Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is preparing for some shocking moves ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. They have the plan to prepare a spin fortress to solidify their bowling line-up. For that, LSG can go heavily for well-established spinners of Indian cricket. 

There are multiple speculations about the IPL 2026 team-building process. Before the fresh season of the Indian Premier League, multiple franchises are reportedly looking for some big names to improve their performances on the field. LSG sustained back-to-back disappointing seasons despite spending a good amount of money. 

According to the latest claims, Lucknow Super Giants are keenly interested in two Delhi Capitals spinners—Axar Patel and Kuldeep Singh. If the claims are to be believed, then LSG is trying to secure the service of either Kuldeep or Axar. To make the deal possible, LSG is ready to trade players except Rishabh Pant, Mitchell Marsh, and Nicholas Pooran. 

Read More: From Asia Cup 2025 chaos to total overhaul — PCB takes bold step

Why is LSG interested in bringing a world-class spinner into their squad ahead of IPL 2026?

In the previous season, LSG's quality spin bowling options were very limited. On a regular basis, they had to rely on Ravi Bishnoi and Digvesh Rathi. Both are promising spinners but not yet established at the highest level of cricket. Rathi, undoubtedly an exciting talent to watch, has the ability to take wickets, but his on-field aggression and gestures often overshadow his bowling skills. 

IPL 2025 was a very disappointing season for LSG despite getting Rishabh Pant on board. They finished the campaign at the seventh spot of the point table with 12 points. After playing 14 matches, they secured only 6 wins and 8 defeats.

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have taken a clever and pragmatic step ahead of IPL 2026 by appointing New Zealand’s former captain, Kane Williamson, as the adviser for the team. Williamson, known for his calm mannerism and highly collected cricketing brain, is anticipated to help with the team's strategy, match preparation, and tactical decisions throughout the game. Williamson's experience in international cricket provides strong insight into how LSG can carve out advantages at crucial moments for LSG to gain an edge over its opponents.

With Rishabh Pant's captaincy, the team will be trying to create a mix of young talent and experience. Williamson will be another layer of guidance for the younger players to learn from, particularly in his batting style, leadership, and how to deal with pressure. Fans have expressed anticipation to see Williamson's impact on the tactical conversations, which may affect LSG's performance in a competitive environment that will be IPL 2026.

Williamson's support staff will also add to the team. Justin Langer operates as the head coach, Bharat Arun continues as bowling coach, and Lance Klusener operates as assistant coach. Collectively, they make for an extremely strong coaching panel, which should assist LSG with focused preparation, too, with in-game management decisions and team performance throughout the tournament. 

🚨 LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS 2026 🚨 [RevSportz]

Coach - Justin Langer
Strategic Adviser - Kane Williamson
Bowling Coach - Bharat Arun
Assistant Coach - Lance Klusener

Kane Williamson will bring lots of experience to the team led by Rishabh Pant. 👌 pic.twitter.com/2aPYJ8gzIc

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 16, 2025

See Also: ‘I Don't Even Know Who He Is…’- Ex-ICC umpire criticizes Mohsin Naqvi over Asia Cup trophy controversy

Williamson’s Role and Impact on LSG

Kane Williamson will be the adviser of the team, and his major contribution will come with regard to strategy and player development. He will work closely with Rishabh Pant with regard to game plans, opposition analytics, acknowledging strengths and weaknesses, and providing real-time support during matches. Due to Williamson's experience in international cricket tournaments, he will help to influence the young players and the team regarding calmness under pressure and decision-making in case of close match situations.

Off the field, Williamson is expected to assist in player development by mentoring the younger players on technique, mental toughness, and consistency. His role will see benefits across the team, for the present and going forward, along with LSG being a genuine title threat for IPL 2026.

Ayush Badoni has been appointed to lead Delhi cricket for the 2025-26 domestic season, marking a departure from senior players to a youth strategy for the capital. The 25-year-old all-rounder, who has already captured public attention in the IPL as a player for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), is now tasked with the expectations of performing as the team's captain. 

Badoni has evolved as a player over a long period of time, rather than suddenly making an impact. A product of the Delhi cricket system and a student of the late Tarak Sinha (who coached Rishabh Pant and Shikhar Dhawan among others), Badoni came to the attention as a player more broadly known by the public in the spotlight during the India U-19 Asia Cup win in 2018. Badoni made his senior team debut during the 2020-21 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. However, the IPL is really where Badoni was put on the national map, when LSG signed him for his base price of INR 20 lakh; Badoni made his impact right away in IPL debut with a 54. Since then, Badoni has developed into a dependable finish, scoring 963 runs in 56 IPL matches, while being retained by LSG for INR 4 crore prior to the mega auction in 2025.

Kohli's Support, Young Presence Signals New Phase

Delhi's faith in Badoni's leadership is shaped by his superb displays last season in the Ranji Trophy. He took over leadership in the middle of the season and responded with an extraordinary unbeaten 205 against Jharkhand – his first double century – and was also able to provide some valuable overs of off-spin, proving his worth as a genuine all-rounder. 

ALSO SEE: ‘Not consistent in IPL and…’- Abhishek Sharma reveals Yuvraj Singh’s advice inspired him

Virat Kohli's stamp of approval is certainly the icing on the cake. Earlier this year, when asked if he would like to lead Delhi again during his domestic return, he rejected the idea and suggested that Badoni should continue. He even worked with him in the nets, signaling his faith in his leadership potential going forward.

The coming season, which will kick off with the Duleep Trophy on August 28, will place him alongside heavyweights such as Mumbai and Karnataka. He has a young core of players, including Anuj Rawat and Sumit Mathur, and a slight possibility here and again of Kohli playing, and Badoni's next challenge is to add aggression and continuity to Delhi's campaign.

From U-19 star to IPL star to now leading Delhi, Badoni's journey is a sign of the evolution of Indian cricket. Whether or not Badoni has what it takes to lead Delhi to silverware will remain to be seen, his appointment certainly brings a buzz of excitement to the upcoming domestic season.

In a surprising development, Zaheer Khan decided to part ways with the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). He served the team for one season and decided to leave the job ahead of IPL 2026.

The former India pacer was appointed as the mentor of the team before the 2025 season league when Lucknow Super Giants was unable to qualify for the knockout phase. The future of Zaheer in IPL, as of now, is surrounded by uncertainty. The reason behind his departure from LSG—that too is not anywhere mentioned officially, but according to a report published by ESPNcricinfo, "The main reason for Zaheer quitting, it is understood, is that his vision for the franchise did not align with that of head coach Justin Langer and team owner Sanjeev Goenka."

It is further claimed that in the franchise, there could be multiple theories, which ultimately let the team down. Lucknow Super Giants captured the headlines when they spent a record-breaking INR 27 crore only to secure the service of Rishabh Pant. Rishabh came in place of KL Rahul, who left the team before IPL 2025. LSG started their IPL 2025 campaign on a high note but eventually lost their momentum and crashed out of the playoff contention.

Read More: Statement-making hundred for Dhruv Jurel ahead of India vs West Indies Test series

Zaheer Khan's shocking decision ahead of IPL 2026

In the first eight matches of IPL 2025, LSG had five wins, but they managed just one more win in their last six games. They concluded the season as the seventh team of the points table with six wins, which played a role behind the move. Though, there is no such clarity in the theory.

It will be interesting to see whether the former India cricketer finds his next destination in the league before the upcoming season. On the other side, after repeated failures and controversies around the club, how the LSG franchise will prepare themselves for another season will be interesting to see. 

Ayush Badoni started off his Duleep Trophy 2025 campaign with a well-crafted half-century. Against the East Zone team, Badoni played his fifty-plus innings for the North Zone.

The 25-year-old batter completed his 50 in 49 balls with five 4s. Badoni, who is known for his aggressive batting approach, synchronized today's (August 28, 2025) innings with a calm and composed manner. He could have converted his half century into a big score, but Mukhtar Hussain did not let that happen. Hussain picked up Badoni's wicket when he was batting with 63 runs. The right-handed batter departed, scoring 63 after facing 60 balls. With 7 fours, his strike rate was slightly over 105.

Ayush created two notable partnerships for the North Zone. With Yashasvi Dhull, he stitched a partnership of 67 runs, and with Nishant Sindhu, the partnership was for 61 runs. 

Read More: 3 reasons why Keacy Carty can be good fit for Knight Riders in IPL as well

Ayush Badoni 50 runs in 49 balls (5x4, 0x6) North Zone 164/3 #NZvEZ #DuleepTrophy #QF1 Scorecard:https://t.co/61CVsuVZZT

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) August 28, 2025

After a promising IPL 2025 season with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the ongoing Duleep Trophy is an appropriate stage for him to shine. With LSG, Delhi-born in 11 innings, scored 329 runs at an average of 32.90, including a highest score of 74. During the match against Punjab Kings, the emerging batter got the 74-run knock. Before that, against Rajasthan Royals, Badoni struck a 50-run innings in the previous season of the Indian Premier League. 

North Zone vs East Zone Playing XI:

East Zone XI: Utkarsh Singh, Sharandeep Singh, Virat Singh, Riyan Parag (c), Kumar Kushagra (w), Sridam Paul, Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal, Mukhtar Hussain, Mohammed Shami, Manishi, Mukesh Kumar. 

North Zone XI: Shubham Khajuria, Ankit Kumar (c), Yash Dhull, Ayush Badoni, Kanhaiya Wadhawan (w), Sahil Lotra, Nishant Sindhu, Harshit Rana, Auqib Nabi Dar, Mayank Dagar, Arshdeep Singh. 

Liam Livingstone flared his true potential when he single-handedly took a match away from Oval Invincibles in the ongoing The Hundred tournament. Liam played a match-winning 69* off 27 and gifted Birmingham Phoenix their first win of the season. The fantastic knock came into the moment when a group of cricket fans had been discussing the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). Before the IPL 2026, a mini auction will be held. Ahead of that, there is a series of rumors related to multiple big names and their possible moves for the upcoming IPL season.

Liam Livingstone, who helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to win their maiden IPL title, was not at his prime in IPL 2025. Cricket fans may not be surprised to see if RCB decides to leave Livingstone because of his repeated underperformances. He ended IPL 2025 at an average of only 16.00 in 10 matches. Stats are not always enough to show a player’s actual potential. So, for IPL 2026, there can be multiple interests for the England international.

3 teams that should pay for Liam Livingstone for the upcoming IPL:

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

The multi-time IPL-winning side has to do a lot of repair work after sustaining an unsuccessful season. The champions of IPL 2024 can think about cashing in for multiple new faces in the troop. Liam Livingstone can be a proper replacement for Andre Russell. Russell, who just retired from T20Is and is well past his prime, was looking like a burden for KKR in 2025. Like Russell, Livingstone is also known for his firing abilities from the lower middle order. He can be useful too with bowling. If the Knight management wishes to cash in for an overseas middle-order all-rounder, the Englishman can be the appropriate option.

Read More: 'I hate this...'- Rishabh Pant provides update about his injury

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

It looked all settled for Punjab Kings to lift their first ever IPL trophy until the night of the grand finale came. The batting lineup could not sustain the pressure, and they finished their well-played campaign being the second best. Throughout the tournament, the top and middle order of PBKS looked solid, but their lower middle order was not up to the mark. Marcus Stoinis was simply not at his best. He had a great chance to be the hero for the franchise in the final match against RCB, but the all-rounder got only 6 runs. The 35-year-old scored 160 runs in 13 IPL 2025 matches without any fifty-plus innings. The matches he played after the conclusion of IPL 2025 were also far from promising. Liam Livingstone can be a proper fit in place of Marcus for Punjab Kings.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

After so many investments, LSG again finished their IPL campaign far away from the glittering trophy. Like many other franchises in the tournament, they too have to update their middle-order tactics with probably some new signings. For IPL 2025 they trusted experienced David Miller, who is now 36. LSG can prefer to go with someone who can contribute to a multi-year vision. Livingstone can be the batting all-rounder who can help the management to set a right playing combination according to matches.

Sanjeev Goenka and Co. reportedly expanded their wings more in the cricket ground. They have signed a new contract to acquire a whopping 70 percent of shares of The Hundred franchise Manchester Original. Due to their acquisition, the name of the franchise is going to change.

The Hundred franchise known as Manchester Original—from next year, they will be known as Manchester Super Giants, as a huge chunk of its ownership went under LSG's wing. The contracts were signed on Thursday morning, with the deal reportedly finalized earlier this week, according to media reports. Media reports further claimed that due to Haryali Amavasya, a two-day religious festival, LSG had requested the signing to be done on July 24 to mark their new chapter in cricket as more special.

Before their forward move in The Hundreds, LSG claimed the ownership of the SA20 franchise Durban Super Giants. It is known that the LSG started their initiative to get Manchester Original's ownership in February this year. They place the highest bid to capture the ownership of the popular franchise. Shashwat Goenka, the RPSG vice-president, has the dream to challenge the popularity of two English clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City. 

Read More: [WATCH] Joe Root makes new record during ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

Statements from the franchise owners 

"We are not football; we are cricket. We want the Manchester franchise in the Hundred to become the third biggest sports team in Manchester and challenge those two sports teams in Manchester," Shashwat said. 

"We have been very focused on securing a great partner—ideally from the IPL—and RPSG has been our preferred bidder for some time. We are delighted by the outcome and look forward to working together to create an exciting future. Together, we have a shared ambition to create a very special cricket team for the people of Manchester and the wider Northwestregion," Lancashire said in their statement. 

Along with multiple cricket teams, LSG also owns Mohun Bagan Super Giant, a football club based out of Kolkata.

Although Rishabh Pant is well-known for his aggressive leadership and dazzling batting, his teammate Ayush Badoni of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) believes that there is a more gentle and inspiring side to the star cricketer that no one ever sees.

In a recent conversation, Badoni shared how Pant has not only become a leader, but also a brother figure in the LSG dressing room. "He treats everyone as an elder or younger brother," Badoni said. "To me, he's an elder brother. I've learned a lot from him, particularly his aggressive style of batting. I am a fan of him."

Pant, signed up by LSG for a record ₹27 crore before IPL 2025 and appointed captain, returned to big-time cricket this season after a long spell of injury. His return was one of the tournaments' biggest narratives, and it wasn't only his batting performances that attracted applause it was also how he united the team.

Watch the video:

VIDEO | DPL 2025: South Delhi Superstarz captain Ayush Badoni says, "We all know how fearless Rishabh Pant is. He treats everyone like an elder or younger brother. To me, he’s like an elder brother. I’ve learned a lot from him, especially his fearless approach to batting."

(Full… pic.twitter.com/oAHtSrmbOt

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 6, 2025

ALSO SEE: India Creates History: First Test Win at Edgbaston Under Shubman Gill’s Captaincy

Pant's Leadership Beyond the Bat: Ayush Badoni Elaborates on the Brotherhood Behind LSG's 2025 Campaign

"He's always motivating the young guys," added Badoni. "Whether you're playing well or not, he has a way to keep your morale high. He'll come and joke with you or advise you in a manner that will make you feel confident.

During the IPL 2025 season, Pant set an example by hitting a century against RCB and taking LSG through some hard-fought matches, although the team just failed to make playoffs. For individuals such as Badoni, playing under Pant's leadership was not about cricketing strategies alone, but also acquiring the skill of coping with pressure calmly and with courage.

In a star-studded league, what sets Rishabh Pant apart is not only his big-hitting but also his human touch when interacting with teammates. To put it best in the words of Ayush Badoni, he behaves with everyone like a brother, and this brotherhood binds the team together, on and off the field.

In a game full of drama, redemption, and sheer cricketing genius, Rishabh Pant demonstrated to the world why he is still a generational Test talent, despite his IPL form suggesting otherwise. The left-handed batsman-wicketkeeper made a spectacular return in whites after a lacklustre 2025 IPL season, becoming only the second gloveman in Test history to score hundreds in both innings of a match, after Zimbabwe's Andy Flower. His 118 off 140 balls in the second innings was the deciding blow, with 15 boundaries and three towering sixes that rendered Headingley incoherent. The tone was set by his 134 in the first inning.

If Pant was the spark, KL Rahul was the foundation. The right-hander crafted a masterful 137 from 247 deliveries, anchoring India's second-innings total and building a monumental 195-run partnership with Pant that might define the match. With elegant drives, a calm head, and grit under pressure, Rahul notched up his ninth Test ton and sixth in SENA conditions, his third in England alone, eclipsing even Rahul Dravid’s tally as an opener in the country.

The partnership not only put India in command on Day 4 but also drew admiration from one of India’s most high-profile cricket stakeholders, Lucknow Super Giants owner Sanjiv Goenka. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Goenka applauded both the current and former captains of his IPL franchise. “Two good! Back-to-back centuries for @RishabhPant17. Aggressive, audacious, brilliant. Only the second wicketkeeper in history to score a century in both innings of a Test,” Goenka wrote, before adding, “Congratulations also to @klrahul for his hundred. #INDvsENG.”

Two good! Back-to-back centuries for @RishabhPant17. Aggressive, audacious, brilliant. Only the second wicketkeeper in history to score a century in both innings of a Test. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Congratulations also to @klrahul for his hundred. #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/WhU12EYVhE

— Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (@DrSanjivGoenka) June 23, 2025

ALSO SEE: ENG vs IND 1st Test: Rishabh Pant reprimand by ICC for arguing with umpire

Pant and Rahul shine in whites as India push for victory at Headingley

Interestingly, it was a moment of irony, too. Rahul was released by the franchise ahead of IPL 2025, following a public fallout after a heavy loss to SRH. But at Headingley, there were no signs of scars, only supreme class. As the crowd waited for Pant’s signature somersault celebration, Sunil Gavaskar egged him on from the stands. But Pant resisted, saving his energy for the job at hand. He raised his bat quietly after nudging a single off Shoaib Bashir, marking the moment with humility, not high-flying theatrics.

And it’s not done yet. England still needs 350 runs heading into Day 5. Crawley and Duckett are unbeaten, but the mountain is steep. With India’s bowlers raring to go and momentum firmly in their corner, a thrilling finish looms large at Headingley.

No matter how it ends, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul have already authored one of the most memorable days in Indian Test cricket, reminding everyone, especially Goenka, that true greatness often shows up in whites, not just lights.

Rishabh Pant posted a heartfelt message for his Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) teammate Aiden Markram after the historic win of South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter, who is with India's team gearing up for the England Test series, took to social media to praise Markram's match-winning century over Australia on Saturday, June 14.

Pant, who led LSG in the just-concluded IPL 2025, has grown close to foreign teammates Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram. Although LSG missed out on a playoff spot, both Markram and Pooran impressed with the bat, scoring 445 and 524 runs, respectively. Earlier this week, Pant also paid tribute to Pooran after the West Indies star announced his retirement from international cricket.

In the wake of South Africa's five-wicket win over Australia, which finally ended their ICC title drought, Pant lauded Markram's calmness and brilliance during the final. Addressing him as his "brother," India's star player wrote:

A Bond Beyond Franchises

"Well played, Aiden, brother. I am so happy for you—what a great knock under pressure. You have made us all proud, and congratulations to South Africa on lifting the WTC mace," Pant tweeted on X.

Well played, Aiden brother . I am so happy for you - what a great knock under pressure. You have made us all proud and congratulations to South Africa on lifting the WTC mace.👏🏆 pic.twitter.com/YNqaj4gFis

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) June 14, 2025

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Pant is already in Kent, taking part in India's intra-squad warm-up match as part of their build-up to the five-Test series against England, which starts on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. South Africa, on the other hand, will play a two-match Test series against Zimbabwe from June 28 at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.