3 overseas starters for LSG in IPL 2026 [Source: AFP Photos]The much-awaited IPL 2026 season is all set to begin on March 28. For the tournament opener, defending champions RCB will take on SRH, but LSG will begin their campaign on April 1st against Delhi Capitals.LSG, after finishing 7th in IPL 2025, will aim for redemption this year. Rishabh Pant, the highest-paid player in IPL’s history, will continue to lead the side as captain.Lucknow, meanwhile, didn’t make any radical changes to its squad during the mini-auction. Apart from investing in young talents like Arjun Tendulkar, in the overseas category, the team bid on Josh Inglis and Matthew Breetzke. However, both these players are unlikely to feature in the starting XI due to team combination and availability issues. On that note, let’s explore three such overseas players who will start for LSG in the playing XI.Three Sure-Shot Overseas Starters For LSG In IPL 20261. Nicholas Pooran LSG’s vice-captain Nicholas Pooran will be the first-choice wicket-keeper. In the last three seasons with the Super Giants, he has been the franchise’s backbone in the middle order.For LSG, he’s scored 1381 runs, with his highest score being 87*. Last season, Pooran hammered 524 runs at a 43.66 average and 5 half-centuries. Also Read - Uncapped LSG Players Who Can Set Fire In IPL 2026Nicholas Pooran is special for LSG because of his explosive hitting, especially against spinners. He could be promoted to No. 4, giving him more time to impact games.LSG rely on him in case of a fall of early wickets or when they need acceleration at the death. He acts as a bridge between stability and aggression.2. Mitchell MarshAs an opener, Mitchell Marsh is a confirmed starter for LSG in the IPL 2026. Last year, he scored 627 runs in 13 games at a 48.23 average and a 163.70 strike rate, including a century and 6 half-centuries.Marsh’s primary role will be to get aggressive starts for LSG, as he’s capable of changing a game within a few overs.If Mitchell Marsh gets going early, opposition bowlers lose control, field placements become defensive, and other batters get easier conditions in the latter half of the innings.Marsh is also important because he is not just a hitter, he’s an experienced bloke. He knows when to attack and when to settle. So, for LSG, allowing Mitchell Marsh to open the innings is a no-brainer choice.3. Aiden MarkramMitchell Marsh’s opening partner at LSG would most likely be Aiden Makram. While Marsh is aggressive, Markram adds stability and consistency.Last year, he played for Lucknow and scored 445 runs in 13 games at a 34.23 average. Markram as an opener is a wise choice for LSG, as he plays a slightly more controlled role.His experience will ensure LSG don’t collapse if early wickets fall. In the T20 World Cup 2026, Markram scored 286 runs in 8 innings at a 165 strike rate. This suggests that he is in sublime touch ahead of IPL 2026.Overall, for LSG, the combination of Mitchell Marsh (explosive attacker) and Aiden Markram (controlled aggressor) will work wonders at the top. This combination won’t allow bowlers to get into one plan and it would be difficult for any bowling unit to attack both the same way.So, Markram again will be a no-brainer choice for LSG when it comes to filling their overseas slot in the playing XI.Also Read - Matheesha Pathirana Injury Update: KKR Official Makes Shocking Claim Ahead Of IPL 2026
