IPL 2026: Top 3 Lucknow Super Giants bowlers to watch out for

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is set to begin on March 28, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) entering the tournament as the defending champions. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who impressed in their initial seasons, have seen a dip in form over the past couple of editions.

Under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, the franchise will be eager to turn things around this year. Their campaign begins against Delhi Capitals on April 1 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. With a renewed approach, LSG will look to bounce back and establish themselves as strong contenders once again.

Here are top three LSG bowlers to watch out for in IPL 2026:

3. Digvesh Singh Rathi

Right-arm leg-spinner Digvesh Singh Rathi is one of the most promising bowlers in the LSG lineup. In his debut IPL season in 2025, he picked up 14 wickets in 13 matches and often grabbed attention with his confident performances and signature send-offs.

Rathi’s ability to control the middle overs makes him a vital asset for the team. His variations, coupled with his knack for extracting turns, can trouble batters looking to accelerate. As he enters his second season, Rathi will aim to build on his previous performances and deliver consistent spells that can shift the momentum in LSG’s favour.

2. Avesh Khan

Avesh Khan remains one of LSG’s most reliable pace options, especially in high-pressure situations. He is known for his effectiveness in the death overs and has consistently showcased his ability to defend tight totals and deliver breakthroughs when needed.

In his IPL career so far, he has taken 87 wickets in 75 matches, with an average of 28.29 and an economy rate of 9.12. While he has had occasional expensive outings, his knack for stepping up in crucial moments makes him a key figure in LSG’s bowling attack. His experience and composure will be essential for the team’s success this season.

1. Mohammed Shami

Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami will spearhead LSG’s bowling unit in IPL 2026. He has been traded from Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the season and brings a wealth of experience and proven match-winning ability. Although he has not been a regular in the national setup recently, he has continued to impress in domestic cricket with his consistency across formats.

In the IPL, Shami has claimed 133 wickets in 119 matches at an average of 28.18 and an economy rate of 8.63. His ability to strike early in the powerplay and maintain control in the death overs makes him an invaluable asset. LSG will rely heavily on his leadership and skill to guide the bowling attack throughout the tournament.