IPL 2025: Strengths and Weaknesses of Lucknow Super Giants
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made headlines in the IPL 2025 mega auction. They signed Rishabh Pant for a record ₹27 crore after releasing their captain, KL Rahul. Pant, now set to lead the side, adds a new dimension to LSG’s ambitions for the season. With a mix of Indian pace specialists and explosive foreign talent, LSG could be strong contenders. However, they face challenges in spin depth and batting consistency at the top.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of LSG’s strengths and weaknesses for IPL 2025.
Strengths of LSG
1.A Formidable Pace Attack
LSG has a strong Indian pace core. It gives them flexibility in team composition.
- Mayank Yadav: India’s fastest bowler, took 7 wickets in 4 matches last season at an economy of 12.14.
- Mohsin Khan: A reliable performer with 27 IPL wickets, he complements Mayank effectively.
- Avesh Khan: Bought back via the RTM card for ₹9.75 crore. He adds experience, especially in the death overs. He has 74 career IPL wickets at 26.67.
- Akash Deep: Acquired for ₹8 crore, he strengthens their backup options.
Foreign pacers like Shamar Joseph and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh improve their bowling options. LSG now has depth and variety.
2.Explosive Batting Firepower
LSG’s batting lineup blends experienced international stars with promising, young talents.
- Rishabh Pant: With 3,284 IPL runs and 446 runs in IPL 2024, Pant brings leadership and consistency.
- Nicholas Pooran: The power-hitter was retained after scoring 857 runs for LSG at a strike rate of 175.97 in 29 matches.
- David Miller: Known as one of the IPL’s finest finishers, Miller adds firepower in the death overs.
- Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram: These seasoned overseas batters can bat at the top or in the middle order. They offer flexibility.
- Ayush Badoni: A promising young talent, Badoni will aim to step up and deliver for the franchise.
With a mix of top-order anchors and finishers, LSG can score big and chase tough targets.
Weaknesses of LSG
1.Inconsistent Opening Pair
Opening the batting could prove to be a challenge for LSG.
- Mitchell Marsh: He is set to open but has struggled with injuries and form, scoring just 61 runs in IPL 2024.
- Aiden Markram: He’s versatile, but hasn’t been consistent in the IPL. Opening may not suit his game.
- Unproven Talent: Backup openers Aryan Juyal and Matthew Breetzke are yet to play in the IPL. This adds uncertainty to the role.
2.Lack of Spin Depth
Ravi Bishnoi leads LSG’s spin attack but lacks adequate support.
- Shahbaz Ahmed: After a poor IPL 2024, where he averaged 38+ with an economy over 9, Shahbaz’s form is a concern.
- Siddharth: He has only played three IPL matches. So, the Tamil Nadu spinner is inexperienced at this level.
Bishnoi is key to LSG. On spin-friendly pitches, it could be risky if he fails to perform.
3.Questionable Finishing Options
- Abdul Samad: Bought for ₹4.5 crore, Samad has yet to justify his price tag. With a strike rate of 146.07 and an average of 19.23, his performances have been underwhelming. Samad could be a game-changer. But, relying on him to finish could backfire.
Key Players to Watch
- Nicholas Pooran: LSG’s X-factor. His explosive batting (SR: 175.97) and consistency make him very reliable.
- Rishabh Pant: As captain and keeper, Pant’s runs are key to LSG’s success.
Probable Playing XI
- Mitchell Marsh
- Aiden Markram
- Nicholas Pooran
- Rishabh Pant (c & wk)
- Ayush Badoni
- David Miller
- Shahbaz Ahmed
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Mayank Yadav
- Avesh Khan
- Mohsin Khan
Will LSG Make the Top 4?
Lucknow Super Giants, led by Rishabh Pant, have a strong squad. They could be a top team this season. However, inconsistency in the opening pair and a thin spin department remain obstacles. If Pant, Pooran, and the Indian pace core deliver as expected, LSG could secure a top-four finish in IPL 2025.
