LSG shattered IPL auction records by signing Rishabh Pant for INR 27 crore, making him the most expensive player in the league’s history. Pant is also expected to lead the team. The squad is bolstered with an outstanding top six, but their inability to secure an experienced Indian opener might be a gap. Their strength lies in a variety of Indian bowling options, allowing the team to fill their batting line-up with international stars.
Table of Contents
Lucknow Super Giants
Number of Players: 24/25
Indian players: 18
Overseas players: 6
Retained Players (5): Heinrich Klaasen (23 Cr), Pat Cummins (18 Cr), Travis Head (14 Cr), Abhishek Sharma (14 Cr), Nitish Reddy (6 Cr)
Players Bought in the Auction (19)
- Rishabh Pant (27 Cr)
- David Miller (7.5 Cr)
- Aiden Markram (2 Cr)
- Mitchell Marsh (3.4 Cr)
- Avesh Khan (9.75 Cr)
- Abdul Samad (4.2 Cr)
- Aryan Juyal (30L)
- Akash Deep (8 Cr)
- Himmat Singh (30L)
- M Siddharth (75L)
- Digvesh Singh (30L)
- Shahbaz Ahmed (1.9 Cr)
- Akash Singh (30L)
- Shamar Joseph (75L)
- Prince Yadav (30L)
- Yuvraj Chaudhary (30L)
- Rajvardhan Hangargekar (30L)
- Arshin Kulkarni (30L)
- Matthew Breetzke (75L)
The Super Giants made waves on Day 1 of the IPL auction by signing Rishabh Pant as the costliest player in IPL history and adding several high-caliber players to their squad. However, they ended the day with a congested middle order and a lack of reliable opening options. This issue persisted on Day 2, prompting team owner Sanjiv Goenka to suggest that Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh might open the innings at the start of the tournament. The team’s primary strength lies in their Indian-dominated pace attack, which is well-supported by adequate backups. However, their batting reserves feature several uncapped players, leaving them vulnerable in case of injuries to proven Indian batters.
Moreover, the Super Giants lack a second frontline spinner to complement Ravi Bishnoi and appear short on dependable fifth-bowling options. Entering Day 2 of the auction with a budget of INR 14.85 crore and 13 slots to fill — including four overseas spots — they were unable to complete their overseas player quota. This, along with an inexperienced set of backup players, could challenge the team’s balance if their core lineup encounters any setbacks.
LSG Possible First 12 (Including Impact Player)
- Mitchell Marsh
- Aiden Markram
- Rishabh Pant (wk, captain)
- Nicholas Pooran
- Ayush Badoni
- David Miller
- Shahbaz Ahmed
- Abdul Samad
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Avesh Khan
- Mohsin Khan
- Mayank Yadav
LSG Squad Overview
Batters: Aiden Markram, David Miller, Ayush Badoni (retained), Himmat Singh, Matthew Breetzke
Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran (retained), Aryan Juyal
Allrounders: Abdul Samad (spin), Mitchell Marsh (pace), Shahbaz Ahmed (spin), Yuvraj Chaudhary (spin), Rajvardhan Hangargekar (pace), Arshin Kulkarni (pace)
Spinners: Ravi Bishnoi (retained), M Siddharth, Digvesh Singh
Fast Bowlers: Mayank Yadav (retained), Mohsin Khan (retained), Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Akash Singh, Shamar Joseph, Prince Yadav
SWOT Analysis of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Squad Ahead of IPL 2025
Strengths:
- Explosive Batting Depth: Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Nicholas Pooran provide proven firepower and finishing ability. Rishabh Pant adds match-winning prowess.
- Versatile Allrounders: Mitchell Marsh and Rajvardhan Hangargekar bolster the pace department, while Shahbaz Ahmed and Abdul Samad strengthen spin options.
- Spin Dominance: Ravi Bishnoi, a retained key player, ensures a reliable wicket-taking option in the middle overs.
Weaknesses:
- Inexperienced Indian Pacers: The pace department relies heavily on young or inconsistent bowlers like Mayank Yadav, Akash Singh, and Shamar Joseph, which could be a weak link.
- Unproven Top Order: Batters like Ayush Badoni and Matthew Breetzke lack consistent IPL exposure, posing risks at the top.
Opportunities:
- Emerging Talents: Players like Rajvardhan Hangargekar and Yuvraj Chaudhary can shine with proper backing, potentially becoming long-term assets.
Threats:
- Over-Reliance on Star Players: Heavy dependence on Pant, Miller, Pooran, and Markram could lead to trouble if they fail to deliver.
- Injury Concerns: Key player like Marsh have a history of injuries that could disrupt plans.
Read More: IPL 2025 Mega Auction Roundup: How the Ten Teams Line Up After the Mega Auction
FAQs
What was the major highlight for LSG on Day 1 of the IPL auction?
LSG made headlines by securing Rishabh Pant as the most expensive player in IPL history and adding several quality players to their squad.
What gap remained unaddressed in LSG’s squad after Day 1 of the auction?
LSG ended the day with a crowded middle order and no reliable opening options.
Who might open the innings for LSG at the start of the tournament?
Team owner Sanjiv Goenka indicated that Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh could open the batting for LSG.
What are LSG’s weaknesses in their squad?
LSG lacks a second frontline spinner to partner Ravi Bishnoi and is thin on reliable backup players and fifth-bowling options.
