Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant found himself in an awkward yet funny exchange with commentator Ian Bishop during the toss ahead of LSG’s IPL 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday, after being asked about the absence of senior pacer Mohammed Shami from the playing XI.Rajasthan Royals stand-in skipper Yashasvi Jaiswal won the toss and elected to bowl first. RR regular captain Riyan Parag missed the match because of a hamstring injury suffered in the previous game, while Ravindra Jadeja was also unavailable as he recovers from “some niggles”. RR made three changes with Sandeep Sharma, Sushant Mishra and Lhuan-dre Pretorious coming into the playing XI.LSG also made two changes as Mohsin Khan replaced Shami, while Ayush Badoni came in for Aiden Markram.During the toss, Pant confirmed that Shami had been left out. However, when Bishop asked the reason behind the pacer’s omission, the conversation quickly turned confusing.This is how the exchange unfolded:Pant: Shami is not playing, Mohsin is playingBishop: What’s the issue with Shami?Pant: YeahBishop: What’s the issue with Shami?Pant: MohsinBishop: No, what’s the issue with Shami?Pant: (seemingly puzzled)Bishop: Who is out?Pant: Shami is out, Mohsin is playingBishop: Ya, I’m asking…Pant: Aiden is out, Badoni is inBishop: Okay, we can leave it therePant: (nods his head)”The moment quickly went viral on social media, with fans reacting to Pant’s confused replies and Bishop’s repeated attempts to get clarity on Shami’s absence.Rajasthan Royals came into the match placed fifth on the points table, while Lucknow Super Giants were already out of the playoff race.
