Lucknow Super Giants were determined to have Rishabh Pant lead their side in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, and they made their intentions clear at the auction table. Pant became the most expensive player in the tournament’s history, with LSG paying a record amount to secure him as their captain for the upcoming season. However, whether this leadership change will alter their playing style and help them clinch their maiden title remains to be seen. Their success will depend on the squad they have assembled, along with their strengths and weaknesses. Let’s analyze their team in detail.
Strengths & Opportunities of LSG
Young and experienced
Lucknow Super Giants boast a formidable batting lineup for IPL 2025, featuring some of the finest T20 players like Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, and David Miller. With extensive experience in the format, they have the ability to change the course of a game single-handedly. Alongside these international stars, LSG also has a strong contingent of Indian talent, including Ayush Badoni, Arshin Kulkarni, and Abdul Samad, complemented by their captain, Rishabh Pant.
Rishabh Pant will bring new energy in team & management
The management wanted a change in captaincy, and they made it happen in the auction. Rishabh Pant will bring a different approach to the game, which appears to align with both the team and management. He also has an opportunity to improve his captaincy record.
Youngsters can flourish
Talented youngsters like Mayank Yadav and Ayush Badoni have displayed great potential, and a strong performance in the upcoming IPL season could strengthen their chances of earning a spot in the Indian team. Mayank, in particular, is regarded as a rising star in Indian bowling, but maintaining his fitness will be crucial for him to enhance his selection prospects.
Weaknesses & Threats
Lack of experience in pace attack
LSG’s batting lineup is their biggest strength, but their bowling unit has a few weaknesses. In the spin department, Ravi Bishnoi stands out as their most seasoned and reliable option. However, when it comes to pace, they do not have an Indian fast bowler who has recently played an international game.
Pacers injury prone
Additionally, injuries remain a concern for LSG. Several key players, including Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, and Avesh Khan, have struggled with fitness issues in the past. Mitchell Marsh is also dealing with an injury and might miss the initial matches. To start the season strongly, LSG will need all their players to remain fit.
Many of their bowlers, both pacers and spinners, have a history of injuries. While they have retained Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan, there are concerns about their ability to endure an entire season.
LSG squad for IPL 2025
Nicholas Pooran (Retained), Ravi Bishnoi (Retained), Mayank Yadav (Retained), Ayush Badoni (Retained), Mohsin Khan (Retained), 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.
