The excitement for the Indian Premier League (IPL) is once again building as IPL 2026 is set to get underway on March 28, bringing together the world’s best T20 cricketers for another thrilling season. Fans across the globe are eagerly waiting to see how the franchises shape up with their revamped squads and fresh strategies.
Among the teams aiming to make a strong impact this year are the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who will kick off their campaign against the Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 01. With several key additions and a new leadership dynamic under captain Rishabh Pant, LSG will be hoping to start the tournament on a positive note and establish themselves as serious contenders for the title.
Aakash Chopra picks his probable LSG playing XI
Former India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has shared his predicted playing XI for Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2026. Chopra believes the franchise possesses a balanced combination of explosive batting, versatile all-rounders, and a potent bowling attack.
According to Chopra, Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh could open the innings for LSG, providing a strong and aggressive start at the top. Both players are capable of dominating the powerplay and laying the foundation for a big total. Nicholas Pooran is expected to slot in at No.3, a position where his attacking style can put pressure on opposition bowlers early in the innings. Captain Pant is likely to follow at No.4, bringing both leadership and match-winning ability to the middle order.
The middle-order responsibilities could then fall on Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad. Both players are known for their power-hitting abilities and could play crucial roles in accelerating the scoring rate during the latter half of the innings. All-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed may feature at No.7, providing a left-arm spin option along with useful lower-order batting. In the spin department, Chopra suggested that the team could choose between Wanindu Hasaranga and Digvesh Rathi depending on conditions and team balance.
The pace attack is expected to be led by experienced seamer Mohammed Shami, supported by Avesh Khan. The final pace slot could be a choice between the express pace of Mayank Yadav and the left-arm swing of Mohsin Khan, giving LSG flexibility based on pitch conditions.
Aakash Chopra’s probable LSG XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga/Digvesh Rathi, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav/Mohsin Khan
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LSG squad shaping up with renewed aim for maiden IPL title
LSG enter IPL 2026 with a recalibrated squad led by captain Pant and head coach Justin Langer, determined to bounce back after finishing seventh in the 2025 season. The franchise has made several strategic changes in an attempt to strengthen both their batting depth and bowling attack.
One of the major areas of focus has been the pace department. LSG have brought in experienced Indian fast bowler Shami through a trade and also secured the services of South African speedster Anrich Nortje at the auction. These additions are expected to add firepower and experience to the bowling unit. The franchise has also reshaped its spin department with the signing of Sri Lankan star Wanindu Hasaranga, who replaces Ravi Bishnoi in the setup. Hasaranga’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset in the T20 format.
On the batting front, LSG continue to rely on a powerful core featuring Pooran, Marsh, and Markram. The addition of Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis further strengthens the lineup and provides flexibility in the top and middle order. As the team prepares for the new season, expectations remain high among fans and analysts alike. However, LSG’s campaign could heavily depend on the fitness of their pace attack, particularly the high-speed duo of Mayank and Mohsin, both of whom have dealt with injuries in recent seasons.
Also READ: Aakash Chopra picks his ideal playing XI of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for IPL 2026
