LSG's strongest playing XI and impact player options after IPL 2026 auction ft. Wanindu Hasaranga & Rishabh Pant

It's hard to assess how the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fared at the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction on Tuesday, December 16. After a couple of disappointing seasons, the franchise really needed to fill holes in multiple departments. Whether they managed to do so is debatable.

Lucknow came into the auction with six spots to fill, including four overseas. They failed in their pursuit of Liam Livingstone towards the end of the auction and settled for Josh Inglis, whose availability still remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the Super Giants can put out a decent squad capable of competing for a playoff spot.

LSG's squad for IPL 2026: Abdul Samad, Aiden Markram, Akash Singh, Arjun Tendulkar, Arshin Kulkarni, Avesh Khan, Ayush Badoni, Digvesh Rathi, Himmat Singh, Manimaran Siddharth, Matthew Breetzke, Mayank Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mitchell Marsh, Mohsin Khan, Nicholas Pooran, Prince Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Shahbaz Ahmed, Akshat Raghuwanshi (INR 2.2 Cr), Mukul Choudhary (INR 2.6 Cr), Josh Inglis (INR 8.60 Cr), Wanindu Hasaranga (INR 2 Cr), Anrich Nortje (INR 2 Cr), Naman Tiwari (INR 1 Cr).

On that note, here is LSG's strongest playing XI and impact player options after the IPL 2026 auction.

Openers: Mitchell Marsh and Rishabh Pant (c & wk)

2025 IPL - Lucknow Super Giants v Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Source: Getty

Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram did very well at the top of the order for LSG in IPL 2025, so it might be unfair to move one of them to No. 3. But it might be inevitable given Rishabh Pant's struggles in the middle overs, especially against spin. Pant opening the batting could potentially unlock the LSG batting unit, with Markram dropping down to No. 3 as an unfortunate result of the move.

Middle Order: Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Wanindu Hasaranga

2025 IPL - Gujarat Titans v Lucknow Super Giants - Source: Getty

Nicholas Pooran will then bat at No. 4, with his spin-hitting ability being crucial through the middle overs. Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad will follow him, with both players having had their fair share of decent contributions during the previous campaign. New signing Wanindu Hasaranga is also expected to feature, although he could make way for a specialist batter or a pacer in pace-friendly conditions.

Lower Order: Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Digvesh Rathi

2025 IPL - Lucknow Super Giants v Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Source: Getty

Mohammed Shami, newly traded in from the SunRisers Hyderabad, is expected to be LSG's lead pacer in IPL 2026. He will be partnered by Avesh Khan and Mayank Yadav when everyone is fit, with Mohsin Khan serving as a backup option. Lucknow have a plethora of pacers in their ranks, and they can pick and choose depending upon their form and the conditions.

Digvesh Rathi will be their lead spinner during the upcoming campaign, with Ravi Bishnoi having moved away from the franchise.

Impact Player Options: Shahbaz Ahmed, Mukul Choudhary, Mohsin Khan

IPL 2023: Eliminator - Lucknow Super Giants v Mumbai Indians - Source: Getty

If LSG want a left-arm spinner who can bat lower down the order, they could field Shahbaz Ahmed as the impact player. Mukul Choudhary, who has been making waves in domestic cricket, is another option as a finisher.

The Super Giants, in certain scenarios, might also want a fourth pacer. Mohsin, if fit, will be the impact player in that scenario.

Edited by Sai Krishna