LSG can bring him in when they need an extra batter or a finisher.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra shared his thoughts on what the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) playing XI could look like for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. He also mentioned who they might use as their Impact Player.
Chopra pointed out that Lucknow made some smart decisions before the IPL 2025 auction. They kept Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Ayush Badoni in their squad. After that, they went big in the auction and bought Rishabh Pant, making him their new captain.
In his YouTube video, the former opener explained how he sees Lucknow’s batting order shape up. He said the team could open with either Aiden Markram or Matthew Breetzke alongside Mitchell Marsh. Badoni might come in to bat at No.3, but if the openers have a long partnership, Rishabh Pant could also walk in at that spot. He added that Pooran, Pant, and David Miller would likely fill the middle order slots, probably batting at numbers four, five, and six in some combination.
“One of Aiden Markram and Matthew Breetzke with Mitchell Marsh. Ayush Badoni could bat at No.3. However, if there is a long partnership, (Rishabh) Pant can also come. Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant and David Miller could be your three, four, and five or four, five and six,” Chopra said.
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He also suggested that Abdul Samad would be a good option for them as an Impact Player. They can bring him when they need an extra batter or a finisher. After that, Shahbaz Ahmed could offer balance to the side with his all-round skills.
“Then you will have Abdul Samad as your Impact Sub. You can use him when required. Then you will go towards Shahbaz Ahmed,” he added.
For the bowling attack, Chopra listed Ravi Bishnoi, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, and either Mohsin or Mayank depending on who is fit. He highlighted that fitness will play a big role in deciding which pacer makes it to the final XI.
“In bowling, Ravi Bishnoi, Akash Deep, Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan/Mayank Yadav. It will depend on fitness who they would play,” he further stated.
The commentator shared his thoughts on who might perform the best for the Lucknow franchise in IPL 2025. He said the top run scorer could be either Pant or Pooran as they are the two best batters in the team. For the most wickets, he picked Bishnoi because the fast bowlers might be rotated often which could give the leg-spinner more opportunities. Chopra also mentioned three players to watch this season which are Badoni, Samad and Shahbaz as they could play key roles for the team.
“Who will score the most runs? I think it will be a toss-up between Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran. They are their two best players. Who will take the most wickets? Since the fast bowlers will be rotated, I am going towards Ravi Bishnoi. Players to watch out for – Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad and Shahbaz Ahmed,” Chopra concluded.
Lucknow Super Giants will begin their tournament on March 24 against Delhi Capitals at the ACA International Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
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