Strongest LSG playing XI for IPL 2026

The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League is going to start from 28 March, but there are still three teams that are searching for their first title: Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. This will be the 19th year for DC and PBKS, while LSG will play their 5th edition. Sanjeev Goenka owns LSG, which will join as a new franchise in the year 2022, and will be desperate to win its first title this year. LSG managed to reach the eliminator in their first two years, while in the 2024 and 2025 IPL, the team finished 7th in the points table. 

LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka acquired Josh Inglis, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Anrich Nortje, like overseas star cricketers, in the auction. However, even before the start of the tournament, Wanindu Hasaranga was ruled out of the entire tournament due to injury. His replacement will be announced soon. Gudakesh Motie would likely join the LSG instead of Hasaranga. 

LSG's biggest strength is their batting, which has batsmen like Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, who have the ability to win matches single-handedly. The team's bowling line-up seems a bit weak. Apart from Mohammed Shami, the other fast bowlers of the team are inexperienced. The team's bowling has become even weaker due to the injury of Wanindu Hasaranga.

It is almost confirmed that Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh will open for Lucknow Super Giants. Rishabh Pant confirms that he will bat at 3, followed by Nicholas Pooran, Matthew Breetzkee, Abdul Samad and Ayush Badoni. Shahbaz Ahmed will be the spin bowling all-rounder, who assists the frontline spinner Digvesh Rathi. While Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan will be the three pacers. 

LSG will start their IPL 2026 campaign against Delhi Capitals at Bharat Ratna Shree Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1. They will play their second league stage match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad, on April 5. After this, they will fly to the historical Eden Gardens to play against the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 9. While they will face the Gujarat Titans on April 12 at their home ground, Ekana Stadium.

Strongest LSG playing XI

Aiden Markram (✈)
Mitchell Marsh (✈)
Rishabh Pant
Nicholas Pooran (✈)
Matthew Breetzkee (✈)
Abdul Samad — Impact player
Ayush Badoni
Shahbaz Ahmed
Mohammed Shami
Avesh Khan
Digvesh Rathi
Mohsin Khan