Lucknow Super Giants had a difficult season last year where they could not make it to the play-offs. Rishabh Pant, the captain of the side and also their most expensive player brought in the auction failed
to deliver and is under pressure coming into this season. LSG have shown faith in Rishabh Pant as they have continued with him as captain while Justin Langer also continues as the coach of the side for IPL 2026. They have made some changes and picked up some quality players in the auction and they have a very good squad on paper and will be keen to have a better season this time around as they are eyeing their maiden title.
When it comes to the LSG side, the openers will pick themselves. Aiden Markram and Mitch Marsh were a prolific pair last season and were really consistent throughout the season so there will be no changes to that and they are set to open. Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant will be the next batters. While Pooran played at Number 3 majorly last season. Him and Rishabh Pant could interchange the role this time around with Pant batting at 3 and Pooran to follow him next.
Ayush Badoni has been with the LSG since a long time and they have shown plenty of faith in him by retaining him. He will slot in at the Number five position while Abdul Samad and Shahbaz Ahmed forming the lower middle order batters in the side.
Lucknow Super Giants Playing XI IPL 2026
Aiden Markram
Mitchell Marsh
Rishabh Pant (c/wk)
Nicholas Pooran
Ayush Badoni
Shahbaz Ahmed
Abdul Samad
Wanindu Hasaranga
Mohammad Shami
Avesh Khan
Digvesh Rathi
Impact Player: Mayank Yadav/ M Siddharth
Wanindu Hasaranga will slot in as the overseas spinner while Digvesh Rathi will be the other spin option in the side. When it comes to the pacers, Avesh Khan, Mohammad Shami will be joined by Mayank Yadav. Manimran Siddharth could come in as an impact player if the conditions demand an extra spinner in the side. Overall, the LSG unit looks a really strong side and this is their best possible side.
