Lucknow Super Giants have never been among the most watched teams in the Indian Premier League. Although they made the playoffs in 2022 and 2023, success has largely eluded them since then. They failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2024 and 2025. Last season, Rishabh Pant replaced KL Rahul as captain, but the change had little impact.
Pant struggled with the bat, scoring just 151 runs at an average of 11.61 in his first 13 innings. Although he ended the season with an unbeaten 118 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), LSG’s campaign was virtually over by then.
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However, the IPL 2026 season represents a a new challenge for Pant. With his focus on teams like Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and other major franchises, this is his opportunity to make his mark and build a stronger identity for the Super Giants.
IPL: LSG STRENGTHS
LSG enter IPL 2026 with strong batting depth and match winners throughout the order. They have retained big hitters like Nicholas Pooran, who consistently finishes among the top scorers and can clear boundaries with ease. Next to him are experienced T20 performers like Rishabh Pant who are capable of attacking any bowling attack.
The presence of overseas all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram adds flexibility at the top, while Josh Inglis provides additional slot-opening options. Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad will play a key role in anchoring the middle order.
On the bowling front, veteran batsmen Mohammed Shami and Avesh Khan lead the pace of LSG’s attack, while spin options like Shahbaz Ahmed and Wanindu Hasaranga provide vital variations in the middle overs.
With this balanced combination of firepower and depth, LSG has a personnel that can compete with the best teams and push for a playoff spot. Once injury prone, Mayank Yadav will be one to watch this season.
IPL: LSG’S WEAKNESSES
Despite having a talented squad, LSG face several concerns that could affect their IPL 2026 campaign. Their failure to qualify for the play-offs in the last two seasons has highlighted their on-field consistency issues.
A major weakness is their reliance on multiple match winners; if top players like Nicholas Pooran or Mitchell Marsh fail, the middle-order often lacks reliable finishers, impacting chases and big totals.
The pace attack has been inconsistent, with the senior bowlers occasionally leaking runs at key stages and the starters yet to fully establish themselves. Fitness concerns – especially around Mayank Yadav – have also affected the balance of the team and the team still requires stronger bench depth.
Rishabh Pant’s recent dip in form combined with pressure on his high price tag has added to the team’s challenges.
LSG FULL SQUAD FOR IPL 2026
LSG IPL 2026 Retention
Rishabh Pant – Rs 27 crore
Nicholas Pooran – Rs 21 crore
Mayank Yadav – Rs 11 crore
Mohammed Shami – Rs 10 crore
Avesh Khan – Rs 9.75 crore
Abdul Samad – Rs.4.2 million
Ayush Badoni – Rs.4 million
Mohsin Khan – Rs.4 million
Mitchell Marsh – Rs 3.4 billion
Shahbaz Ahmed – Rs 2.4 billion
Aiden Markram – Rs.2 million
Matthew Breetzke – Rs 75 crore
Manimaran Siddharth – Rs 75 crore
Himmat Singh – Rs 30 crore
Digvesh Rathi – Rs 30 crore
Arshin Kulkarni – Rs 30 lakhs
Prince Yadav – Rs 30 crore
Akash Singh – Rs 30 lakh
LSG IPL 2026 Auction Buys
Josh Inglis – Rs 8.60 crore
Mukul Choudhary – Rs.2.60 crore
Akshat Raghuwanshi – Rs 2.20 crore
Anrich Nortje – Rs.2 million
Wanindu Hasaranga – Rs.2 million
Tiwari on the other hand – Rs 1 crore
LSG INJURY NEWS
Josh Inglis may miss at least the early part of the IPL as he has previously mentioned plans to get married in early April.
Wanindu Hasaranga suffered a hamstring injury during the T20 World Cup and it is still unclear how long he will be available to play for the Super Giants.
LSG: 3 PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami will have a lot to prove for the Super Giants after being bought for Rs 10 crore. The veteran pacer has not represented India since the Champions Trophy last season and will look forward to a strong IPL campaign to stake his claim for a national comeback. With 133 IPL wickets to their name, LSG will look to use their pace, skill and experience to bolster their bowling attack.
Nicholas Pooran
Nicholas Pooran is one of the most dangerous T20 batsmen who can turn matches on their heads. Since 2023, a stalwart of LSG’s middle order, he has scored 1,381 runs in 43 matches at a strike rate of 183.15, hitting 102 sixes.
He amassed 526 runs at an impressive 196.25 last season, although he often lacked support from the other end. Pooran will again be pivotal for the Super Giants, but the team will need contributions from others as well, as it would be unrealistic to rely on him to carry LSG in every game.
Mayank Yadav
Mayank Yadav consistently clocked over 150 kmph during his debut IPL season in 2024. His raw pace impressed the selectors so much that he went on to represent India later that year. However, recurring injuries prevented the young pacer’s career from really taking off.
After making an appearance in the IPL last season, Mayank returned to action in the T20 World Cup warm-up games in India. He will now be hoping for a season where he stays fit, plays the majority of LSG’s games and proves his durability and long-term value.
LSG PREDICTED GAME XI
Batting first
Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Digvesh Rathi
Impact Player: Shahbaz Ahmed
Fielding first
Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Digvesh Rathi
Impact Player: Arshin Kulkarni
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
27 March 2026 08:25 IST
