As the anticipation for IPL 2026 reaches a fever pitch, former Indian pacer and seasoned commentator Lakshmipathy Balaji has weighed in on the ideal strategy for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Following a disappointing seventh-place finish in the 2025 season, the Lucknow franchise underwent a strategic overhaul during the auction and trade window, signalling a win-now mentality.
Balaji’s blueprint for the Super Giants focuses on a high-octane overseas top order and a refurbished bowling attack led by veteran Mohammad Shami. Interestingly, Balaji’s preferred XI sees no room for Avesh Khan, opting instead for a pace-heavy battery designed to exploit the bounce and zip often found in modern T20 tracks.
Lakshmipathy Balaji picks ideal playing XI for Lucknow Super Giants
A key takeaway from Balaji’s analysis is the reliance on a formidable overseas trio to set the tone. He envisions a top three comprising Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran. This aggressive setup is designed to maximize the powerplay overs, providing a platform for the middle order.
The centerpiece of this lineup, however, remains Rishabh Pant. Despite tactical shifts elsewhere, Balaji remains firm that Pant should occupy the No. 4 spot.
“Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, and Rishabh Pant, of course,” Balaji noted during a discussion on Star Sports.
He emphasized that the domestic core featuring Ayush Badoni, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Abdul Samad, must provide the necessary glue and finishing power to round out the top seven. The inclusion of Shahbaz and Samad offers LSG much-needed depth, allowing the team to pivot between steady accumulation and explosive hitting depending on the match situation.
Balaji addresses LSG’s bowling fragility
The most significant upgrade for LSG heading into 2026 is the acquisition of Shami. Balaji highlighted Shami’s arrival as a game-changer, particularly for a squad that has been plagued by injury woes in its pace department. With Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan frequently sidelined in previous seasons, Shami provides both elite skill and a mentorship role for the younger quicks.
“Mohammad Shami adds a lot of value when it comes to leadership of the bowling unit, Injuries have been the concern with LSG… Shami has to do a lot of work when it comes to grooming the youngsters,” Balaji explained.
Balaji’s bowling structure leans toward a four-seamer attack, utilizing Anrich Nortje and a fit-again Mayank Yadav alongside Shami. Under this plan, Mohsin Khan would likely serve as the impact player, providing left-arm variety when needed. In the spin department, Balaji suggests sticking with Digvesh Rathi and Shahbaz, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Wanindu Hasaranga’s availability following his hamstring injury during the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Balaji’s Predicted LSG XI: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, Ayush Badoni, Shahbaz Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Digvesh Rathi, Mohammad Shami, Mayank Yadav, Anrich Nortje.
