Lucknow Super Giants team in IPL 2025 (Source:AFP)
The wait is finally over, and it's time for the much-awaited IPL 2026. In the first match of the tournament, the defending champions RCB will face SRH on March 28, 2026, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will play their first match of the season against the Delhi Capitals on April 1 at the Ekana International Stadium. Following this, LSG will travel to Hyderabad and Kolkata for away matches against SRH and KKR on April 5 and April 9, before returning home to face the Gujarat Titans on April 12.
Ahead of IPL 2026, the franchise retained key players like Rishabh Pant, Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Mayank Yadav, and Avesh Khan. Additionally, they secured legendary Indian pacer Mohammed Shami from SRH for Rs. 10 crore.
On the flip side, several players were released ahead of the season, including Aryan Juyal, David Miller, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Akash Deep, Ravi Bishnoi, and Shamar Joseph.
With LSG preparing for the new season, three players are being watched as potential X-factors who could swing crucial matches in the team's favour.
LSG's X-Factors for IPL 2026
1. Ayush Badoni
Ayush Badoni has been a consistent performer for LSG since joining the squad in 2022. His ability to play explosive innings in high-pressure situations is valuable. In IPL 2026, if LSG’s top-order, which has players like Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, and Rishabh Pant, fails, they can rely on Ayush Badoni to fire.
In IPL 2025, Ayush Badoni scored 329 runs in 11 innings with a strike rate of 148.20 and an average of 32.90.
It is important to note that ahead of the upcoming season, Lucknow Super Giants decided to retain him for INR 4 crore. Beyond the IPL, he has also impressed in domestic cricket, scoring 206 runs in 7 innings during the SMAT 2025 season.
Ayush Badoni's calm approach and ability to score quickly make him a crucial middle-order player who could decide tight games.
Criterion
Data
Innings
46
Runs
963
Average
26.75
Strike-Rate
138.56
(Ayush Badoni's IPL runs)
2. Digvesh Rathi
Right-arm leg-spinner Digvesh Rathi could emerge as LSG's key bowler in IPL 2026. In his debut IPL season in 2025, he took 14 wickets in 13 matches and consistently impressed with his variations and ability to maintain pressure.
In his T20 career so far, Digvesh Rathi has played 20 matches and picked up 24 wickets at an economy rate of 7.56. His ability to control the middle overs will be particularly important this season, especially with frontline spinner Wanindu Hasaranga likely unavailable due to NOC issues.
Digvesh Rathi's turn and deceptive variations can make it difficult for batters to accelerate. With uncertainty around other spin options, Digvesh Rathi will have added responsibility this season. If he can deliver consistent performances and pick up wickets, he could become LSG’s X factor for the season.
Criterion
Data
Matches
13
Wickets
14
Average
30.64
Economy
8.25
(Digvesh Rathi's stats in IPL 2025)
3. Mayank Yadav
Mayank Yadav represents both hope and risk for Lucknow Super Giants. Known for his raw pace and wicket-taking ability, he has already shown his potential in previous seasons. However, injuries have repeatedly interrupted his progress.
Despite these setbacks, LSG retained him for a significant amount (11.00 cr). When fit, Mayank Yadav brings a different dimension to the bowling attack with his speed and aggression. His ability to trouble batters and pick up early wickets can set the tone for the team.
Heading into IPL 2026, reports suggest he has fully recovered and is ready for action. If he manages to stay injury-free throughout the tournament, Mayank Yadav could be a match-winner and an X factor for the team.
LSG squad for IPL 2026
Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh, Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Arshin Kulkarni, Mohammed Shami, Arjun Tendulkar, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, M Siddharth, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Akash Singh, Wanindu Hasaranga, Anrich Nortje, Mukul Choudhary, Naman Tiwari, Akshat Raghuwanshi and Josh Inglis.
Lucknow Super Giants team in IPL 2025 (Source:AFP)
