Indian Premier League (IPL) team Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have focused on enhancing their bowling lineup for the upcoming 2026 season, as highlighted by former India opener Aakash Chopra. Despite this, concerns linger over the team’s batting depth, particularly in the lower middle-order. Chopra noted that while Rishabh Pant has been placed at number three, uncertainties remain regarding the overall batting order.
Chopra emphasized the challenges faced by LSG in the lower-order batting positions during the previous season. He pointed out that players like David Miller struggled to consistently perform at positions five, six, and seven. Although LSG has made significant additions to their bowling options with players like Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammed Shami, and Avesh Khan, the unresolved issue of lower-order batting continues to be a pressing issue.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan commended LSG’s efforts in strengthening their bowling resources but echoed the prevailing worries about the team’s batting lineup. Pathan highlighted the formidable options LSG now possesses in the fast-bowling department, especially with the inclusion of Anrich Nortje and Hasaranga. However, he expressed the need for additional top-class batters like Livingstone, emphasizing the requirement for more high-quality batsmen in the squad.
The recent acquisition of Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis by LSG for Rs 8.6 crore has raised eyebrows, given his availability for only four IPL matches. Former India opener Abhinav Mukund drew parallels between LSG’s batting order and that of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), questioning the rationale behind signing Inglis for a limited number of games at a high price. Mukund concluded that such a move does not align with the practical needs of the team’s starting lineup.
