Excitement is building for the upcoming edition Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar shared his thoughts about Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) staff. Bangar believes the franchise may struggle with finishing options in the batting line-up, but suggested that the spin-bowling all-rounder could emerge as an important player in that role over the course of the season.
The Lucknow-based franchise endured a disappointing campaign in IPL 2025, finishing seventh in the standings and missing out on the playoffs. Heading into the new season, the team appears to be confident in its strong top line, including Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooranand captain Rishabh pants.
Sanjay Bangar names the finisher for LSG
Speaking to Star Sports, Bangar pointed out that the team lacks a proven finisher in the middle and lower order who can consistently shut down innings in high-pressure situations. According to him, the onus could fall on a small group of players to perform in the latter stages of the innings.
Bangar further noted Shahbaz Ahmed, Abdul Samad, and Ayush Badonithe staff doesn’t have many options that naturally fit the tight end role. As a result, he stressed that the team’s top players will have to shoulder more responsibility to ensure strong totals.
The former India all-rounder suggested that Shahbaz could be used strategically towards the end of the innings to add quick runs. Drawing on his experience during his tenure with Shahbaz Royal Challengers BengaluruBangar appreciated the football player’s character and struggle.
Bangar described Shahbaz as a cricketer with strong character and resilience, qualities that can be valuable in pressure situations. He added that the all-rounder’s ability to stay composed could help LSG in tight finishes.
“Apart from Shahbaz Ahmed, Abdul Samad and Ayush Badoni, they don’t have any other players who can fit in there. So the top five will have to do more and Shahbaz can be expected to come and provide the final points.” Bangar said on Star Sports.
“He is a player with great character. He was with me at RCB. So I know his batting qualities. So you will definitely want the top-order to perform like they are doing in international cricket now or the way Nicholas Pura rose to fame last year. If the top-order is not fired, this team will be in trouble throughout the season,” Bangar added.
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The numbers from IPL 2025 show mixed results
A look at last season’s stats echoes the concerns Bangar raised. Shahbaz appeared in just three matches for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025 and managed just nine runs in a single innings opportunity. In contrast, Badoni showed promise with the bat, scoring 329 runs in 11 innings at an impressive strike rate of 148.19. Samad also contributed useful cameos, scoring 164 runs in 12 overs at a rate of 176.34. Despite these contributions, Lucknow struggled to close out the innings consistently, which played a role in their mid-table finish.
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