Lucknow Super Giants preview: Can Rishabh Pant lead LSG to success in IPL 2026?

IPL 2026: Lucknow Super Giants will have a chance to make amends in the upcoming season as they chase their maiden title. Rishabh Pant, too, will have a point to prove after a disappointing 2025 campaign, where he struggled both as captain and with the bat.

In Short

• LSG failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2024 and 2025
• Rishabh Pant will be looking to lead LSG from the front
• Nicholas Pooran has been among LSG’s most consistent performers

Lucknow Super Giants have never been among the most-followed teams in the Indian Premier League. While they reached the playoffs in 2022 and 2023, success has largely eluded them since. In 2024 and 2025, they failed to qualify for the playoffs. Last season, Rishabh Pant replaced KL Rahul as captain, but the change made little impact.

Pant struggled with the bat, scoring just 151 runs in his first 13 innings at an average of 11.61. Although he finished the season with an unbeaten 118 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), LSG's campaign was effectively over by then.

The IPL 2026 season, however, presents a fresh challenge for Pant. With the spotlight on teams like Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and other high-profile franchises, this is his opportunity to make a mark and build a stronger identity for the Super Giants.

IPL: LSG'S STRENGTHS

LSG enter IPL 2026 with strong batting depth and match-winners across the order. They have retained big hitters like Nicholas Pooran, who consistently finishes among the top run-scorers and can clear the boundary with ease. Alongside him are experienced T20 performers like Rishabh Pant, capable of taking the attack to any bowling attack.

The presence of overseas batting all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram adds flexibility at the top, while Josh Inglis provides additional options for the opening slots. Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad will play a key role in anchoring the middle order.

On the bowling front, LSG's pace attack is led by seasoned campaigners Mohammed Shami and Avesh Khan, while spin options such as Shahbaz Ahmed and Wanindu Hasaranga provide crucial variation in the middle overs.

With this balanced combination of firepower and depth, LSG have the personnel to compete with top sides and push for a playoff spot. Mayank Yadav, once injury-prone, will be one to watch this season.

IPL: LSG'S WEAKNESSES

Despite a talented squad, LSG face several concerns that could affect their IPL 2026 campaign. Their failure to qualify for the playoffs in the last two seasons highlighted issues with consistency on the field.

A major weakness is their dependence on a few match-winners; if top performers 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 senior bowlers occasionally leaking runs in key phases and emerging seamers yet to fully establish themselves. Fitness concerns—particularly around Mayank Yadav—have also affected squad balance, and the team still requires stronger bench depth.

Additionally, Rishabh Pant's recent dip in form, combined with the pressure of his high price tag, has added to the team's challenges.

LSG FULL SQUAD FOR IPL 2026

LSG IPL 2026 Retentions

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 crore
Ayush Badoni - Rs 4 crore
Mohsin Khan - Rs 4 crore
Mitchell Marsh - Rs 3.4 crore
Shahbaz Ahmed - Rs 2.4 crore
Aiden Markram - Rs 2 crore
Matthew Breetzke - Rs 75 lakh
Manimaran Siddharth - Rs 75 lakh
Himmat Singh - Rs 30 lakh
Digvesh Rathi - Rs 30 lakh
Arshin Kulkarni - Rs 30 lakh
Prince Yadav - Rs 30 lakh
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 crore
Wanindu Hasaranga - Rs 2 crore
Naman Tiwari - Rs 1 crore

LSG INJURY NEWS

Josh Inglis may miss at least the early part of the IPL, as he had previously mentioned plans to get married in early April.

Wanindu Hasaranga sustained 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 point to prove for the Super Giants after being bought for Rs 10 crore. The experienced pacer hasn't represented India since the Champions Trophy last season and will be eager to deliver a strong IPL campaign to stake his claim for a national comeback. With 133 IPL wickets to his name, LSG will look to leverage his pace, skill, and experience to strengthen their bowling attack.

Nicholas Pooran

Nicholas Pooran is one of the most dangerous T20 batters, capable of turning matches on their head. A stalwart of LSG's middle order since 2023, he has scored 1,381 runs in 43 matches at a strike rate of 183.15, hitting 102 sixes along the way.

Last season, he amassed 526 runs at an impressive strike rate of 196.25, though 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 speeds of 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 have prevented the young pacer's career from truly taking off.

After featuring in the IPL last season, Mayank returned to action in India A's T20 World Cup warm-up games. He will now be hoping for a season in which he can stay fit, play the majority of LSG's matches, and prove both his resilience and long-term value to the side.

LSG PREDICTED PLAYING 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

IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score

- Ends