Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made a significant impact at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, demonstrating their intent to bolster their squad for the upcoming season. Their strategic focus was on strengthening the pace-bowling department and reinforcing the middle order to create a more balanced team.
LSG’s key signings and strategy for the IPL 2025
One of LSG’s main priorities was enhancing their fast-bowling lineup, leading them to sign two promising Indian seamers, Avesh Khan for INR 9.75 crores and Akash Deep for INR 8 crores. These additions were aimed at deepening their bowling attack, which is crucial for their campaign in the next season.
The franchise also addressed their dependency on Nicholas Pooran for power-hitting in the middle order by signing David Miller and Abdul Samad. Additionally, they secured Mitchell Marsh, an Australian all-rounder, to replace Marcus Stoinis, who was released earlier. The standout signing, however, was Rishabh Pant, the dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batter, who became the most expensive player in IPL history after LSG acquired him for a staggering INR 27 crores.
Also READ: Lucknow Super Giants IPL 2025 Squad: Complete players list of LSG after the mega auction
Lucknow Super Giants’ captaincy conundrum: Sanjeev Goenka’s stand
Following the release of KL Rahul, LSG now faces the task of finding their next captain. While the acquisition of Rishabh Pant for a record price has sparked discussions around him being the natural choice, LSG are maintaining an air of suspense regarding their captaincy decision.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra shared his insights on the potential captaincy, suggesting that LSG might lean toward a wicketkeeper-batter. He questioned Goenka, on his Youtube channel in an exclusive interview, on whether Pant would be the choice or if the franchise might surprise the fans with a different pick.
Goenka, the owner of LSG, addressed this uncertainty, emphasizing that the team boasts a robust leadership pool comprising Pant, Pooran, Aiden Markram and Marsh. Each of these players brings a wealth of experience and strategic acumen to the table, making it difficult for the franchise to commit to a single captain just yet.
Goenka highlighted, “People get surprised very quickly. According to me, I don’t give surprises. It has been decided but we will announce it in the next few days. We have four leaders in our team – Rishabh (Pant), Pooran, Markram, and Mitch Marsh. So it becomes a very strong leadership pool of intellect and thought, and strategy. They are all people who can go with the mindset to win. Rishabh has the hunger and passion to win. So a good team has been built,”