The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) dominated the IPL 2025 auction, scripting history by signing Rishabh Pant for a staggering ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. With a total of 19 players acquired over the two-day auction, LSG built a squad that combines experience, explosive batting, and a versatile bowling attack.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of LSG’s squad composition, auction strategy, and prospects for the upcoming season.
LSG IPL 2025 Squad: Full List
Retained Players
- Nicholas Pooran (₹21 crore): A powerful left-handed batter and a key middle-order player.
- Ravi Bishnoi (₹11 crore): A young and talented leg-spinner with the ability to take wickets in crucial moments.
- Mayank Yadav (₹11 crore): A promising Indian pacer.
- Mohsin Khan (₹4 crore): A left-arm pacer known for his accuracy and death-over skills.
- Ayush Badoni (₹4 crore): A young batter with the ability to play finishing roles.
New Signings
- Rishabh Pant (₹27 crore): A world-class wicketkeeper-batter and dynamic leader.
- David Miller (₹7.5 crore): An experienced middle-order batter with finishing abilities.
- Aiden Markram (₹2 crore): A dependable South African batter and part-time off-spinner.
- Mitchell Marsh (₹3.40 crore): A hard-hitting Australian all-rounder.
- Avesh Khan (₹9.75 crore): A proven Indian pacer with excellent T20 credentials.
- Abdul Samad (₹4.20 crore): A power-hitting all-rounder from Jammu & Kashmir.
- Aryan Juyal (₹30 lakh): A young wicketkeeper-batter for backup.
- Akash Deep (₹8 crore): A reliable Indian pacer.
- Himmat Singh (₹30 lakh): A domestic talent adding depth to the middle order.
- M. Siddharth (₹75 lakh): A left-arm spinner known for his control and variations.
- Digvesh Singh (₹30 lakh): A promising domestic bowler.
- Shahbaz Ahmed (₹2.40 crore): A dependable all-rounder with a knack for impactful performances.
- Akash Singh (₹30 lakh): A young left-arm pacer.
- Shamar Joseph (₹75 lakh): An emerging overseas pacer.
- Prince Yadav (₹30 lakh): A domestic all-rounder.
- Yuvraj Chaudhary (₹30 lakh): A promising domestic talent.
- Rajvardhan Hangargekar (₹30 lakh): A young all-rounder with IPL experience.
- Arshin Kulkarni (₹30 lakh): Another domestic player for depth.
- Matthew Breetzke (₹75 lakh): A South African batter known for his aggressive style.
Key Highlights of LSG’s Auction Strategy
1. The Record-Breaking Signing of Rishabh Pant
The ₹27 crore spent on Rishabh Pant reflects LSG’s focus on acquiring a leader and match-winner. Pant’s explosive batting style and leadership skills make him a cornerstone of the team. His ability to change the course of a game in a few overs makes him a valuable addition.
2. Building a Strong Middle Order
With the acquisitions of David Miller, Aiden Markram, and Abdul Samad, LSG has bolstered its middle-order lineup. These players bring experience, firepower, and the ability to finish games under pressure.
3. Strengthening the Pace Department
LSG invested heavily in their pace attack, securing Avesh Khan for ₹9.75 crore and Akash Deep for ₹8 crore. Mohsin Khan and Mayank Yadav add depth, while Shamar Joseph provides an exciting overseas option.
4. Focus on All-Rounders
Players like Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Rajvardhan Hangargekar add balance to the team. Their ability to contribute with both bat and ball offers flexibility in team combinations.
5. Investing in Youth and Potential
LSG’s strategy also included signing promising young talents like Aryan Juyal, Yuvraj Chaudhary, and Prince Yadav. These players add depth to the squad and represent long-term investments.
Star Signings: Impact Players for LSG
1. Rishabh Pant (₹27 crore)
Pant’s signing is a game-changer for LSG. As a wicketkeeper-batter, he provides explosive starts at the top of the order. His leadership qualities add value, and his experience in high-pressure games makes him a key player.
2. David Miller (₹7.5 crore)
Miller’s experience and finishing abilities bring stability to LSG’s middle order. Known as “Killer Miller,” he can turn games around with his power-hitting.
3. Avesh Khan (₹9.75 crore)
Avesh Khan’s ability to bowl in the powerplay and death overs makes him a crucial part of LSG’s bowling attack. His consistency in previous IPL seasons justifies his price tag.
4. Mitchell Marsh (₹3.40 crore)
Marsh’s all-round capabilities and recent form in T20 cricket make him a valuable addition. He can provide quick runs and bowl crucial overs.
5. Shahbaz Ahmed (₹2.40 crore)
Ahmed’s left-arm spin and lower-order batting add depth to the squad. His ability to step up in clutch situations makes him a reliable all-rounder.
Strengths of LSG’s Squad Post-Auction
1. Explosive Batting Lineup
With Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, and David Miller in the batting order, LSG has one of the most explosive lineups in the IPL. These players can single-handedly win games on their day.
2. Balanced Bowling Attack
The pace attack, led by Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, and Akash Deep, is complemented by spinners like Ravi Bishnoi and Shahbaz Ahmed. This balance ensures adaptability to different conditions.
3. All-Round Options
The presence of all-rounders like Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Abdul Samad provides depth in both batting and bowling.
4. Leadership and Experience
The addition of Rishabh Pant as a potential leader, along with experienced players like David Miller and Aiden Markram, adds stability and strategic insight to the team.
Challenges and Weaknesses
1. Dependence on Key Players
LSG’s success could hinge on the performances of Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, and Avesh Khan. Any injuries or loss of form could impact the team’s balance.
2. Lack of Proven Finishers
While the middle order is strong, the absence of a consistent finisher could be a concern. The team will rely heavily on Miller and Samad to close games.
3. Inexperience in Backup Options
LSG’s reliance on young and relatively inexperienced domestic players could be a weakness if first-choice players are unavailable.
Predicted Playing XI for LSG in IPL 2025
- Rishabh Pant (C & WK)
- Nicholas Pooran
- David Miller
- Aiden Markram
- Abdul Samad
- Mitchell Marsh
- Shahbaz Ahmed
- Avesh Khan
- Mohsin Khan
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Akash Deep
Conclusion
Lucknow Super Giants have assembled a formidable squad, with the historic signing of Rishabh Pant as the centerpiece of their strategy. The team boasts a powerful batting lineup, a versatile bowling attack, and a mix of experienced players and promising talents. While challenges like dependence on key players and finishing depth remain, LSG’s well-rounded squad makes them strong contenders for IPL 2025.
With their eyes on the coveted IPL trophy, LSG’s blend of star power and youthful energy could propel them to glory this season.
