IPL 2025: Lucknow Super Giants’ best playing XI and impact players

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have emerged as a significant contender in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since their inception. The franchise, based in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, made a strong debut in the IPL by qualifying for the playoffs in their first two seasons (2022 and 2023). However, the 2024 season saw a decline in performance, finishing seventh with only 14 points and missing out on the playoffs due to a poor net run rate. As they gear up for the IPL 2025 campaign, LSG aim to bounce back with a revamped squad and new leadership under Rishabh pant.

The Rishabh Pant factor

In a bold move to rejuvenate their squad, LSG parted ways with their former captain Kl satisfied, who had been instrumental in leading the team to playoff appearances. The franchise made headlines by acquiring Pant for a record-breaking ₹27 crore at the mega auction. Pant’s appointment as captain marks a new chapter for LSG, as he brings with him a wealth of experience and an aggressive playing style that aligns with the team’s aspirations for success.

The 2025 season promises to be pivotal for LSG as they look to build on their previous performances. With strategic additions like Aiden Markram, David Millerand Mitchell Marshthe team has bolstered its batting lineup significantly. The combination of experienced international players and young talents is expected to provide depth and versatility.

Explosive openers: Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram

The opening pair of Marsh and Markram is set to provide explosive starts for LSG this season. Marsh’s aggressive batting style combined with Markram’s ability to anchor innings will be pivotal in setting a solid foundation. Both players have proven track records in international cricket, making them formidable assets at the top of the order.

Middle order stability: Power meets reliability

The middle order is where LSG can truly shine this season. Nicholas pooran‘s explosive hitting at No. 3 will be complemented by captain Pant at No. 4, who is known for his fearless approach. Ayush Badoni‘s reliability at No. 5 adds stability, while Miller’s experience as a finisher will be invaluable in high-pressure situations.

All-rounders and bowling depth

With Abdul Samad and Shahbaz Ahmed providing all-round capabilities, LSG has a balanced lineup that can adapt to various match situations. The bowling attack will primarily rely on Avesh Khan and Ravi Bishnoiwho are expected to lead the pace and spin departments respectively.

Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) best playing XI for the IPL 2025

1. Rishabh pant

• Role: Captain and aggressive opener.
• Description: Pant is a dynamic left-handed batter known for his explosive batting style. As the captain, he brings leadership and strategic insight to the team. His dual role as a wicketkeeper allows him to stay involved in the game at all times.
• Impact: Pant’s ability to accelerate the scoring rate and take calculated risks makes him a game-changer. His leadership experience will be crucial in guiding younger players through high-pressure situations.

2. Mitchell Marsh

• Role: Explosive opener and medium-pace bowler.
• Description: Marsh is an aggressive batter who can provide quick starts at the top of the order. He also contributes with his medium-pace bowling, adding depth to the bowling attack.
• Impact: His ability to score quickly and bowl crucial overs makes him a vital asset for LSG. Marsh can shift momentum in games with his batting prowess while also being a handy option with the ball.

3. Aiden Markram

• Role: Top-order batter and occasional off-spinner.
• Description: Markram is a versatile batter capable of playing both aggressively and defensively. He can anchor innings or accelerate scoring as needed, along with providing off-spin bowling options.
• Impact: Markram’s adaptability makes him crucial in stabilizing the batting order, especially when early wickets fall. His experience in international cricket adds reliability to LSG’s top order.

4. Nicholas pooran

• Role: Explosive middle-order batter.
• Description: Pooran is a hard-hitting left-handed batter known for his ability to clear boundaries effortlessly. He often plays pivotal roles in finishing games for his team.
• Impact: Pooran’s explosive batting can change the course of matches quickly, especially during the death overs, making him an essential player in tight situations.

5. David Miller

• Role: Experienced finisher.
• Description: Miller is a seasoned campaigner with vast experience in T20 cricket. He is known for his calm demeanor and ability to perform under pressure, often finishing games successfully.
• Impact: Miller’s presence in the middle order provides stability and confidence, ensuring that LSG can chase down targets or set competitive scores effectively.

6. Ayush Badoni

• Role: Young batting talent and stabilizer.
• Description: Badoni is an emerging player with a solid technique and an ability to adapt his game based on match situations. He can play both aggressive and anchor roles as required.
• Impact: His youthful energy and potential make him a key player who can contribute significantly in crucial phases of matches.

7. Abdul Samad

• Role: Hard-hitting batter and part-time spinner.
• Description: Samad is known for his powerful hitting capabilities and can also bowl off-spin when needed, adding versatility to LSG’s lineup.
• Impact: Samad’s ability to change games with his bat while providing additional bowling options makes him an invaluable asset in both batting and bowling departments.

8. Ravi Bishnoi

• Role: Wrist-spinner and wicket-taker.
• Description: Bishnoi is an exciting young spinner with a knack for taking wickets at crucial moments in matches while maintaining control over runs scored against him during middle overs.
• Impact: His wicket-taking ability can turn matches around, especially during critical phases when teams are looking to consolidate their positions.

9. Avesh Khan

• Role: Strike bowler for powerplay and death overs.
• Description: Avesh is known for his pace and variations, making him a key player in both the powerplay and death overs of matches where wickets are crucially needed.
• Impact: His ability to take early wickets or restrict runs during death overs makes him one of LSG’s main bowlers.

10. Akash Deep

• Role: Right-arm fast bowler with pace variations.
• Description: Deep is an emerging fast bowler known for his ability to bowl at high speeds while also possessing variations that can deceive batters during critical moments of the game.
• Impact: His inclusion strengthens LSG’s bowling attack, providing additional options in both powerplay and death overs, which will be vital given the injury concerns within the squad.

11. Mohsin Khan

• Role: Left-arm pacer with swing capabilities.
• Description: Mohsin adds variety to LSG’s bowling attack with his left-arm angle, which can trouble right-handed batters due to its unique trajectory and swing potential on favorable pitches.
• Impact: His effectiveness as a wicket-taker early on can set the tone for LSG’s bowling performance throughout the match.

Also READ: IPL 2025: Here’s why Mitchell Marsh will play only as a specialist batter for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Impact player choices for Lucknow Super Giants

1. M. Siddharth

• Role: Spin bowler specializing in middle overs.
• Description: M. Siddharth is a left-arm spinner with a reputation for being economical and effective in T20 cricket. Despite limited IPL experience, his domestic performances showcase his ability to take wickets while maintaining a low economy rate of 5.19. He has a knack for breaking partnerships and can be particularly effective on slower pitches where spin plays a crucial role.
• Impact: Siddharth can be utilized as an impact player when LSG needs to strengthen their spin attack, especially against teams with a lineup that struggles against spin bowling. His inclusion could help control the game during the middle overs and provide crucial breakthroughs.

2. Arshin Torari

• Role: Right-arm fast bowler.
• Description: Arshin Torari is an emerging fast bowler known for his pace and ability to swing the ball. His performances in domestic cricket have shown promise, making him a valuable option for LSG’s bowling lineup when they need fresh legs or additional pace options.
• Impact: Kulkarni can serve as an impact player, especially in matches where LSG needs to bolster their pace attack due to injuries among frontline bowlers like Avesh and Mohsin. His ability to generate bounce and pace can trouble batters, particularly in the powerplay or during crucial phases of the game.

3. Shahbaz Ahmed

• Role: Spin-bowling all-rounder.
• Description: Shahbaz Ahmed is a talented all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball. Known for his left-arm orthodox spin, he can effectively bowl in the middle overs while also providing depth to the batting lineup with his ability to score quick runs when needed.
• Impact: As an impact player, Shahbaz can be introduced when LSG needs additional batting strength or when they require a spin option to exploit conditions favouring slower bowlers. His dual capabilities make him a strategic asset in varying match situations.

Also READ: IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians’ best playing XI and impact players