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The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are among the three franchises in IPL history yet to lift the coveted IPL trophy. Last season, the Rishabh Pant-led side finished sixth, securing six wins and eight losses from 14 matches, ending with 12 points. With Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 around the corner, LSG will aim to rewrite their story and finally claim their maiden IPL title.
With strategic trades and fresh talent additions, the Super Giants now boast a balanced squad combining experience and youth. The inclusion of seasoned internationals such as Mohammed Shami, Anrich Nortje, and Wanindu Hasaranga, alongside promising youngsters like Akshat Raghuvanshi and Digvesh Rathi, provides the team with stability and flair. Here’s an AI-backed look at LSG’s strongest playing 11 for IPL 2026.
Last Season’s Finish: Sixth
LSG IPL 2026 Strongest 11
- Aiden Markram
- Mitchell Marsh
- Nicholas Pooran
- Rishabh Pant (C/WK)
- Ayush Badoni
- Akshat Raghuvanshi
- Abdul Samad
- Shahbaz Ahmed
- Mohammed Shami
- Anrich Nortje
- Digvesh Rathi
Impact Sub: Mayank Yadav
Openers: Mitchell Marsh & Aiden Markram
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LSG’s top order is unique in having three overseas batters occupying key positions. Continuing from last season, Australia’s T20I captain Mitchell Marsh will open alongside South Africa’s white-ball skipper Aiden Markram. The duo was the leading run-getters for LSG last season, and fans will expect them to repeat their top-order dominance in IPL 2026.
Middle Order: Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant & Akshat Raghuvanshi
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Nicholas Pooran, one of LSG’s most explosive batters, will anchor the no. 3 slot, maximizing his match-changing potential in IPL 2026.
Skipper Rishabh Pant had a lean batting season previously, but a late-season century against RCB showcased his capability. This season, he is expected to lead from the front and inspire the team with consistent performances.
Akshat Raghuvanshi, the 22-year-old bought for INR 2.2 crore in the IPL 2026 auction, adds youthful energy and dynamism to the middle order. LSG management will likely give him ample opportunities to showcase his talent.
All-Rounders: Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni & Shahbaz Ahmed
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Abdul Samad is a lower-order powerhouse capable of providing quickfire runs while also contributing with his leg-spin if required.
Young Indian talent Ayush Badoni offers stability and fearless stroke play, ideal for consolidating the innings in crunch situations during IPL 2026.
Bengal’s experienced all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed brings left-arm spin and handy lower-order batting. Although underutilized last season, Shahbaz is expected to play a bigger role in IPL 2026.
Also Read: Top 5 Overseas Players in IPL 2026 You Must Pick in Fantasy (AI Analysis)
Pacers: Mohammed Shami & Anrich Nortje
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LSG strengthened their bowling attack by acquiring experienced Indian pacer Mohammed Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad. Known for his swing and deadly yorkers at the death, Shami adds balance and reliability to the attack for IPL 2026.
South Africa’s Anrich Nortje, with his sheer pace, serves as a strike weapon capable of troubling batters in powerplays and at the death.
Emerging left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan remains a potential option if fully fit, having impressed previously with accuracy and variations.
Spinner: Digvesh Rathi
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While LSG invested heavily in Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga, a hamstring injury during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 could rule him out for the IPL season. Delhi’s mystery spinner Digvesh Rathi, last season’s leading wicket-taker for LSG, is expected to lead the spin department in IPL 2026.
Impact Substitute: Mayank Yadav
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With a strong batting lineup, LSG may opt for an extra pacer as their impact sub in IPL 2026. Mayank Yadav, known for his versatility in bowling at different stages, is the ideal choice to provide depth in the attack.
Bench Strength & Alternatives
- Josh Inglis / Mukul Choudhary: Backup wicketkeeping options with batting depth
- Avesh Khan / Mohsin Khan: Indian pacers who can rotate based on conditions
- Akshat Raghuvanshi / Himmat Singh: Young batters for middle-order depth
Also Read: IPL 2026: Top 10 Run-Scorers in IPL History - Most Runs of All Time
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