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 Tremendous Giants (LSG) squad. Bangar believes the franchise could battle with ending choices within the batting lineup however steered that spin-bowling all-rounder might emerge as a vital participant in that position 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 crew seems to rely closely on its sturdy top-order, which incorporates Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, and captain Rishabh Pant.
Sanjay Bangar names the finisher for LSG
Talking on Star Sports activities, Bangar identified that the crew’s center and decrease order lacks confirmed finishers who can constantly shut out innings in high-pressure conditions. In accordance with him, the duty might 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 position. In consequence, he emphasised that the crew’s top-order batters must shoulder extra duty to make sure sturdy totals.
The previous India all-rounder steered that Shahbaz may very well be used strategically in the direction of the top 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 combating spirit.
Bangar described Shahbaz as a cricketer with sturdy character and resilience, qualities that may show beneficial in strain conditions. He added that the all-rounder’s capacity to remain composed might assist LSG in tight finishes.
“Other than Shahbaz Ahmed, Abdul Samad and Ayush Badoni, they don’t have every other participant who can slot in there. So the highest 5 must do extra, and you’ll anticipate Shahbaz to come back and supply the ending touches,” stated Bangar on Star Sports activities.
“He’s a participant with nice character. He was with me in RCB. So I do know the form of combating qualities he has. So you’ll undoubtedly need the highest order to carry out the best way they’ve been performing in worldwide cricket in the meanwhile, or the best way Nicholas Pooran garnered fame final yr. If the highest order doesn’t fireplace, this crew may have difficulties all through the season,” added Bangar.
Additionally 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 Tremendous 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 charge of 148.19. Samad additionally contributed helpful cameos, scoring 164 runs in 12 innings at a hanging charge of 176.34. Regardless of these contributions, Lucknow struggled to constantly shut out innings, an element that performed a task of their mid-table end.
Additionally READ: Sanjay Bangar names his playing XI of Punjab Kings for IPL 2026
