IPL 2025: 3 Lucknow Super Giants Players Who Did Well In SMAT 2024

Jatin

Shahbaz Ahmed was brilliant in SMAT 2024-25 [Source: @BCCIdomestic/x.com]Shahbaz Ahmed was brilliant in SMAT 2024-25 [Source: @BCCIdomestic/x.com]

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The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 came to an exciting end with Mumbai lifting the trophy after beating Madhya Pradesh in the final. While the tournament was full of big moments and brilliant performances, it was also a sneak peek into what’s coming in IPL 2025.

And for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), a few of their players gave fans plenty to cheer about. Three players in particular stole the show in SMAT 2024, and showed exactly why they’re going to be crucial for LSG. Here is a look at three LSG players who did well during the Indian domestic tournament.

3. Ayush Badoni

Ayush Badoni is proving to be more than just a flashy young talent. Retained by LSG, Badoni stepped up as Delhi’s captain and guided them to the semi-finals. The youngster showed that can handle pressure, no doubt about it.

He scored 180 runs in eight innings, with a top knock of 70. Sure, his average of 22.50 doesn’t scream wow, but his strike rate of 132.35 shows he knows how to keep the scoreboard ticking. When Delhi needed someone to step up, Badoni was there.

For LSG, Badoni’s leadership and calmness under pressure are huge. He’s got the chops to anchor the innings or finish games.

2. Avesh Khan

Avesh Khan, LSG’s ₹9.75 crore signing, showed why he’s a hot property in cricket. Playing for Madhya Pradesh, Avesh was aggressive with the ball and handy with the bat. He picked up 10 wickets in nine matches at an exceptional economy of 8.30.

His best bowling figures of 2/17 and his ability to nail the yorkers in the death overs made him Madhya Pradesh’s go-to guy. Avesh’s strike rate with the ball and his knack for keeping things tight will be gold for LSG. Come IPL 2025, he’s going to be LSG’s spearhead.

1. Shahbaz Ahmed

Shahbaz Ahmed is the kind of player every team wants—a genuine all-rounder. Bought by LSG for ₹2.4 crore, Shahbaz delivered big time in SMAT 2024. He smashed an unbeaten 100* and finished the tournament with 237 runs at a stunning average of 79 and a blistering strike rate of 176.86.

And he wasn’t just about the runs. Shahbaz also chipped in with seven wickets in nine games. His best figures of 2/14 show he can hold his nerve and deliver in tight situations. Shahbaz is a match-winner, plain and simple. LSG fans should will be buzzing to see him in action this season.