Pant booster, batting firepowermakes LSG a formidable contender

As the upcoming IPL season approaches, the Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) are once again in the hunt for the elusive trophy that narrowly slipped through their grasp in two of previous three seasons. The franchise has retained a strong core, ensuring continuity and stability, with key players such as Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Nicholas Pooran forming the backbone of the squad.
One of LSG's biggest strengths is its overseas batting firepower. The likes of Nicholas Pooran, David Miller, and Aiden Markram add immense value to the middle order, each capable of turning a match single-handedly. Adding to this arsenal is Mitchell Marsh whose expected availability, even if its only as a batter, provides firepower in the ranks and flexibility in the batting order.
A significant boost to the team's batting depth comes in the form of Rishabh Pant. It will be interesting to see if he can replicate his exploits of Feroz Shah Kotla in the Ekana stadium in Lucknow. The Indian dynamite has been a middle-order batsman traditionally, but there is speculation that he could take on the No 3 spot or even open the innings in certain situations. If that happens, his aggressive stroke play could set the tone for the LSG's innings and give them an early advantage in high-pressure matches. It could also be a discovery for the national team.
Meanwhile, Ayush Badoni remains a player to watch. Despite showing flashes of brilliance in past seasons, he is yet to establish himself as a consistent match-winner. This season presents a golden opportunity for him to step up and cement his place as a dependable performer.
In the bowling side, however, the team depends heavily on Indian pacers -- Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, Akash Deep, and Avesh Khan -- with Ravi Bishnoi, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Manimaran Siddharth handling the spin department. While this approach ensures familiarity with Indian conditions, the lack of an experienced overseas fast bowler could be a potential vulnerability.
However, the presence of Zaheer Khan in the coaching setup is expected to be a gamechanger. His expertise and mentorship could help young pacers refine their skills and rise to the occasion. Mayank's injury is an area of concern. In such a scenario, Shamar Joseph could provide much-needed firepower with his raw pace. Besides, the team management is also considering Shardul Thakur or Shivam Mavi. Both remained unsold and are available.
Bishnoi remains a standout performer, known for his aggressive wicket-taking ability in the middle overs. Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed provides control and batting depth, making him a crucial asset on the relatively slower pitches of Lucknow but it remains to be seen if he is a worthy replacement for Krunal Pandya. However, the absence of a marquee spinner to complement Bishnoi could leave the team vulnerable in the middle overs. The Lucknow pitches offer variance of red, black and a mix of red and black soil. So while the home side gets to choose the pitch, one thing which they will need to be aware of is that the pitches will slow down as the season progresses into the hot May. And the lack of spin bowling depth might just pinch them a wee bit if that happens.
LSG has also invested in a pool of promising domestic talents, including Arshin Kulkarni, Aryan Juyal, Prince Yadav, and Himmat Singh.
Despite a few areas of concern, the team remains a strong contender for the IPL 2025 title. The key to their success will be the performance of their young pacers and the consistency of their overseas batsmen.
(Writer is former CEO of Pune Warriors)