Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will be mightily pleased after bowling coach B. Arun confirmed that captain Rishabh Pant is fit and fine and will take the field in their next IPL 2026 game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 19 in New Chandigarh.

Josh Hazlewood's short ball struck Pant's left forearm, forcing him to retire hurt. He did return to bat, but it was short-lived. Pant had been working out with the squad, though, and thankfully, it seems to be more of a bruise than a fracture.

“He is perfectly alright, fit enough to play tomorrow,” Arun told media persons ahead of the PBKS game.

Arun is pleased with how young pacer Prince Yadav has matured in his bowling, and fellow fast bowlers Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan have made strong comebacks following injuries.

“Yes, there is always room for improvement, but I think we are fairly happy with the way they are performing. I am extremely happy with their progress, and I strongly believe that coaching commences only when you connect with every individual. Because every individual is different,” Arun elaborated.

Arun also believes that a bowling coach needs to build trust with the bowlers before working on them and feels that he has managed to do so.

“And how quickly I connect with these bowlers is my challenge. And as far as that is concerned, I feel that I have connected well with them. And each bowler is different. So, I think what they want from me for every bowler would be different. It’s how I cater to their needs,” Arun stated.

For Arun, the biggest challenge is to keep each of the eight pacers match-ready.

“Our biggest challenge would be to get everybody match-ready. So whoever plays is confident of doing well. Your plan should be very flexible. So sometimes, it’s like any other strategy. Even in war, you have this defense and attack,” Arun stated.