Lucknow Super Giants - IPL 2026 Squad Analysis

Lucknow Super Giants enter IPL 2026 as the highest-spending franchise, anchored by the record-breaking acquisition of Rishabh Pant for ₹27 Cr - the most expensive player in IPL history (#1 from highest-paid-players leaderboard). The investment signals a clear strategy: build around Pant's explosive capabilities and leadership.

The franchise has assembled a formidable batting core with Nicholas Pooran at ₹21 Cr (#1 highest-paid West Indian, #5 overall), who delivered 524 runs at 196.25 strike rate in 2025 - ranking #1 in sixes (40) and #3 in scoring rate (from six-hitters-2025 and scoring-rate-2025 leaderboards).

Key strategic moves include trades for Mohammad Shami at ₹10 Cr from SRH and Arjun Tendulkar from MI, alongside auction acquisitions of Wanindu Hasaranga at ₹5.25 Cr (#2 highest-paid Sri Lankan), Anrich Nortje at ₹6.5 Cr, and Josh Inglis at ₹2.6 Cr. The pace battery is led by Mayank Yadav at ₹11 Cr, whose 155+ kmph pace captured India's imagination despite fitness concerns.

Strategic Direction: LSG's approach focuses on explosive batting firepower with Pant, Pooran, and Markram forming a destructive top order, supported by an Indian pace core (Mayank, Avesh, Mohsin) and overseas spin/pace depth (Hasaranga, Nortje).

One-line assessment: A top-heavy batting lineup with match-winning potential, though home ground bowling concerns (10.11 economy) and Mayank Yadav's fitness remain significant risks for the franchise seeking to return to playoff contention.

Full Roster (25 Players)

Squad Balance

Investment Hierarchy

The top 4 investments alone represent ₹69 Cr - demonstrating LSG's "pay for proven performers" philosophy.

Home Ground: BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium (Lucknow)

Ekana offers a balanced surface with good carry for pacers and some assistance for spinners in the middle overs. However, the team-level bowling data reveals a concerning trend.

Batting Performance at Ekana

Strength Aiden Markram's 156.36 strike rate at Ekana is exceptional for an opener. His ability to dominate powerplays at home makes him the ideal first-choice partner for Pant. Strength Ayush Badoni's 376 runs at 31.33 at home makes him the most reliable middle-order option for Ekana conditions.

Bowling Performance at Ekana

Concern LSG's home ground bowling economy of 10.11 is alarming. This suggests Ekana's flat surface doesn't suit the team's pace-heavy attack, making spin (Digvesh 7.18 econ) more valuable at home. Warning Mohsin Khan's 10.14 economy at home undermines his value despite left-arm angle. Consider rotating him for spin-heavy home XIs.

Home XI Recommendation

• Aiden Markram - Opener - 258 @ 36.86, SR 156.36 at home
• Josh Inglis - Opener
• Rishabh Pant - Top Order (C/WK) - 254 @ 36.29 at home
• Nicholas Pooran - Top Order - 409 @ 25.56 at home
• Ayush Badoni - Middle Order - 376 @ 31.33 at home
• Abdul Samad - Finisher
• Wanindu Hasaranga - All-rounder
• Digvesh Singh - Spinner - 7.18 home economy!
• Mayank Yadav - Pace - 17.75 avg at home
• Avesh Khan - Death
• Anrich Nortje - Pace

Overseas: Markram, Pooran, Hasaranga, Nortje (4/4 slots) Key insight: Prioritize Digvesh Singh at home - his 7.18 economy is 2.93 runs better than team average.

Strong Grounds

Why LSG excels at Chennai: The 8.82 bowling economy at Chepauk is their best at any major Indian venue. The slower surface suits their spin options and Avesh's variations.

Weak Grounds

Concern Arun Jaitley Stadium's 11.85 bowling economy is LSG's worst. DC away games require tactical adjustments - consider batting first and using extra spin.

Favorable Matchups

vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Best Bowling Matchup)

Strength LSG's 8.06 bowling economy against KKR is their best against any opponent. The entire pace battery performs at elite levels - Nortje 14.23 avg, Avesh 19.54 avg, Mohsin 7.00 economy. This is LSG's must-win matchup.

vs Gujarat Titans

Strength Pant averages 92.00 against GT - his best opponent record. Combined with Marsh's 87.00 average, LSG's top order dominates this matchup.

vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Strength Mayank Yadav's 3.50 economy against RCB is extraordinary. When fit, he's the match-winner for this fixture.

Challenging Matchups

vs Mumbai Indians (Worst Bowling Matchup)

Concern LSG's 10.23 bowling economy against MI is their worst. Even Nortje struggles (31.56 avg). The pace attack gets targeted on Wankhede's flat surface. Tactical Recommendation: Against MI, consider spin-heavy approach with Hasaranga and Digvesh. Bat first and target 200+ totals.

vs Punjab Kings

Warning Pant's 15.57 average against PBKS is his worst opponent record. This is a critical vulnerability for LSG's captain.

Tactical note: Deploy Mohsin Khan against PBKS - his 11.60 average is exceptional. Rest Pant's ego and promote Pooran if early wicket falls.

Specialist XIs

KKR Specialist XI (Best Matchup)

• Aiden Markram - Opener - 294 @ 42.00 vs KKR
• Josh Inglis - Opener
• Rishabh Pant - Top Order (C/WK)
• Nicholas Pooran - 304 @ 38.00 vs KKR
• Mitchell Marsh - All-rounder
• Ayush Badoni - Finisher
• Wanindu Hasaranga - 7 wkts @ 19.00 vs KKR
• Mohsin Khan - 6 wkts @ 16.33, econ 7.00 vs KKR!
• Anrich Nortje - 13 wkts @ 14.23 vs KKR!
• Avesh Khan - 13 wkts @ 19.54 vs KKR
• Mayank Yadav - Pace

Overseas: Markram, Pooran, Marsh, Nortje (4/4 slots)

Caught Behind Specialists

Strength Mohsin Khan's 22.2% caught behind rate ranks #3 in IPL (caught behind). His left-arm angle and natural swing generate more edges than typical pacers - pair him with Pant's glovework for maximum effect. Tactical Implication: Deploy Mohsin in powerplay overs (1-4) when new ball swings. Position slip cordon and fine leg to maximize caught behind opportunities.

LBW Specialists

Strength Hasaranga's 13.0% LBW rate ranks #3 in IPL (lbw). His googly and leg-break combination consistently traps front-foot dominant batters. Tactical Implication: Against batters like Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma who commit forward, Hasaranga should bowl through the middle overs with aggressive LBW fields.

Caught Behind Resistance (Batting)

Strength Shahbaz Ahamad rarely edges to keeper (3.4%, #3 from caught-behind-resistance-career leaderboard). This makes him valuable against swing-heavy attacks where other batters struggle.

1. Openers

Candidates

Analysis

Aiden Markram is the established choice with 1,440 career runs at 135.08 strike rate and 10 fifties. His 2025 season was strong: 445 runs at 34.23 average and improved 148.83 strike rate. At home (Ekana), Markram averages 36.86 at elite 156.36 strike rate. Josh Inglis provides explosive potential with 162.57 strike rate (#3 in LSG squad from team-strike-rate-career-lsg leaderboard). His 278 runs in 2025 at 30.89 average was a promising debut campaign.

Recommendation

Primary: Aiden Markram + Josh Inglis - explosive combination

Backup: Matthew Breetzke (SA option), Arshin Kulkarni

Tactical note: When facing spin-heavy attacks (CSK, RCB), promote Pooran to open with Markram as Pooran struggles early against spin but dominates pace.

2. Top Order (No. 3-4)

Candidates

Analysis

Rishabh Pant is the centerpiece. His 3,553 career runs rank among IPL legends, with 128* being the #1 top-order highest score in 2025 (top order highScore). His 2 centuries in 2025 rank #3 (top order centuries). Concern Pant averages just 15.57 against PBKS - a significant vulnerability that opponents will target. Nicholas Pooran was sensational in 2025: 524 runs at 196.25 strike rate (#4 from strike-rate-2025 leaderboard), 40 sixes (#1 from six-hitters-2025 leaderboard), and 85.70 consistency rating (#5 from consistency-rating-2025 leaderboard). Strength Pooran's 202.27 strike rate against SRH is extraordinary. He single-handedly dominates this matchup.

Recommendation

No. 3: Rishabh Pant (C/WK) - 34.16 career avg, match-winning ability No. 4: Nicholas Pooran - #1 sixes, 196.25 SR 2025

Backup: Mitchell Marsh (consistency, bowling option)

3. Middle Order (No. 5-7)

Candidates

Analysis

Ayush Badoni had a career-best 2025: 329 runs at 32.90 average with 148.20 strike rate. His part-time bowling is elite - 6.50 average ranks #1 in IPL 2025 (bowling average) with an extraordinary 5.00 strike rate (#1 from bowling-strike-rate-2025 leaderboard). Strength Badoni's 61.50 average against CSK makes him a CSK specialist. Play him at No. 5 in all CSK fixtures. Abdul Samad offers explosive power: 176.34 strike rate in 2025 and 15.05% six-hitting rate (#4 from power-hitters-2025 leaderboard). His 741 career runs at 151.84 strike rate provide late-innings firepower.

Recommendation

No. 5: Ayush Badoni - 329 @ 32.90 in 2025, #1 bowling avg No. 6: Mitchell Marsh/Wanindu Hasaranga (based on overseas slots) No. 7: Abdul Samad - explosive finisher, 176.34 SR 2025

Backup: Shahbaz Ahamad (left-arm spin option)

4. Powerplay Bowling (Overs 1-6)

Candidates

Analysis

Mayank Yadav is the X-factor. When fit, his 155+ kmph pace is unplayable - his career 9 wickets at 20.56 average with 13.44 strike rate demonstrate wicket-taking ability. Against RCB, he averages just 4.67 with 3.50 economy. Warning Mayank played only 2 matches in 2025 due to fitness issues. His availability remains the team's biggest concern. Mohsin Khan provides left-arm swing with 22.2% caught behind rate (#3 in IPL). His career 27 wickets at 25.52 average make him the ideal new-ball partner for Mayank.

Recommendation

Primary: Mayank Yadav (if fit) + Mohsin Khan - pace + swing combination

Rotation: Avesh Khan (87 career wickets), Anrich Nortje (express pace)

Backup: Mohammad Shami, Akash Singh (left-arm option)

5. Middle Overs Bowling (Overs 7-15)

Candidates

Analysis

Wanindu Hasaranga is the primary threat with 46 career wickets at 24.33 average. His 5/18 ranks #4 in best bowling figures ever (best bowling figures). His 13.0% LBW rate (#3) makes him lethal against front-foot batters. Strength Hasaranga's 5.00 average against SRH is exceptional - deploy him heavily in SRH fixtures. Digvesh Singh provides consistency - his 0.68 CV ranks #3 among IPL bowlers (bowling consistency champions). His 14 wickets in 2025 at 8.25 economy make him the most reliable Indian spin option.

Recommendation

Primary: Wanindu Hasaranga (overs 8-11) + Digvesh Singh (overs 12-14)

Rotation: Shahbaz Ahamad for left-arm variety

Backup: Ayush Badoni (6.50 avg 2025 - use as impact)

6. Death Overs Bowling (Overs 16-20)

Candidates

Analysis

Avesh Khan is the established death bowler with 87 career wickets. His wicket-to-maiden ratio of 87.00 ranks #4 in IPL (wicket to maiden ratio), indicating consistent pressure bowling. Concern Avesh's 10.29 economy in 2025 was his worst - he needs to improve yorker accuracy. Anrich Nortje provides express pace backup. His 0.73 consistency CV ranks #4 among IPL bowlers (bowling consistency champions), ensuring reliable performances.

Recommendation

Primary: Avesh Khan (overs 18-20) + Anrich Nortje (over 17)

Rotation: Mayank Yadav (when fit), Mohsin Khan

Backup: Mohammad Shami

Primary XI

• Aiden Markram - Opener
• Josh Inglis - Opener
• Rishabh Pant - Top Order (C/WK)
• Nicholas Pooran - Top Order
• Ayush Badoni - Middle Order
• Mitchell Marsh - All-rounder
• Abdul Samad - Finisher
• Wanindu Hasaranga - Spin All-rounder
• Mohsin Khan - Powerplay Pace
• Avesh Khan - Death Specialist
• Mayank Yadav - Strike Bowler

Overseas: Markram, Pooran, Marsh, Hasaranga (4/4 slots) Note: Nortje benched to accommodate Marsh's batting value

Home XI (Ekana - Spin-Heavy)

• Aiden Markram - Opener - 36.86 avg, 156.36 SR at home
• Josh Inglis - Opener
• Rishabh Pant - Top Order (C/WK) - 36.29 avg at home
• Nicholas Pooran - Top Order
• Ayush Badoni - 31.33 avg at home!
• Abdul Samad - Finisher
• Wanindu Hasaranga - Spin
• Digvesh Singh - Spin - 7.18 econ at home!
• Mayank Yadav - 17.75 avg at home
• Avesh Khan - Death
• Anrich Nortje - Pace

Overseas: Markram, Pooran, Hasaranga, Nortje (4/4 slots) Key change: Digvesh replaces Mohsin for spin dominance at home (7.18 vs 10.14 economy)

Away XI (Pace-Friendly Conditions)

• Aiden Markram - Opener
• Josh Inglis - Opener
• Rishabh Pant - Top Order (C/WK)
• Nicholas Pooran - Top Order
• Mitchell Marsh - Batting depth + bowling
• Ayush Badoni - Middle Order
• Abdul Samad - Finisher
• Mohsin Khan - New ball swing
• Anrich Nortje - Express pace
• Avesh Khan - Death
• Mayank Yadav - Pace

Overseas: Markram, Pooran, Marsh, Nortje (4/4 slots) Hasaranga benched for extra pace at venues like Wankhede, Chinnaswamy

Key Strengths

• Nicholas Pooran's 196.25 strike rate in 2025 and 40 sixes (#1 in IPL) makes him the most destructive finisher in the tournament. His ability to single-handedly win games is unmatched.

• Rishabh Pant's ₹27 Cr investment brings proven match-winning ability - 3,553 career runs at 147.61 strike rate, with elite records against GT (92.00 avg), RCB (53.90 avg), and CSK (48.67 avg).

• Ayush Badoni's bowling emergence (#1 avg 6.50, #1 SR 5.00 in 2025) adds a sixth bowling option without sacrificing batting depth. His 32.90 batting average provides middle-order stability.

• The KKR matchup is LSG's strongest - 8.06 bowling economy with Nortje (14.23 avg), Avesh (19.54 avg), and Mohsin (7.00 econ) all performing at career-best levels.

• Wanindu Hasaranga's 13.0% LBW rate (#3) and 5/18 best figures (#4) provide a genuine match-winning spin option. His 5.00 average against SRH is extraordinary.

• Mohsin Khan's 22.2% caught behind rate (#3) creates a unique weapon when paired with Pant's glovework - expect early wickets in swing-friendly conditions.

Key Concerns

• Mayank Yadav's fitness is the elephant in the room. Only 2 matches in 2025, yet ₹11 Cr invested. If he misses significant games, LSG's pace attack loses its primary weapon.

• Home ground bowling economy of 10.11 is alarming. The pace-heavy approach doesn't suit Ekana's flat surface - spin options (Digvesh 7.18 econ) need more overs.

• Pant's 15.57 average against PBKS is a major vulnerability. The captain struggles against this specific opponent, requiring tactical adjustments.

• No specialist wicketkeeper depth. If Pant is injured, Inglis can keep but sacrifices an overseas slot, disrupting team balance.

• Overseas slot management with 7 quality options (Pooran, Markram, Nortje, Marsh, Hasaranga, Inglis, Breetzke) creates selection headaches. Nortje and Marsh often compete for the same spot.

Opponent-Specific Tactics

Venue-Specific Adjustments