Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow Supergiants are under severe pressure. After a disappointing performance last season, LSG is desperate to bounce back in the upcoming IPL 2026. When Rishabh Pant took over the captaincy, the franchise and fans expected something special, but the results did not live up to the hype.
Now, Lucknow Super Giants are aiming to make a fresh start with a strong squad this season. There is no doubt that world-class players like Jason Holder, Aiden Markram, Josh Inglis, Anrich Nortje, Wanindu Hasaranga and even Pant can win matches on their day in high-pressure tournaments.
3 players can lead LSG to IPL 2026 glory
But cricket is not just about the big stars, but about the players who step up in difficult moments. And for LSG, we predict that these three players – Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran and Mohammed Shami – can become the real heroes in the upcoming IPL 2026, starting from March 28.
Also read: “Now is the time”: Zaheer Khan gives honest take on India’s fast bowling pipeline
Lucknow Super Giants are set to begin their campaign against Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1, followed by a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5.
Michelle Marsh
Mitchell Marsh could be the real X-factor for the Lucknow franchise this season. The Australian captain gives perfect balance to the team. The star all-rounder can be very dangerous in the powerplay and if he gets a good start, he can take the game away from the opponent.
With the ball, Marsh can deliver some solid overs and take important wickets when needed. Additionally, Marsh is also a big-match player, and his experience becomes very important in tough IPL games, especially during the playoffs. And that makes him very valuable to LSG. Marsh has 1293 runs and 37 wickets in his name so far in 55 matches in IPL.
nicholas puran
The Lucknow franchise has high expectations from Nicholas Pooran after becoming the most expensive foreign player at a price of ₹21 crore. He is coming into the 2026 season after his best year in the IPL. IPL 2025 was one of Pooran’s best seasons, scoring 524 runs at a strike rate of 196.25.
He also scored 5 half-centuries and hit 40 sixes, the most in the tournament, proving how destructive he can be in the middle and death overs. Puran is also one of the best players of spin and he plays an excellent role as a stabilizer and hitter.
He can change the match in just a few overs and put pressure on the opposition team. The West Indies star has 2293 runs in 90 IPL matches and is expected to continue his form this season too.
Mohammed Shami
Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami is one of the experienced players of the LSG team. Shami’s presence makes their bowling attack dangerous and organized. He can swing the ball quickly and take wickets in the power play. He also has the experience of bearing pressure in the death overs.
This makes Shami a dangerous weapon for LSG and the backbone of their attack. His experience can guide young bowlers like Mayank Yadav and support the foreign fast bowlers.
The Indian fast bowler joined LSG in a cash deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for Rs 10 crore. Shami, who has 133 wickets to his name in his IPL career so far, will be keen to prove himself once again after his poor 2024 season.
Also read: Gary Kirsten attacks Mohsin Naqvi-led PCB for creating toxic work culture
