As the excitement builds for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has shared his assessment of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) squad. Bangar believes the franchise may struggle with finishing options in the batting lineup but suggested that spin-bowling all-rounder could emerge as a crucial player in that role during the season.
The Lucknow-based franchise endured a disappointing campaign in IPL 2025, finishing seventh in the standings and missing out on the playoffs. Heading into the new season, the team appears to rely heavily on its strong top-order, which includes Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, and captain Rishabh Pant.
Sanjay Bangar names the finisher for LSG
Speaking on Star Sports, Bangar pointed out that the team’s middle and lower order lacks proven finishers who can consistently close out innings in high-pressure situations. According to him, the responsibility could fall on a small group of players to deliver in the latter stages of the innings.
Bangar noted that apart from Shahbaz Ahmed, Abdul Samad, and Ayush Badoni, the squad does not possess many options who naturally fit into the finisher’s role. As a result, he emphasized that the team’s top-order batters will have to shoulder more responsibility to ensure strong totals.
The former India all-rounder suggested that Shahbaz could be used strategically towards the end of the innings to add quick runs. Drawing from his experience working with Shahbaz during his time with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Bangar praised the player’s temperament and fighting spirit.
Bangar described Shahbaz as a cricketer with strong character and resilience, qualities that can prove valuable in pressure situations. He added that the all-rounder’s ability to stay composed could help LSG in tight finishes.
“Apart from Shahbaz Ahmed, Abdul Samad and Ayush Badoni, they don’t have any other player who can fit in there. So the top five will have to do more, and you can expect Shahbaz to come and provide the finishing touches,” said Bangar on Star Sports.
“He is a player with great character. He was with me in RCB. So I know the kind of fighting qualities he has. So you will definitely want the top order to perform the way they have been performing in international cricket at the moment, or the way Nicholas Pooran garnered fame last year. If the top order doesn’t fire, this team will have difficulties throughout the season,” added Bangar.
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Numbers from IPL 2025 show mixed results
A look at last season’s statistics reflects the concerns raised by Bangar. Shahbaz featured in just three matches for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025 and managed only nine runs in his lone batting opportunity. In contrast, Badoni showed promise with the bat, scoring 329 runs in 11 innings at an impressive strike rate of 148.19. Samad also contributed useful cameos, scoring 164 runs in 12 innings at a striking rate of 176.34. Despite these contributions, Lucknow struggled to consistently close out innings, a factor that played a role in their mid-table finish.
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