Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are ready to start their IPL 2026 campaign with renewed confidence as they prepare to face Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 1. After a disappointing IPL 2025 season where they finished 7th with only six wins, the team now looks much stronger thanks to the return of several key fast bowlers.
Injuries had severely affected Lucknow’s pace attack last season, but things look different now. Mayank Yadav, known for his extreme pace of around 150 kmph, is fit again. Mohsin Khan has also recovered and is available for selection.
However, there are still some concerns for LSG. Wanindu Hasaranga could miss the entire season, while Josh Inglis might only be available for a limited number of matches.
Despite these issues, the team management has shown faith in players who struggled with injuries earlier. Now the responsibility lies on these players to perform and help LSG make a strong start in IPL 2026.
Expected LSG Batting Order vs DC
The batting lineup of Lucknow Super Giants looks balanced with a mix of power hitters and technically solid batters.
Recently, discussions suggested that captain Rishabh Pant might move to No. 3, which could help strengthen the middle order. Pant has an excellent record at that position.
Rishabh Pant Record at No. 3
| Matches (Innings) | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 558 | 46.5 | 173 |
Pant’s aggressive style and strong numbers at this position make him a key player in LSG’s batting plans.
Opening Combination
LSG are likely to start with Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh as openers. Both players are experienced international batters who can score quickly in the powerplay.
Keeping Pant at No. 3 also provides a left-handed option in the middle order, which improves the team’s balance.
Read Also: Most Expensive Player in Each IPL Auction
Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni in the Middle Order
After the top order, Nicholas Pooran will likely take the No. 4 spot. He was one of the best performers for LSG last season.
Nicholas Pooran IPL 2025 Performance
| Matches | Runs | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | 524 | 196 |
Pooran’s ability to score quickly in the middle overs makes him a dangerous batter.
Following him is Ayush Badoni, a young batter who has consistently shown promise.
Ayush Badoni IPL Career Stats
| Matches | Runs | Average |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | 900+ | ~26 |
Badoni scored two half-centuries last season, and IPL 2026 could be the year where he takes his game to the next level.
Battle for the No. 6 Spot
The No. 6 position is still open for debate. Two players are competing for this role.
Abdul Samad vs Arshin Kulkarni
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdul Samad | Known as a finisher | Power hitter | — | — |
| Arshin Kulkarni | 21 | 549 | 28 | 12 |
Abdul Samad is known mainly for his finishing ability. On the other hand, Arshin Kulkarni offers more flexibility since he can bat higher in the order and also bowl a few overs of pace.
Because of this all-round ability, Kulkarni currently appears slightly ahead in the selection race.
Spin Option: Shahbaz Ahmed or M Siddharth?
LSG also have a selection decision to make in their spin department.
Spin Bowling Comparison
| Player | Economy Rate | Matches | Batting Ability |
|---|---|---|---|
| M Siddharth | 6.41 | T20 career | Limited |
| Shahbaz Ahmed | 7.87 | 114 | Strong all-rounder |
While Siddharth is slightly more economical, Shahbaz Ahmed adds extra value with the bat, which could be important in the middle order.
Shahbaz Ahmed T20 Batting Stats
| Matches | Runs | Average |
|---|---|---|
| 114 | 1355 | 25.56 |
Because of his all-round ability, Shahbaz could be the preferred option.
Best Predicted LSG Playing XI vs DC
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Aiden Markram |
| 2 | Mitchell Marsh |
| 3 | Rishabh Pant (Captain & WK) |
| 4 | Nicholas Pooran |
| 5 | Ayush Badoni |
| 6 | Arshin Kulkarni |
| 7 | Shahbaz Ahmed |
| 8 | Mohammed Shami |
| 9 | Mayank Yadav |
| 10 | Digvesh Rathi |
| 11 | Prince Yadav |
Impact Substitute: Anrich Nortje / Avesh Khan
With Mayank Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and other pacers fit, LSG’s bowling attack suddenly looks far more dangerous. If the fast bowlers stay healthy and the top order performs well, Lucknow Super Giants could become a serious contender this season.
LSG Full Squad for IPL 2026
| Players |
|---|
| Rishabh Pant (Captain) |
| Nicholas Pooran (Vice-Captain) |
| Aiden Markram |
| Mitchell Marsh |
| Josh Inglis |
| Matthew Breetzke |
| Himmat Singh |
| Mukul Choudhury |
| Akshat Raghuwanshi |
| Wanindu Hasaranga |
| Arshin Kulkarni |
| Abdul Samad |
| Shahbaz Ahmed |
| Ayush Badoni |
| Mohammed Shami |
| Anrich Nortje |
| Mayank Yadav |
| Mohsin Khan |
| Avesh Khan |
| Prince Yadav |
| Arjun Tendulkar |
| Naman Tiwary |
| Manimaran Siddharth |
| Digvesh Singh |
| Akash Singh |
