The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against the Delhi Capitals on April 1, 2026, at their home ground, the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. After finishing 7th in the 2025 season with six wins from 14 matches, the franchise will be eager to turn things around this year under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, alongside key overseas star Nicholas Pooran. Pant, who was dropped from India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, will have plenty to prove this season and will be keen to make a strong statement on the big stage. LSG, who have never won an IPL title, will have their eye on claiming their maiden crown.
Lucknow Super Giants Squad: Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh, Rishabh Pant (C), Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Arshin Kulkarni, Mohammed Shami, Arjun Tendulkar, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, M Siddharth, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Akash Singh, Wanindu Hasaranga, Anrich Nortje, Mukul Choudhary, Naman Tiwari, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Josh Inglis
Probable Playing XI: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (C/WK), Ayush Badoni, Mukul Choudhary, Abdul Samad, Wanindu Hasaranga, Digvesh Rathi, Avesh Khan, Mohammed Shami Impact Player: Mayank Yadav / Mohsin Khan
Injury Update: Wanindu Hasaranga’s availability remains a significant concern — the Sri Lankan spinner suffered a left hamstring tear during the T20 World Cup 2026 and has yet to receive clearance for IPL 2026. Additionally, Josh Inglis is expected to miss a large portion of the tournament due to his wedding in April, limiting his availability as a backup wicketkeeper and middle-order option.
The inclusion of Mohammed Shami, traded in from Sunrisers Hyderabad, brings valuable experience and leadership to the bowling unit and is expected to be a major asset across all phases. The team environment looks positive, with LSG sharing videos on social media showcasing players training and building strong team bonds. LSG have also invested in emerging domestic talent, with players like Mukul Choudhary and Digvesh Rathi — who took 14 wickets in IPL 2025 — pushing for regular spots in the playing XI.
With an explosive top order featuring Markram, Marsh, and Pooran, and a solid mix of youth and experience in the middle, LSG have the potential to be a dangerous side this season. Notably, Pant has been training with Yuvraj Singh in Mumbai ahead of the tournament, highlighting his commitment to returning to peak form and silencing his critics heading into what could be a defining IPL season.