Published on: Mar 20, 2026 3:35 pm IST|Updated on: Mar 20, 2026 4:21 pm IST
The Lucknow Super Giants are among the three teams in IPL history to have never had their hand on the elusive IPL trophy. The Rishabh Pant-led side finished sixth last season after winning 6 and losing 8 games out of 14 with 12 points and would be aiming to turn their fortunes in the upcoming Tata IPL 2026.
With some big trades and fresh talent added to their roster, the franchise looks well-balanced and ready to challenge for their maiden IPL title. The inclusion of experienced internationals like Mohammed Shami, Anrich Nortje, and Wanindu Hasaranga, alongside promising youngsters such as Akshat Raghuvanshi and Digvesh Rathi, gives LSG the right mix of stability and flair. Fans will be expecting the team to deliver consistency and finally place their hands on the IPL trophy. In this post, we have compiled the best possible eleven for the Super Giants based on their current squad. Let’s take a look.
Last Season’s Finish: Sixth
The Lucknow Super Giants are the only team in this IPL to have three overseas batters at the top. Following the blueprint from the last season, Australia’s T20I skipper Mitchell Marsh, along with South Africa’s white-ball skipper Aiden Markram, will be opening the innings. The duo had a terrific season last year as they were the top run-getters for the team as a pair. The team management and fans would be expecting the same run from the two overseas batters this year as well.
Nicholas Pooran has been one of LSG’s most explosive batters, capable of changing games single‑handedly. He will slot in at no. 3 to maximize his impact. Skipper Rishabh Pant’s lean run in last season with the bat was somehow overshadowed by a century in LSG’s final group game of the last season against RCB in a dead rubber. However, the skipper will have to take more responsibility this season and emerge as an inspirational leader by making his bat do all the talking.
Another youngster this year in LSG’s middle-order will be Gwalior-born Akshat Raghuvanshi. The 22-year-old was bought for INR 2.2 crore in the IPL 2026 auctions. Having invested a heavy sum on a rookie, expect Raghuvanshi to get enough chances in the middle and lower middle order for LSG.
Abdul Samad is an astonishing hitter at the lower order. He is one of those batters who make those vital contributions of 20-25 runs at a brisk pace. Samad will be a vital cog with the bat and could chip in with his leggies if needed. Ayush Badoni, the young Indian talent, has shown glimpses of brilliance and will be entrusted with the role of consolidating the innings while playing fearless cricket.
The other name in this category is Bengal’s proven all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed. The 31-year-old offers left-arm spin along with more than handy batting lower down the order. Shahbaz didn’t get enough chances last season due to the team composition. However, in IPL 2026, Shahbaz may get the chances he deserves for LSG.
LSG lacked an experienced Indian pacer last season. They did the right thing ahead of the auctions this year by trading Mohammed Shami into the squad from Sunrisers Hyderabad. Shami adds immense experience and consistency. His ability to swing the ball upfront and deliver yorkers at the death makes him a complete package. Anrich Nortje, with his raw pace, is a strike weapon who can trouble batters in the powerplay and at the death.
Another option could be Mohsin Khan. The young left-arm pacer has impressed with his accuracy and variations. His rise has been one of the positives for LSG. However, injuries have kept him at bay in the last 2 seasons, and it would be interesting to see how his body feels now ahead of IPL 2026.
The Lucknow Super Giants invested INR 2 crores for Sri Lanka’s extremely talented leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga; however, after getting his hamstring torn during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Hasaranga may miss the entire IPL 2026 season. LSG will have to rely on their find from the last season, i.e., Delhi’s mystery spinner, Digvesh Rathi. Digvesh was the leading wicket-taker for LSG last year, and once again, he will be at the forefront among the spinners for the side.
With the batting lineup already stacked, LSG may opt for an extra pacer as their impact sub. Mayank Yadav, who has been LSG’s tearaway pacer, could be the ideal choice. His ability to bowl at different stages of the innings makes him a useful option.
Tags: IPL 2026