The IPL 2025 auction brought a whirlwind of excitement, and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) emerged as one of the most talked-about franchises. With significant investments and bold decisions, LSG has built a squad that boasts depth, potential, and a few areas needing strategic refinement. Let’s dive into the full squad post-auction and assess their strengths and challenges.
Retained Core: Building on Stability
Lucknow Super Giants retained five pivotal players who formed the backbone of their team in IPL 2024: Nicholas Pooran (₹21 Cr), Ravi Bishnoi (₹11 Cr), Mayank Yadav (₹11 Cr), Mohsin Khan (₹4 Cr), and Ayush Badoni (₹4 Cr). This decision reflects the franchise's commitment to nurturing a stable core while planning to address key gaps during the auction.
These retained players bring a mix of explosive batting, crafty spin, and reliable pace, forming a balanced foundation for the team.
Auction Highlights: Rishabh Pant’s Record-Breaking Signing
The most headline-grabbing moment of the auction was LSG’s acquisition of Rishabh Pant (₹27 Cr), making him the most expensive player in IPL history. With his aggressive batting and leadership qualities, Pant is expected to be a game-changer.
Other notable buys include David Miller (₹7.5 Cr) and Mitchell Marsh (₹3.4 Cr), both known for their hard-hitting abilities and experience in pressure situations. Avesh Khan (₹9.75 Cr) strengthens their Indian pace attack, while Aiden Markram (₹2 Cr) brings versatility as an all-rounder.
The franchise also focused on uncapped players and backups, adding promising names like Aryan Juyal, Himmat Singh, and Shahbaz Ahmed.
Challenges in the Squad
Despite assembling a formidable roster, LSG faces some noticeable challenges:
Top-Order Concerns: The lack of established opening options could force the team to rely on Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh as makeshift openers, which might impact the team’s overall balance.
Limited Spin Depth: While Ravi Bishnoi is a reliable spinner, LSG lacks a strong second option to support him, especially in spin-friendly conditions.
Injury Risks: The middle order features several uncapped or untested players, which could pose a problem if injuries impact the key players.
Probable XI for IPL 2025
Here’s how the Lucknow Super Giants’ starting lineup might look:
Aiden Markram
Mitchell Marsh
Rishabh Pant
Nicholas Pooran
David Miller
Ayush Badoni
Abdul Samad
Shahbaz Ahmed
Ravi Bishnoi
Mohsin Khan
Avesh Khan
Strategic Overview
LSG’s Indian pace attack is one of their biggest strengths, with Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, and Mayank Yadav leading the charge. The inclusion of all-rounders like Shahbaz Ahmed and experienced finishers like David Miller bolsters their flexibility. However, their spin department and backup players need careful management throughout the season.
Conclusion: A Season Full of Potential
Lucknow Super Giants have crafted a squad filled with promise and firepower. While there are gaps to address, the team’s overall depth and core strength make them strong contenders for IPL 2025. Fans can expect thrilling performances, especially with stars like Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran in the mix.
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