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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is kicking off on March 28, and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are coming in as the reigning champions. Meanwhile, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who made quite an impression in their early seasons, have struggled a bit in the last couple of tournaments. 

With Rishabh Pant at the helm, the team is eager to turn their fortunes around this year. They’ll be starting their campaign against the Delhi Capitals on April 1 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. With a fresh strategy in place, LSG is determined to bounce back and prove themselves as serious contenders once again. 

Digvesh Singh Rathi 

Digvesh Singh Rathi is quickly becoming one of the standout bowlers in the LSG lineup. During his debut IPL season in 2025, he took home 14 wickets across 13 matches, often turning heads with his confident performances and memorable send-offs. 

Rathi’s skill in controlling the middle overs makes him an invaluable asset for the team. His ability to mix up his deliveries and generate turns can really unsettle batters who are trying to ramp up the scoring. As he gears up for his second season, Rathi is determined to build on his earlier successes and deliver consistent spells that can swing the momentum in LSG’s favor. 

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Avesh Khan 

Avesh Khan stands out as one of LSG’s most dependable pace bowlers, particularly when the pressure is on. He’s well-regarded for his skills during the death overs, consistently proving his ability to defend narrow totals and make crucial breakthroughs when the team needs them most. 

Throughout his IPL journey so far, he has claimed 87 wickets in 75 matches, boasting an average of 28.29 and an economy rate of 9.12. Although he has had a few costly outings, his talent for rising to the occasion in pivotal moments makes him an invaluable asset to LSG’s bowling lineup. His experience and calm demeanor will be vital for the team’s success this season. 

Mohammed Shami 

Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is set to lead LSG’s bowling lineup in IPL 2026. He made the move from Sunrisers Hyderabad just in time for the new season, bringing with him a treasure trove of experience and a knack for clinching crucial matches. While he hasn’t been a regular feature in the national team lately, he’s been turning heads in domestic cricket with his impressive consistency across all formats. 

In the IPL, Shami has taken 133 wickets in 119 matches, boasting an average of 28.18 and an economy rate of 8.63. His talent for making early breakthroughs during the powerplay and keeping things tight in the death overs makes him a key player. LSG will be counting on his leadership and expertise to steer the bowling attack throughout the tournament.

This article first appeared on CricketGully and was syndicated with permission.

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