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Shami, Mayank to lead pace attack, Rishabh Pant at no. 3: LSG strongest XI for IPL 2026



LSG's strongest XI for IPL 2025 [Source: @IPL/X.com]LSG's strongest XI for IPL 2025 [Source: @IPL/X.com]

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), led by Rishabh Pant, are heading into the IPL 2026 in search of their maiden title. But this time, with a different and more balanced squad.

LSG took a bold call when they decided to release David Miller, Ravi Bishnoi and Akash Deep at the retention deadline. 

However, at the auction table, Lucknow filled those gaps by spending significant money on players like Wanindu Hasaranga, Anrich Nortje and Josh Inglis.

Lucknow Super Giants IPL 2026 retention list

Aiden Markram, Himmat Singh, Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Matthew Breetzke, Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Mohammed Shami, Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Arshin Kulkarni, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Akash Singh, Manimaran Siddharth

Lucknow Super Giants IPL 2026 auction buys

Wanindu Hasaranga, Anrich Nortje, Mukul Choudhary, Naman Tiwari, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Josh Inglis

Lucknow Super Giants IPL 2026 full squad

Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Mukul Choudhary, Matthew Breetzke, Josh Inglis, Aiden Markram, Himmat Singh, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Arshin Kulkarni, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Arjun Tendulkar, Anrich Nortje, Mohsin Khan, Naman Tiwari, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Akash Singh, Manimaran Siddharth

LSG IPL 2026 squad analysis

Top order: Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram to open, no. 3 uncertain

Criterion
Stats
Matches12
Runs574
Average47.83
Run Rate
9.13
Highest partnership115

(Table: Markram-Marsh opening partnerships in IPL)

LSG’s opening core is settled in Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram. Together, the duo have scored 574 runs in 12 innings at a 47.83 average.

Both can bat with intent in the powerplay, thus giving momentum to the middle order. It would be foolish of LSG to disturb a settled opening pair, which is a luxury in a fickle sport like the IPL.

Criterion
Left-arm spin
Right-arm leg spin
Innings7498
Runs690943
Average46.052.4
Strike Rate
211.7171.8
Dot%
31.936.6

(Table: Nicholas Pooran's T20 stats against left-arm orthodox spinners and right-arm leg spinners)

As for no. 3, LSG have two options in Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran. Ideally, Pooran plays spin really well. His numbers can’t tell a more defining story.

Hence, if Markram and Marsh build a good foundation, Pooran should walk in at no. 3 in the middle overs to tackle spinners.

But if any of the openers fail, Pant should bat at no. 3 without a second thought. He is someone who can bat with his aggressive approach, irrespective of the conditions. Such fearless intent comes in handy in the powerplay.

Middle-order - Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad as finishers

Criterion
Ayush Badoni
Abdul Samad
Innings4652
Runs963741
Average26.7519.50
Strike Rate
138.56151.84
6s/4s
38/7350/45

(Table: Badoni vs Samad's IPL stats)

The middle-order gap has troubled LSG for the longest time. And even in the IPL 2026 auction, they failed to address it. Their only choice at no. 5 is Ayush Badoni. The youngster has scored 963 runs for Lucknow in 46 innings with a 138.56 strike rate.

When set, Badoni can contribute at a brisk pace. But his inconsistency makes him a high-risk, low-reward option. Josh Inglis will not be available for the first half of the season. So he is out of the picture.

For the finisher role, LSG will have to turn to Abdul Samad. The J&K batter has superior power-hitting skills but lacks consistency and experience. He is a hit-or-miss player who can quickly go into a shell if the season starts on an underwhelming note.

Bowlers: Shami, Hasaranga, Digvesh to head

Criterion
Mohsin Khan
Mayank Yadav
Prince Yadav
Innings2366
Wickets2793
Average25.5120.5575.00
Economy
8.509.179.85
BBI
4/163/141/29

(Table: Mohsin vs Mayank vs Prince IPL stats for LSG)

LSG have a wide pool of pacers. Mohammed Shami will undoubtedly lead this bowling attack, but he should be utilised more in the powerplay, as he can generate seam movement with the new ball.

Mayank Yadav can use his 150+ pace advantage in the middle overs. He can hit the deck hard and with express pace, batters will struggle against him with the field spread out.

For spinners, Digvesh Rathi and Wanindu Hasaranga, the leg-spin duo, are the best options. Rathi showed great promise last year, and Hasaranga is deceptive with his variations, especially the googly. 

Criterion
Digvesh Rathi
Wanindu Hasaranga
Innings1337
Wickets1446
Average30.6424.32
Economy
8.258.41
BBI
2/305/18

(Table: Digvesh vs Hasaranga IPL stats)

One major weakness for LSG here is their death bowling. Only one among Mohsin Khan and Prince Yadav could find a place. Both are quick and effective. But Mohsin is highly injury-prone and missed the IPL 2025 season.

They can also try Anrich Nortje if Hasaranga fails. But in the initial rounds, the South African pacer won’t find a place.

LSG strongest XI for IPL 2026

Aiden Markram ✈️

Mitchell Marsh ✈️

Rishabh Pant (c)

Nicholas Pooran (wk) ✈️

Ayush Badoni

Abdul Samad

Wanindu Hasaranga ✈️

Digvesh Rathi

Mayank Yadav

Prince Yadav

Mohammed Shami

Impact subs: Mukul Choudhary, Himmat Singh