Lucknow Super Giants entered the Indian Premier League back in 2022, but they have still not managed to reach a final even once. Despite having some of the biggest T20 superstars over the years, inconsistency has hurt them, especially in the last two seasons where they even failed to qualify for the playoffs.IPL 2025 was heavily impacted by injuries in their bowling unit, which turned out to be a major setback. Interestingly, the batting unit still delivered, with three overseas batters crossing the 400-run mark, something that had not happened before for them.Now with Mohammed Shami added to the pace attack, LSG looks like a bit more settled and dangerous side heading into IPL 2026. However, injury clouds still hovering over the sideLSG batting looks complete firepower at top but inexperienced lower down the orderAiden MarkramAiden Markram comes into IPL 2026 in very good touch, especially after his recent T20 World Cup performances. He is one of those batters who can shift gears smoothly, play aggressive when needed or hold the innings together. That flexibility at the top makes him very important for LSG.Mitchell MarshMitchell Marsh is that explosive presence at the top. He scored 627 runs last season which tells you everything about his impact. A proper match-winner in this format, once he gets going he can take the game away in a matter of overs. LSG will depend a lot on him again.Nicholas PooranNicholas Pooran is easily one of the most dangerous T20 batters around the world. Known for his six-hitting ability, he has been the backbone of LSG’s batting since the start. A lot will depend on how he controls that middle phase and then accelerates when needed.Rishabh PantThe INR 27 crore investment on Rishabh Pant in the IPL 2025 mega auction did not fully deliver last season. But with the kind of talent he has, it’s only a matter of time. His knock in LSG’s final league game previous year showed glimpses of what he can do. Now with captaincy also on his shoulders, his form could directly decide LSG’s season.Ayush BadoniAyush Badoni has been a trusted name in this setup. The youngster has played some crucial knocks over the years. Last season he scored 329 runs at a strike rate close to 150. He has the talent, now it’s about delivering consistently.Abdul SamadAbdul Samad brings that raw power in the lower middle order. The Jammu and Kashmir all-rounder is known for his hitting ability and LSG will expect him to finish games. With a slightly inexperienced lower order, his role becomes even more important.Injury clouds hover again in bowling departmentShahbaz AhmedShahbaz Ahmed can be very effective, especially in home conditions. With bigger boundaries, his left-arm spin becomes handy. He has done this role before and gives balance to the side with both bat and ball.Digvesh RathiDigvesh Rathi was one of the news of last season. The leg-spinner picked up 14 wickets in 13 matches and also grabbed attention with his on-field tussles. His economy was around 8.25, which is decent. He will be tested again this season.Mohammed ShamiMohammed Shami is a massive addition with 33 IPL wickets. He brings a lot of experience to this setup. It will also be a golden opportunity for the right-hand pacer to make a statement on the grand stage, especially since he has been out of the Indian setup for quite some time now.Anrich NortjeAnrich Nortje is all about pace, but fitness has always been a concern. LSG picked him for 2 crore hoping he can stay fit and deliver. If he pairs well with Shami, this attack suddenly looks much stronger.Mayank YadavMayank Yadav is that exciting young fast bowler who made headlines for touching 150 kmph in IPL 2024. He troubled batters but injuries have slowed him down. Last season he returned but struggled a bit and got injured again. His fitness will be key for LSG’s pace attack.LSG predicted XI for IPL 2026Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Digvesh Rathi, Mohammed Shami, Anrich Nortje, Mayank YadavImpact Players: Himmat Singh, Josh Inglis, Mohsin Khan, Wanindu HasarangaLSG full squad IPL 2026Rishabh Pant (c), Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Josh Inglis, Avesh Khan, David Miller, Abdul Samad, Mohsin Khan, Ayush Badoni, Mitchell Marsh, Mukul Choudhary, Shahbaz Ahmad, Akshat Raghuvanshi, Aiden Markram, Wanindu Hasaranga, Anrich Nortje, Naman Tiwari, Matthew Breetzke, Arjun Tendulkar, Himmat Singh, Digvesh Rathi, Akash Singh, Prince Yadav, Arshin KulkarniAlso READ: RCB's predicted XI for IPL 2026: Devdutt Padikkal at three, Venkatesh Iyer at five and Nuwan Thushara as an X factor