With three months left to IPL 2026, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) find themselves at an interesting crossroads. The team entered the mini-auction with six slots to fill and executed a clear, strategy-driven plan. With a full squad of 25 players, seven of them overseas, LSG have clearly leaned into marquee names and explosive potential. However, questions remain about what the team looks like ahead of the IPL 2026.
LSG overview
The 25-member LSG team looks heavy on top-order firepower and has quality Indian fast-bowling pacers. The headline inclusions of skipper Rishabh Pant, Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and hard-hitter Nicholas Pooran ensure that the batting lineup has an international pedigree. Yet, the composition also raises concerns, particularly in the lower-middle order and finishing department.
One of the boldest—and most debated—decisions was releasing David Miller before the auction. Despite entering the auction with clear intent, the Pant-led team failed to secure a like-for-like replacement, a gap that could loom large in close contests.
Is LSG’s batting strong at the top and thin at the end?
LSG’s batting unit is clearly top-heavy. A likely top four of Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, and Rishabh Pant can dominate any bowling attack on their day. Young Indian batters like Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad show promise, but both remain inconsistent at the IPL level, especially Samad. The absence of a Miller this year means LSG may struggle to close out matches, especially on slow wickets where experience under pressure is crucial.
Bowling: Pace Firepower with Fitness Concerns
On the bowling front, LSG boasts serious pace; Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Mohsin Khan provide variety and speed. Anrich Nortje adds raw pace and international experience. Whereas in the spin department, options such as Wanindu Hasaranga, Digvesh Rathi, and M Siddharth offer tactical flexibility. However, fitness is the common red flag. Several of LSG’s frontline quicks have a history of injuries, which could force frequent chopping and changing throughout the 2026 season.
What will be the probable playing 11 for LSG?
Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (captain & wicket-keeper), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed, Avesh Khan, Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, 12 Digvesh Rathi/ Akshat Raghuwanshi.
LSG squad
Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh, Rishabh Pant (c), Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Arshin Kulkarni, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, Manimaran Siddharth, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Akash Singh. Traded in: Mohammed Shami (from SRH), Arjun Tendulkar (from MI).
Players bought in the auction:
Josh Inglis (8.60 cr), Mukul Choudhary (2.60 cr), Akshat Raghuwanshi (2.20 cr), Anrich Nortje (2 cr), Wanindu Hasaranga (2 cr), Naman Tiwari (1 cr)
