Predicted LSG Playing XI vs MI: Josh Inglis to replace out of form Nicholas Pooran

Nicholas Pooran hasn't been able to hit his stride in IPL 2026, with his strike rate being a paltry 81.18 after 8 matches.

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are beyond redemption. With 2 wins from 8 matches, their fate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is virtually sealed. The only thing that can change is their position in the point table. At the moment, they are dead last. But 6 games are enough to end the tournament on a slight positive note.

LSG’s batting woes

The bowling, especially the domestic talent, has clicked. Mohsin Khan, Prince Yadav, and Mohammed Shami have emerged as some of the best fast bowlers in the league. It’s their batting that has let them down. The top four – Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, and Nicholas Pooran – have been an utter disappointment. So far, no LSG batter has a strike rate of even 150.

Time to rest Pooran, bring Inglis in

Pooran has perhaps been the biggest concern for LSG. He was their best batter last season, especially in the first half. Many even considered him the best T20 batter in the world. But that was 12 months ago. Since then, he’s retired from international cricket and failed to score runs on the franchise circuit.

After 8 matches, Pooran has 82 runs at 10.25 while striking at 81.18. These look like a tailender’s numbers in ODI cricket. At this moment, it seems like his batting is doing more harm than good. Not just to the team but also to his confidence. That’s why Josh Inglis’ entry seems apt.

Josh Inglis at number 3 in IPL 2025

The Australian wicketkeeper-batter joined LSG on May 1 after taking an extended personal break. Although Pooran was batting at 4, considering how Pant hasn’t done great at number 3 and Inglis was one of the most destructive top-order batters last season, it’s best to let him play at his preferred position and move Pant around. Which could help both the batters.

Other than Inglis coming in, one doesn’t seem to see LSG make many changes to their side. Yes, Digvesh Rathi hasn’t replicated his last season’s success, but he remains their best spinner, with M. Siddharth failing to capitalise when given the opportunity.

Predicted LSG Playing XI vs MI