Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head into IPL 2026 with questions around team balance, and former India bowling coach L Balaji has raised a clear concern. He feels the side depends too much on its overseas top-order batters for strong starts.
Balaji pointed out that players like Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran carried the batting last season. While their performances stood out, he believes such heavy reliance could hurt the team again.
“The top order, featuring Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran, is very strong. They provided solid starts and often outperformed the opposition last season,” Balaji told Jio Hotstar.
He made it clear that batting was not LSG’s biggest problem in IPL 2025. Instead, he said issues in bowling, captaincy and on-field decisions played a bigger role in their struggles.
“The issues were more with the bowling, captaincy, and leadership tactics. The team relies significantly on its overseas batters,” he added.
Balaji stressed that Indian players in the squad must step up this season. He named Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad and Shahbaz Ahmed as key players who can support the middle order.
He also placed special focus on captain Rishabh Pant. According to Balaji, Pant will have to take more responsibility and lead from the front with the bat and as a leader.
“You also have players like Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, and Shahbaz Ahmed who can contribute, but the bulk of the responsibility will fall on the top order and Rishabh Pant,” he said.
Overseas Combination Key
Talking about team combination, Balaji prefers a clear overseas structure. He wants LSG to stick with three foreign batters and one overseas bowler in the playing XI.
He backed Marsh, Markram and Pooran as automatic picks among overseas players. For the fourth slot, he suggested strengthening the bowling attack.
Wanindu Hasaranga remains his first-choice overseas bowler if fully fit. However, with fitness still uncertain, Balaji suggested South African pacer Anrich Nortje as the backup option.
“Next, the bowling unit needs reinforcement with an overseas fast bowler, especially since Hasaranga’s fitness is still uncertain. If he isn’t available, I would go with Anrich Nortje,” he said.
LSG will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Stadium on April 1. After finishing seventh last season, the team will be keen to fix its balance and start fresh.