LSG's Auction Gamble: Can Bowling Firepower Offset Persistent Batting Frailties in IPL 2026? -

By Sports Desk | Updated: December 24, 2025

The Trust Deficit That Haunts LSG's Strategy

As Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) prepare for IPL 2026, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has raised serious concerns about captain Rishabh Pant's leadership dynamics, particularly his apparent lack of faith in leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi during the previous season. This trust deficit emerges as a critical vulnerability for a team that otherwise boasts one of the most formidable bowling arsenals in the tournament.

"Looking at Anrich Nortje and Hasaranga, LSG has very strong options, especially in the fast-bowling department. Hasaranga is a big benefit - last year, there was a lack of trust from captain Rishabh Pant in Ravi Bishnoi," Pathan stated during the 'TATA IPL Auction Review'.

The numbers reveal a troubling pattern: Bishnoi played just 11 matches in IPL 2025, claiming only 9 wickets at an economy rate of 10.83. His subsequent acquisition by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 7.4 crore - nearly four times his base price - underscores the market's belief in his untapped potential, contrasting sharply with LSG's utilization of the spinner.

The Ravi Bishnoi Conundrum

Bishnoi's departure highlights a broader leadership challenge for Pant. The 25-year-old leg-spinner boasts an impressive T20I record with 61 wickets in 42 matches, including two four-wicket hauls. Yet under Pant's captaincy, he frequently found himself underutilized in crucial phases, particularly during the middle overs where his wicket-taking ability could have maximized pressure.

Tactical analysis from IPL 2025 shows Bishnoi bowled his full quota of four overs in just 35% of matches he played, with Pant often opting for pace alternatives during pivotal moments. This reluctance to back his spinner created visible tension, with Bishnoi frequently seen consulting bowling coaches rather than his captain during strategic timeouts.

Batting Woes Compound Leadership Questions

While bowling trust issues dominate headlines, LSG's batting frailties present another dimension to their challenges. Former India opener Aakash Chopra pinpointed the lower-middle order as a persistent weakness that could undermine their strengthened bowling unit:

"The real issue has been the lower order; at five, six, and seven, players like David Miller couldn't consistently deliver last season. Despite bowling improvements, the lower-order batting remains a concern that hasn't been fully addressed."

Statistics reinforce Chopra's assessment: LSG lost 65% of matches when their top four failed to score 40+ runs each last season, exposing the lack of firepower beneath them. The retention of Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad - both averaging under 22 in death overs - does little to inspire confidence in their finishing capabilities.

The Bowling Reinforcement Paradox

Paradoxically, LSG's aggressive pursuit of bowling reinforcements may have exacerbated their batting vulnerabilities. Their Rs 8.6 crore investment in Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis - who will be available for only part of the season - drew sharp criticism from experts questioning the logic behind the move.

"Buying Josh Inglis, even if available full season at that price, doesn't make sense because he's not going to be in the starting line-up," noted former India opener Abhinav Mukund.

The squad now features an impressive pace battery including Mohammed Shami, Anrich Nortje, Mayank Yadav, and Arjun Tendulkar, complemented by spin options Wanindu Hasaranga and Manimaran Siddharth. However, this bowling-heavy strategy leaves them with just six specialist batsmen in a 25-player squad.

The Path Forward: Solutions for LSG's Dual Crisis

For LSG to transform from playoff contenders to title challengers, they must address two critical areas:

1. Leadership Rehabilitation

Pant needs to demonstrate greater tactical flexibility and man-management skills. Building trust with new spin spearhead Wanindu Hasaranga will be crucial, particularly after the Bishnoi fallout. Former players suggest appointing a senior vice-captain like experienced South African batsman Aiden Markram to provide strategic support.

2. Batting Order Reinvention

Chopra advocates for Pant to bat higher: "LSG has kept Rishabh Pant at number three, but he can play higher. Last season's top order was exceptional - three of the top four scored over 500 runs." Moving Pant to open could unleash his destructive powerplay potential while creating space for Nicholas Pooran and Marcus Stoinis to stabilize the middle order.

3. Maximizing New Acquisitions

The Rs 2 crore acquisition of Wanindu Hasaranga represents a potential masterstroke if utilized correctly. The Sri Lankan mystery spinner's economy rate of 6.98 in middle overs (overs 7-15) last IPL season could help LSG control games during high-pressure phases where they previously faltered.

The Verdict: Bowling Strength vs Leadership Test

While LSG's bowling roster appears formidable on paper - featuring seven international-quality bowlers - their success ultimately hinges on Pant's growth as a leader. The franchise has invested heavily in giving their young captain a championship-caliber attack, but as Pathan's observations reveal, tactical decision-making remains the final frontier.

With the IPL 2026 season approaching, all eyes will be on whether Pant can evolve beyond his instinctive captaincy style to build the strategic consistency and player trust required for sustained success. Failure to address these issues could see LSG's strengthened bowling lineup become a expensive mask for deeper systemic flaws rather than the foundation of a title challenge.

LSG's Auction Gamble: Can Bowling Firepower Offset Persistent Batting Frailties in IPL 2026?