As the joy builds for the upcoming version of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has shared his evaluation of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) squad. Bangar believes the franchise might battle with ending choices within the batting lineup however steered that spin-bowling all-rounder may emerge as an important participant in that function in the course of the season.
The Lucknow-based franchise endured a disappointing marketing campaign in IPL 2025, ending seventh within the standings and lacking out on the playoffs. Heading into the brand new season, the group seems to rely closely on its robust top-order, which incorporates Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, and captain Rishabh Pant.
Sanjay Bangar names the finisher for LSG
Speaking on Star Sports, Bangar identified that the group’s center and decrease order lacks confirmed finishers who can persistently shut out innings in high-pressure conditions. According to him, the accountability may fall on a small group of gamers to ship within the latter phases of the innings.
Bangar famous that aside from Shahbaz Ahmed, Abdul Samad, and Ayush Badoni, the squad doesn’t possess many choices who naturally match into the finisher’s function. As a end result, he emphasised that the group’s top-order batters should shoulder extra accountability to make sure robust totals.
The former India all-rounder steered that Shahbaz might be used strategically in direction of the tip of the innings so as to add fast runs. Drawing from his expertise working with Shahbaz throughout his time with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Bangar praised the participant’s temperament and preventing spirit.
Bangar described Shahbaz as a cricketer with robust character and resilience, qualities that may show useful in strain conditions. He added that the all-rounder’s potential to remain composed may assist LSG in tight finishes.
“Apart from Shahbaz Ahmed, Abdul Samad and Ayush Badoni, they don’t have any other player who can fit in there. So the top five will have to do more, and you can expect Shahbaz to come and provide the finishing touches,” stated Bangar on Star Sports.
“He is a player with great character. He was with me in RCB. So I know the kind of fighting qualities he has. So you will definitely want the top order to perform the way they have been performing in international cricket at the moment, or the way Nicholas Pooran garnered fame last year. If the top order doesn’t fire, this team will have difficulties throughout the season,” added Bangar.
Also READ: Sanjay Bangar picks his Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) playing XI for IPL 2026
Numbers from IPL 2025 present combined outcomes
A take a look at final season’s statistics displays the issues raised by Bangar. Shahbaz featured in simply three matches for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025 and managed solely 9 runs in his lone batting alternative. In distinction, Badoni confirmed promise with the bat, scoring 329 runs in 11 innings at a powerful strike price of 148.19. Samad additionally contributed helpful cameos, scoring 164 runs in 12 innings at a hanging price of 176.34. Despite these contributions, Lucknow struggled to persistently shut out innings, an element that performed a job of their mid-table end.
Also READ: Sanjay Bangar names his playing XI of Punjab Kings for IPL 2026
