Lucknow Super Giants have kick-started their preparations for IPL 2026, with the franchise planning a focused overseas training programme for its domestic fast bowlers. With the new season still over three months away, LSG are set to send a group of Indian pacers to South Africa, where they will train alongside Durban Super Giants players during the upcoming SA20.

According to a Cricbuzz report, Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan are part of the initial shortlist, with young left-arm pacer Naman Tiwari also expected to join the group. The bowlers are likely to travel to Durban next week, ahead of the SA20 2025–26 season, which begins on December 26 and runs until January 25.

Durban Super Giants is LSG’s sister franchise, owned by the same management. Importantly, none of the players are contracted to the BCCI or involved in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, and LSG are believed to have secured the required permissions from the board.

Avesh, Mohsin coming off knee surgeries 

Notably, Avesh has not played competitive cricket since the last IPL season, while Mohsin missed the entire 2025 campaign.

Both pacers underwent knee surgeries in July and have only recently resumed bowling. The training programme will be overseen by Lance Klusener, Tom Moody, Bharat Arun, and Carl Crowe, all part of the Durban Super Giants’ support staff. Notably, Moody, Arun, and Crowe are also associated with LSG. This will allow LSG to closely track the bowlers’ recovery while providing them with competitive conditions without the pressure of immediate match results.

For Naman Tiwari, the stint represents a developmental opportunity. The 20-year-old left-arm pacer, bought for INR 1 crore at the IPL 2026 auction, is seen as a long-term prospect by the franchise. Clocking speeds above 140 kmph, Tiwari is not part of Uttar Pradesh’s Vijay Hazare Trophy squad and is yet to make his domestic debut.

Depending on their fitness progression, Avesh and Mohsin could also return in time for the second leg of the Ranji Trophy starting January 22, while Tiwari may head back for his maiden senior call-up.