The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have emerged as one of the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) most dynamic franchises since their debut in 2022. Owned by the RPSG Group, the team has navigated highs and lows, culminating in a transformative 2025 season marked by strategic leadership changes and record-breaking acquisitions.
Team Overview
Founded in 2021, LSG entered the IPL as one of two new franchises, with the RPSG Group securing ownership rights for ₹7,090 crore. Their home matches are played at Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium, which has a capacity of 50,000. Under KL Rahul’s captaincy, LSG reached the playoffs in their first two seasons (2022 and 2023) but faltered in 2024, finishing seventh due to inconsistent performances and a poor net run rate.
The franchise’s rebranding from the Rising Pune Supergiant template is evident in its global sister teams, including Durban’s Super Giants in SA20 and the rebranded Mohun Bagan Super Giant in football. This interconnected ecosystem underscores RPSG’s ambition to build a multi-sport legacy.
2025 Seasons Leadership and Squad Revamp
The 2025 season marks a watershed moment for LSG, driven by bold decisions in the auction and leadership restructuring:
1. Captaincy Transition
Rishabh Pant replaced KL Rahul as captain after LSG secured him for a historic ₹27 crore at the 2024 mega-auction. Pant’s acquisition followed a fierce bidding war involving Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals, with LSG leveraging new auction rules to outbid rivals after Delhi’s Right-to-Match (RTM) card usage.
KL Rahul’s release after three seasons was attributed to management’s preference for “players who prioritize the team over personal milestones”.
2. Coaching Staff
Head coach Justin Langer (appointed in 2024) brings experience from his tenure with the Australian national team.
Zaheer Khan joined as a mentor, adding strategic depth to LSG’s cricketing brain trust.
3. Key Squad Additions
| Player | Role | Price (INR) | Notable Attributes |
| Rishabh Pant | WK-Batter | 27 crore | Explosive batting, leadership |
| David Miller | Batter | 7.5 crore | Finishing prowess |
| Aiden Markram | All-rounder | 2 crore | Spin-hitting anchor |
| Mitchell Marsh | All-rounder | 3.4 crore | Powerplay impact |
| Avesh Khan | Pacer | 9.75 crore | Death-bowling specialist |
The squad retained core players like Nicholas Pooran (₹21 crore), Ravi Bishnoi (₹11 crore), and Mayank Yadav (₹11 crore), blending youth with experience.
Tactical Analysis
Batting Depth
LSG’s top order features Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram, who provide stability and aggression. The middle order, anchored by Pant and Pooran, boasts a combined strike rate of 165+ in T20s. South African veteran David Miller adds firepower in the death overs, while uncapped Indian talents like Ayush Badoni offer flexibility.
Bowling Resources
- Spin: Ravi Bishnoi (104 IPL wickets) partners with part-timer Krunal Pandya.
- Pace: Avesh Khan (87 IPL wickets) leads the attack alongside Mayank Yadav, whose 155kph deliveries impressed in 2024.
Probable Playing XI
- Mitchell Marsh
- Aiden Markram
- Rishabh Pant (C & WK)
- Nicholas Pooran
- David Miller
- Ayush Badoni
- Abdul Samad
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Avesh Khan
- Mayank Yadav
- Mohsin Khan
Challenges and Opportunities
Leadership Dynamics
Pant’s captaincy debut for LSG comes with scrutiny, given his mixed tenure at Delhi Capitals (2021-2022). His compatibility with Langer and Khan will be pivotal, especially in managing a diverse squad with seven overseas contenders.
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Injury Concerns
Pant’s recovery from a 2022 car accident and Marsh’s fitness history require careful workload management.
Fan Involvement
LSG’s social media growth (4.6 million followers as of 2024) reflects rising popularity. The Pant-Rahul rivalry narrative—amplified by memes about owner Sanjiv Goenka’s management style—adds intrigue.
Historical Performance
| Season | League Position | Playoff Result |
| 2022 | 3rd/10 | Eliminator loss |
| 2023 | 3rd/10 | Eliminator loss |
| 2024 | 7th/10 | Did not qualify |
The 2024 slump highlighted overdependence on Rahul and Pooran, with the team collapsing in six chases. The 2025 rebuild addresses these gaps through all-round depth.
Full LSG Player List for IPL 2025
Below we have added the player list for LSG in the 2025 IPL season along with their price.
Wicketkeeper/Batter
- Nicholas Pooran (West Indies) – ₹21 crore
- Rishabh Pant – ₹27 crore
- Aryan Juyal – ₹30 lakh
Batter
- Ayush Badoni – ₹4 crore
- David Miller (South Africa) – ₹7.50 crore
- Aiden Markram (South Africa) – ₹2.00 crore
- Himmat Singh – ₹30 lakh
- Matthew Breetzke – ₹75 lakh
Bowler
- Ravi Bishnoi – ₹11 crore
- Mayank Yadav – ₹11 crore
- Mohsin Khan – ₹4 crore
- Avesh Khan – ₹9.75 crore
- Akash Deep – ₹8 crore
- M Siddharth – ₹75 lakh
- Digvesh Singh – ₹30 lakh
- Akash Singh – ₹30 lakh
- Shamar Joseph (West Indies) – ₹75 lakh
- Prince Yadav – ₹30 lakh
All-rounder
- Mitchell Marsh (Australia) – ₹3.40 crore
- Abdul Samad – ₹4.20 crore
- Shahbaz Ahmed – ₹2.4 crore
- Yuvraj Chaudhary – ₹30 lakh
- Rajvardhan Hangargekar – ₹30 lakh
- Arshin Kulkarni – ₹30 lakh
Expectations for IPL 2025
LSG’s ₹69 crore retention spend and ₹51 crore auction investment reflect a title-focused strategy. Pant’s aggressive batting (career IPL strike rate: 147.96) and fresh leadership could propel the team into playoff contention. However, balancing overseas stars like Miller and Markram with emerging Indian talent will test tactical acumen.
With Langer’s structured approach and Zaheer’s mentorship, LSG aims to shed their “nearly-men” tag and secure their maiden IPL trophy. The franchise’s global ambitions—mirroring sister teams’ successes—add pressure to deliver domestically.
As the season unfolds, Pant’s ability to galvanize a revamped squad under Goenka’s results-driven ownership will define LSG’s legacy in 2025 and beyond.
To see other team guides for the 2025 IPL season, please check out our articles on Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders.