Who will replace Rishabh Pant? Ex-India opener reveals LSG's two leading captaincy options
toi
newspoint|14-11-2026
Lucknow Super Giants ' decision to bring Kuldeep Yadav on board through a trade could prove to be one of their most influential moves ahead of IPL 2027 , according to former India opener Abhinav Mukund. He believes the left-arm wrist-spinner has the ability to transform LSG's bowling attack and potentially play a decisive role in their pursuit of a maiden IPL title.
Kuldeep joined LSG shortly after the conclusion of IPL 2026, with the franchise completing a trade deal with Delhi Capitals that saw wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant move in the opposite direction.
Mukund believes Kuldeep's wicket-taking ability makes him an invaluable addition, particularly at the Ekana Stadium , where conditions are expected to assist spin bowling. He also highlighted the prospect of Kuldeep forming an attacking partnership with fellow spinner Digvesh Rathi.
“Kuldeep Yadav is a phenomenal signing for Lucknow Super Giants. He is a genuine wicket-taking spinner, and in T20 cricket, that is worth its weight in gold.
“He does not just keep the runs down, he looks for wickets in the middle overs, and that changes the game for a captain. At the Ekana Stadium, where the pitch offers help to spinners, he will be even more dangerous. His partnership with Digvesh Rathi could be one of the most exciting spin pairings in the IPL.
“Both of them are attacking bowlers who are not afraid to toss the ball up and invite the batters to go after them, because they know their variations can get them out. When you have two spinners asking different questions, it becomes very hard for the opposition to settle. If they build a strong understanding, LSG will have a spin attack that can win them games on its own and for me, this trade could be one of the smartest moves of the season,” Mukund told JioStar.
However, while Kuldeep's arrival strengthens the bowling department, LSG still have an important decision to make regarding their leadership. Pant's exit has left the franchise searching for a new captain as they prepare for another attempt at winning their first IPL trophy.
Mukund identified Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran as the two leading candidates currently available within the squad. Both have experience captaining franchise teams in different T20 leagues. However, he believes LSG could also explore the possibility of bringing in an experienced Indian player through the trade window.
“Lucknow Super Giants are on the hunt for a captain. Now it depends on their team management about what they prefer, whether they prefer to appoint a captain from a player in their squad or whether they choose someone from the mini auction. The strongest option within the squad is Aiden Markram.
“He leads their SA20 side, Durban’s Super Giants, which makes his case for leading LSG quite strong. Then Nicholas Pooran is an option too, because he captains MI New York and the Trinbago Knight Riders as well, so he’s a good option too. So they have good options in their squad, but the trade window could change things.
“If LSG find a senior Indian player who can lead the side, they might look at that option instead. An Indian captain is always easier to manage in the IPL because they understand the local players and the pressure that comes with the role. So, while Markram and Pooran are strong candidates, LSG should keep their options open going into the auction,” he added.
With Kuldeep strengthening their spin resources and the captaincy question still unresolved, LSG have a crucial period ahead as they look to assemble a combination capable of challenging for the IPL 2027 title.
Kuldeep joined LSG shortly after the conclusion of IPL 2026, with the franchise completing a trade deal with Delhi Capitals that saw wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant move in the opposite direction.
Mukund believes Kuldeep's wicket-taking ability makes him an invaluable addition, particularly at the Ekana Stadium , where conditions are expected to assist spin bowling. He also highlighted the prospect of Kuldeep forming an attacking partnership with fellow spinner Digvesh Rathi.
“Kuldeep Yadav is a phenomenal signing for Lucknow Super Giants. He is a genuine wicket-taking spinner, and in T20 cricket, that is worth its weight in gold.
“He does not just keep the runs down, he looks for wickets in the middle overs, and that changes the game for a captain. At the Ekana Stadium, where the pitch offers help to spinners, he will be even more dangerous. His partnership with Digvesh Rathi could be one of the most exciting spin pairings in the IPL.
“Both of them are attacking bowlers who are not afraid to toss the ball up and invite the batters to go after them, because they know their variations can get them out. When you have two spinners asking different questions, it becomes very hard for the opposition to settle. If they build a strong understanding, LSG will have a spin attack that can win them games on its own and for me, this trade could be one of the smartest moves of the season,” Mukund told JioStar.
However, while Kuldeep's arrival strengthens the bowling department, LSG still have an important decision to make regarding their leadership. Pant's exit has left the franchise searching for a new captain as they prepare for another attempt at winning their first IPL trophy.
Mukund identified Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran as the two leading candidates currently available within the squad. Both have experience captaining franchise teams in different T20 leagues. However, he believes LSG could also explore the possibility of bringing in an experienced Indian player through the trade window.
“Lucknow Super Giants are on the hunt for a captain. Now it depends on their team management about what they prefer, whether they prefer to appoint a captain from a player in their squad or whether they choose someone from the mini auction. The strongest option within the squad is Aiden Markram.
“He leads their SA20 side, Durban’s Super Giants, which makes his case for leading LSG quite strong. Then Nicholas Pooran is an option too, because he captains MI New York and the Trinbago Knight Riders as well, so he’s a good option too. So they have good options in their squad, but the trade window could change things.
“If LSG find a senior Indian player who can lead the side, they might look at that option instead. An Indian captain is always easier to manage in the IPL because they understand the local players and the pressure that comes with the role. So, while Markram and Pooran are strong candidates, LSG should keep their options open going into the auction,” he added.
With Kuldeep strengthening their spin resources and the captaincy question still unresolved, LSG have a crucial period ahead as they look to assemble a combination capable of challenging for the IPL 2027 title.
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