Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made waves at the IPL 2025 Auction, grabbing headlines with the record-breaking signing of Rishabh Pant for ₹27 crores, the highest-ever bid in IPL history. The intense bidding war with Delhi Capitals set the tone, as LSG bolstered their squad with several key players.
Their middle order looks explosive with the inclusion of David Miller, complementing retained star Nicholas Pooran. LSG also purchased utility players such as Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh, who are most likely to open the batting and may also be useful alternatives with the bowl.
On the bowling front, LSG has a balanced mix of youth and experience with signings like Avesh Khan, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Akash Deep, alongside retained bowlers Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, and Mohsin Khan.
With a strengthened squad, LSG seems determined to make a lasting impact. Let’s dive deeper into their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for IPL 2025.
STRENGTHS
Strong Middle Order: Lucknow Super Giants have a solid middle order with Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, and David Miller. These three left-handers are game-changers who can take the match away from the opposition on their day.
Reliable Indian Pacers: The team has a good mix of Indian fast bowlers, including Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Akash Deep. Each brings something different to the table, whether it’s pace, swing, or control in the death overs, making the bowling attack dependable.
WEAKNESSES
Limited Overseas Backup: Lucknow Super Giants opted for only six overseas players instead of the allowed eight. This lack of depth could hurt them, especially if an overseas player underperforms or gets injured during the long IPL season. Finding an equally capable replacement might be challenging.
Thin Spin Department: The team heavily relies on Ravi Bishnoi as their only proven spinner. While Shahbaz Ahmed is a decent option, he isn’t a specialist in T20s. With seven matches scheduled at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, where the pitches tend to favor spinners, this lack of variety could be a concern. Their inability to field quality spin options might make it difficult to control games in spin-friendly conditions.
OPPORTUNITIES
Rishabh Pant’s Moment to Shine: LSG made headlines by spending a record-breaking 27 crores on Rishabh Pant. With this hefty price tag comes immense pressure to deliver. Beyond his explosive batting, Pant could also take on the responsibility of captaincy, providing him a golden chance to showcase his leadership skills.
Chasing the Elusive Title: Lucknow Super Giants have been consistent performers, reaching the playoffs in both 2022 and 2023 but stumbling in the eliminators. After missing the playoffs entirely in 2024, the team has a clear opportunity to regroup and aim for their first IPL title. With a revamped squad and valuable lessons from past seasons, this could be the year they finally break through and bring home the trophy.
THREATS
Inexperienced Lower Order: While LSG boasts a strong top and middle order, the lower order relies heavily on uncapped Indian players like Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, and Shahbaz Ahmed. Their lack of experience in high-pressure situations could become a major concern during crunch moments in matches.
Inconsistent Overseas Openers: Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh are expected to lead the charge as openers, but their past performances in the IPL and other formats have been inconsistent. If they fail to deliver regularly, it could disrupt the team’s momentum and put additional pressure on the middle order.
Lucknow Super Giants squad for the IPL 2025
Retained Players: Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Ayush Badoni
Players Picked in the Auction: Rishabh Pant, David Miller, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Avesh Khan, Abdul Samad, Aryan Juyal, Akash Deep, Himmat Singh, M Siddharth, Digvesh Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akash Singh, Shamar Joseph, Prince Yadav, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Arshin Kulkarni, Matthew Breetzke
Lucknow Super Giants Probable XI and Impact Player for the IPL 2025
Probable Starting XI: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, David Miller, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav (Impact).
CONCLUSION & RATINGS OUT OF 10
Lucknow Super Giants have built a solid squad with a strong middle order featuring Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, and David Miller, supported by a reliable Indian pace attack led by Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan. However, their limited overseas backups and lack of quality spinners could become significant challenges, especially on spin-friendly pitches at Ekana Stadium. With high expectations and a hunger to claim their first IPL title, LSG will look to break their playoff jinx and go all the way this season. The mix of experienced players and emerging talents puts them in a strong position to perform, provided they overcome their weaknesses.
RATING: 7.8/10
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