fined heavily for their conduct during the match.
This shocking incident created huge buzz among the Indian cricket fraternity, and because of this, all eyes were on Rana’s Delhi Capitals’ IPL 2026 clash with Rathi’s Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday.
Rishabh Pant steps in as peacemaker ahead of IPL 2026 match
However, Rishabh Pant had different plans. Before the IPL 2026 clash at the Ekana Stadium, the LSG captain played the peacemaker between Rana and Rathi. In a video shared by the Lucknow Super Giants on social media, Rana and Rathi were seen talking calmly and laughing.
However, Rathi began walking away after a short exchange, but Pant noticed the tension and called his teammate back to settle their differences peacefully. Rana even suggested that they need to meet privately to make sure all past issues were completely resolved.
In the clip, Pant was heard saying, “Tu kaha ja raha hai? Bas ho gaya” (Where are you going? Enough). On the other hand, Rana was heard telling Rathi, “In that case, I’ll have to sit with you.”
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Kuldeep Yadav turns a serious moment into laughter
The serious situation turned hilarious as the Delhi Capitals spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who was standing close by, jumped into the conversation with his usual fun style.
“Bohut gyaan de diya,” he joked, and immediately pulled Rishabh Pant into a warm hug. Hearing that, the LSG captain Pant replied, “This is the problem with both.”
The meet-up the internet ordered 😂 pic.twitter.com/2eDeKETnvB
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) March 31, 2026
The diamonds will rise: Justin Langer on Rishabh Pant
Meanwhile, the Lucknow Super Giants head coach, Justin Langer, hailed Rishabh Pant as he was talking about the competition within Indian cricket. Langer said, as quoted by India. Today: “At his very best, Rishabh Pant is smiling, competitive, throwing punches, and aggressive. We saw that in the last game last year. That was brilliant. But every Indian player knows the competition.”
He added, “India has just won the World Cup again. You could have three international teams. Whether you are as experienced as Rishabh or a young player, everyone is pushing to be selected. So yes, there is pressure, and that is good. The diamonds will rise. He is in a good place. He is smiling, happy, and batting well. He has the right people around him to bring out his best.”
