LSG probable playing 11 for IPL 2026 after auction

Lucknow Super Giants entered the IPL 2026 mini-auction after a disappointing 2025 season. Having retained 17 players and traded in Mohammed Shami and Arjun Tendulkar ahead of the auction, LSG added six more players to the roster.

The franchise made some tough calls by releasing David Miller, Ravi Bishnoi, and Akash Deep, while Shardul Thakur was traded to Mumbai Indians. Off the field, Zaheer Khan’s exit was followed by the appointment of Bharat Arun as bowling coach, strengthening their support staff. After spending IND 102.5 crore on retentions and trades, LSG entered the auction with a purse of INR 22.95 crore.

Their headline buy was Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis for INR 8.6 crore, despite his limited availability. They also secured Anrich Nortje and Wanindu Hasaranga at base price, along with uncapped talents Mukul Choudhary, Akshat Raghuwanshi, and Naman Tiwari.

Here is Lucknow Super Giants’ predicted playing 11 for IPL 2026

Top-Order: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (c & wk)

One of the best top-order in the league is of LSG with Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Rishabh Pant. Marsh and Markram were outstanding as openers in IPL 2025, providing LSG with solid starts in the powerplay. Meanwhile, Pant, who became the most expensive player, had a poor run throughout the season, until getting back in the fag end.

However, Pant has been in decent form for India following last year’s season. He would hope to come in fresh for this season. The trio’s responsibility for scoring the bulk of runs will be crucial if LSG wishes to better their performance this year.

Middle-Order: Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni

Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni are set to walk in at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively. Having been in solid touch in the 2025 season, the two will form the backbone of the batting order. The right-left combination in the middle is expected to help LSG immensely.

Pooran will have a big role to play, and his ability to anchor and hit boundaries at ease will be a big advantage for the Lucknow-based team. Meanwhile, Badoni is coming off a successful season, which resulted in his retention. The management will bank on him to go all guns blazing once again and make sure his bat does all the talking.

All-Rounders: Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed

LSG will field two all-rounders in the form of Abdul Samad and Shahbaz Ahmed. They will also be supported by the current Australian T20I skipper, Mitchell Marsh. Notably, Samad and Shahbaz had a decent season with the bat last year despite limited opportunities.

However, they both are coming off strong showings in domestic tournaments, and the team will once again bank on their skills. With Josh Inglis already confirming his limited availability, the two will have a strong role to play in the lower-order and give those finishes.

Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Digvesh Rathi

Lucknow are set to field a pace-heavy bowling attack with Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, and Digvesh Rathi forming the core. Shami, traded in from Sunrisers Hyderabad, is expected to lead the unit. He will be supported by Avesh, who has grown into a reliable bowler, while Mayank Yadav will once again be the X-factor.

With Ravi Bishnoi no longer part of the setup, Digvesh Singh Rathi is likely to take charge of spin duties. The young leg-spinner’s role will be crucial in the middle overs and breaking partnerships. Notably, Rathi was the team’s highest wicket-taker last year, and he would look to continue the same momentum in the 2026 season as well.

LSG Predicted Playing XI for IPL 2026

Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Digvesh Rathi

Impact Player: Josh Inglis