Former India cricketer Irfan Pathanhas named Lucknow Super Giants’s probable playing XII for IPL 2026, notably leaving out Josh Inglis, who was signed for INR 8.6 crore at the mini-auction. The franchise underwent a major overhaul after missing out on the playoffs for a second consecutive season in 2025.

LSG bolstered their squad by acquiring Mohammed Shami and Arjun Tendulkar through trade deals, while sending Shardul Thakur to Mumbai Indians. The team also released Ravi Bishnoi and David Miller. In addition, LSG brought in Wanindu Hasaranga and Anrich Nortje, along with several domestic recruits. Pathan believes the team should persist with their overseas opening combination and slot Rishabh Pant at No. 3.

"Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed/ M Siddharth, Mohammad Shami, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi," Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

"Impact Player: Mayank Yadav/Anrich Nortje/Mohsin Khan/Naman Tiwari/ Prince Yadav," he added.

Pathan also highlighted that Nicholas Pooran’s form could be a concern for LSG. Pooran has been a key performer for the franchise in recent seasons but last featured in the SA20 2026 after announcing his retirement from international cricket. LSG will begin their campaign against Delhi Capitals on April 1 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium.

"Markram and Marsh are very important because both of them are overseas openers. For this reason, I wish Lucknow put up some good seaming wickets in home matches so that the overseas openers find it comparatively easier to play. A refreshed Rishabh Pant at No.3, Nicholas Pooran's graph has gone downwards, he has not really performed well in the last year, but he loves playing for Lucknow," Pathan said.

"Ayush Badoni's graph has gone up, he got an Indian call-up as well. You then have Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, and Shahbaz Ahmed in the lower middle-order. You can also consider M Siddharth as well if you feel that seven batters are enough," he added.