IPL 2026: Top 3 LSG batters to watch out for

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are a very unique side when it comes to their batting unit ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. They are one of the few sides in the competition that heavily relies on their overseas batters and then turn to a strong Indian core for their bowling.

LSG possesses one of the most destructive top fours in the entire tournament, which can change the complexion of the game in their favour. Batting, therefore, will play a crucial role in deciding their fate at this year’s IPL. LSG have a good combination of left-handers and right-handers in their batting unit. 

Here are the top three LSG batters to watch out for at the 2026 IPL:

3. Mitchell Marsh

Last year was Mitchell Marsh’s first season representing LSG in the IPL and it turned out to be his most prolific. The Australia batter scored 627 at an average of 48.23 whilst striking at 163.70. He ended the 2025 season as the top-scorer for the Lucknow-based franchise.

Marsh will once again slot into LSG’s opening position alongside Aiden Markram. The 34-year-old’s recent form has been excellent, scoring two half-centuries from the two games he played during the recently-concluded T20 World Cup. 

Marsh’s form in franchise-based T20 tournaments is also promising. The right-hander scored 360 runs in 12 games for the title-winning Perth Scorchers side, the most for his team, during the 2025-26 Big Bash League. The Australia opener continues to be a threat up the order, giving quick starts to whichever team he represents.

2. Rishabh Pant

Similar to Marsh, Rishabh Pant is set to play in only his second season for LSG. The wicketkeeper-batter will return as his side’s captain in 2026 with a weight of expectations on his shoulders. Despite scoring a hundred during the 2025 IPL, Pant had a disappointing season based on his lofty standards as he only scored 269 runs at an average of 24.45. 

Despite a slow start to his LSG career, Pant is a reliable middle order player, capable of pacing his innings based on the situation. The 28-year-old will come into bat after a host of superstar overseas batters and will also be tasked to protect the Indian batters in the squad like Abdul Samad and Ayush Badoni. 

1. Nicholas Pooran

Nicholas Pooran was LSG’s best batter last time around with the hopes that he will continue playing in the 2026 IPL season like he left last time around. The West Indies batter scored 524 at a strike-rate of 196.25 whilst averaging 43.66. 

Pooran, however, will come into the IPL in some underwhelming form. The left-hander has retired from international cricket, meaning that he did not feature at the 2026 T20 World Cup. He last played professional cricket in the SA20 for MI Cape Town, where he scored just 152 runs at an average of 16.88. 

However, the form of a player varies from tournament to tournament, particularly for the likes of Pooran, who play in multiple franchise leagues across the world. LSG should not worry about his form since he is the kind of player who can single-handedly change the game.