Rishabh Pant, who plays cricket for India and competes in the IPL, began his new sports career by becoming a co-owner of the Mumbai Pickle Power team through his partnership with Swiggy before the start of the World Pickleball League (WPBL) Season 2. The development demonstrates how Indian athletes and business partners are increasingly showing interest in pickleball, which has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.

WPBL, India’s first global franchise-based pickleball league, will stage its inaugural season from January 24 to February 2, 2025. The Brabourne Stadium will host all matches, which include the final match, and viewers can watch the event through FanCode and Sony Ten 2 television channels.

The two organizations, Pant and Swiggy, work together to create a national campaign that will establish pickleball as a popular sport throughout India. Pant, who plays for the Mumbai Pickle Power franchise, brings his aggressive cricket style and extensive fan base to the team. The partnership between Swiggy and the company creates an opportunity to establish pickleball as a major sport through their combined advertising power and extensive brand presence.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Ishan Kishan smashes Zakary Foulkes for 24-run over in IND vs NZ 2nd T20I in Raipur

Celebrity backing and star ownership signal pickleball’s rise in India

Swiggy Food Marketplace CEO Rohit Kapoor described pickleball as a fun, fast-paced sport with family appeal. He stated that Pant's involvement with the sport brings additional excitement to the game. The franchise works to create joyful experiences which will inspire the next generation of players because its control extends beyond match victories.

Watch the video:

Star power meets pickleball madness! ✨
Rishabh Pant, Co-owner of Mumbai Pickle Power, is ready to bring the energy to the World Pickleball League Season 2!

🗓️24 Jan – 8 Feb | Jio World Garden, Mumbai

🎟 Get your tickets on Swiggy Scenes if you haven’t | Link in bio 🔗 pic.twitter.com/kX1gvMyXl0

— World Pickleball League (@wpblofficial) January 23, 2026

Pant shared his love for pickleball through his statement that he wants to develop the sport into its highest potential in India. He added that Swiggy was the ideal partner, given their shared vision of amplifying the sport’s popularity.

The six-team league has been co-founded by former Indian tennis players Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar. Other celebrity team owners include Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, Samantha Prabhu, and filmmaker Atlee. Mumbai Pickle Power will start their season in the league's first match against Pune United which shows the start of a new era for pickleball in India.

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza continues to defy age and expectations in T20 cricket. At 39, the experienced all-rounder is enjoying one of the most productive phases of his career, delivering consistent performances across leagues like the SA20 and ILT20 ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Despite his strong numbers and proven pedigree, Raza surprisingly went unsold at the Indian Premier League 2026 auction - a decision that left many fans and experts puzzled.

In an era where teams constantly seek multi-dimensional players, Raza remains a rare commodity. He offers control with his off-spin, adaptability across batting positions, and vast leadership experience gained from captaining Zimbabwe. Several IPL franchises, particularly those struggling with balance and depth, could have benefited significantly from his inclusion. Here are three teams where Sikandar Raza would have been a strong fit in IPL 2026.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

The Chennai Super Kings are renowned for backing experienced campaigners and extracting the best out of senior professionals. Over the years, CSK have turned veterans into match-winners through role clarity and smart usage - something that would have suited Raza perfectly.

With the squad lacking a proven overseas all-rounder and relying heavily on limited spin options, Raza could have added much-needed balance. His off-spin would have been particularly effective on slower Indian surfaces, while his ability to bat responsibly in the middle order could have stabilized an otherwise inexperienced batting lineup. Beyond numbers, his calm presence and cricketing intelligence would have aligned seamlessly with CSK’s culture of composure and tactical discipline.

ALSO SEE: ILT20 could move to Pakistan as CEO signals possible venue shift

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

The Kolkata Knight Riders entered IPL 2026 with noticeable gaps in their overseas spin department and finishing resources. While KKR possess explosive batting talent, consistency in the middle overs and death overs has often been a concern.

Raza would have provided a reliable solution on both fronts. As a bowler, he thrives on control rather than pace, making him ideal for containing batters during the middle phase. As a batter, his ability to rotate strike and finish innings would have eased pressure on younger players. Moreover, his experience in high-pressure games across leagues could have been invaluable during crunch moments, especially in close chases and knockout fixtures.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

The Lucknow Super Giants have built a squad full of individual match-winners, but balance remains a recurring issue. LSG lack a dependable spin all-rounder who can contribute consistently across disciplines, often forcing them to rely heavily on specialist finishers.

Sikandar Raza’s versatility would have offered LSG tactical flexibility. He could have been used as a floater with the bat, depending on the match situation, while also providing a steady bowling option when conditions suited spin. His presence would have reduced the workload on specialist bowlers and added depth to the batting order, making LSG a more complete unit across varied conditions.

While Sikandar Raza will not feature in IPL 2026, his continued success on the global T20 circuit highlights how experience and adaptability still hold immense value in modern franchise cricket. For teams willing to look beyond age and focus on impact, Raza remains one of the most underrated all-rounders in the game - and his omission could well be a missed opportunity for several franchises.

The Lucknow Super Giants have begun early preparations for the IPL 2026 season by sending a group of domestic fast bowlers to South Africa for a focused training stint during the upcoming SA20.

The 2025–26 edition of the SA20 is scheduled to begin on December 26 and conclude on January 25, offering LSG a valuable opportunity to prepare their pace unit in overseas conditions. As per reports, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, and young left-arm pacer Naman Tiwari are set to travel to Durban next week. One or two additional players may also join the group.

The bowlers will train with Durban Super Giants, LSG’s sister franchise, allowing seamless coordination between the two setups. Permission for the training stint has already been granted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, as none of the players are currently involved in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

South Africa stint key to recovery and long-term pace planning

For Avesh and Mohsin, the South Africa trip is especially significant. Both pacers are recovering from knee surgeries they underwent in July and have been out of competitive cricket for several months. Avesh last played for LSG earlier this year, while Mohsin’s most recent appearance came in December 2024. The SA20 environment will help them gradually regain match rhythm and fitness ahead of IPL 2026.

ALSO SEE: T20 World Cup 2026 Teams and Full Squads

Naman Tiwari, meanwhile, is seen as a long-term prospect. The 20-year-old left-armer, who can consistently clock speeds above 140 kmph, was bought by LSG for ₹1 crore at the IPL 2026 auction despite interest from Rajasthan Royals. Though yet to make his domestic debut, the stint in South Africa is expected to accelerate his development.

The pacers will work under the supervision of Lance Klusener, Tom Moody, Bharat Arun, and Carl Crowe, all part of the LSG support structure. With fitness, form, and depth in focus, this overseas training block marks an important step in LSG’s build-up to IPL 2026.

LSG full squad for IPL 2026

Rishabh Pant (captain & wicketkeeper), Nicholas Pooran (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Josh Inglis, Matthew Breetzke, Wanindu Hasaranga, Anrich Nortje, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Ayush Badoni, Arshin Kulkarni, Shahbaz Ahamad, Digvesh Rathi, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, Akash Singh, Prince Yadav, M Siddharth, Mukul Choudhary, Naman Tiwari, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Mohammad Shami (traded in), Arjun Tendulkar (traded in).

While Punjab Kings didn't retain Josh Inglis ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Lucknow Super Giants later signed the Australian cricketer by winning the mini-auction bid for INR 8.6 crore. Now, Inglis revealed that he wouldn't be available for the entire IPL 2026, and we are talking about the reason that he also revealed. 

I'm getting married in early April: Josh Inglis

Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis will marry in early April 2026. As the IPL 2026 will run between March 26 and May 31, he is unlikely to be available for the entire season. 

When Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) picked Rishabh Pant as the most expensive player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), they perhaps hoped for instant success. And that cost them massively. Lucknow ended at the seventh position in the points table of the IPL 2025 with the help of six victories at a net run rate of -0.376.

Rishabh Pant was pressurized with the leadership duties, which took its toll on his batting as the left-handed batter ended with only 269 runs in 13 innings at an average of 24.45 and a strike rate of 133.16 with the help of one half-century and one century at the best score of unbeaten 118 runs. Lucknow will hope to see their captain coming with a fresh mindset.

See Also: Punjab Kings (PBKS) strongest playing 11 for IPL 2026 after mini auction

For them, the biggest contribution in the batting department came from the opening batter, Mitchell Marsh, who smashed 627 runs in 13 innings at an average of 48.23 and a strike rate of 163.70 with the help of six half-centuries and one century at the best score of 117. He will need to repeat such heroics in 2026.

Lucknow Super Giants’ strongest playing 11 for IPL 2026 after mini auction

Lucknow couldn’t get a finish in the auction, having released David Miller from the squad. Late in the auction, they went after Josh Inglis and signed him for INR 8.6 crore, which is too costly for a place, who will remain available only for four games of the entire season due to his wedding.

LSG full squad ahead of IPL 2026

Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh, Aiden Markram, Akshat Raghuvanshi, Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Josh Inglis, Mukul Choudhary, Arshin Kulkarni, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Digvesh Rathi, M Siddharth, Akash Singh, Avesh Khan, Mohammed Shami, Mohsin Khan, Anrich Nortje, Prince Yadav, Arjun Tendulkar, Mayank Yadav, Naman Tiwari

There is no doubt that Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram will open the batting for the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. Just like Marsh, Markram was equally in form during the previous IPL. The right-handed battered bat matched 445 runs in 30 innings at an average of 34.23 and a strike rate of 148.82 with the help of five fifties at the best score of 66.

This will be followed by Nicholas Pooran at number three. The Southpaw cracked 524 runs in 14 innings of IPL 2025 at an average of 43.66 and a strike rate of 196.25 with the help of five half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 87 runs. That will be massive firepower for the side if Pant and their number 5 batter, Ayush Badoni, come into form.

Moreover, Lucknow will also have the services of Wanindu Hasaranga in IPL 2026. The Sri Lankan spin allrounder can bowl four overs at any phase of the innings and provide them with some vital batting at number seven. In the pace bowling department, Lucknow will have the experience of Muhammad Shami.

Last year, the franchise didn’t Mayank for most of the tournament. But if he remains fully fit for 2026, then the right-arm pacer can take care of the middle overs of the innings. Digvesh Rathi and Shahbaz Ahmed will go through the spin department of the side.

The biggest issue for this franchise will be the injury-prone bowlers. Their new signing, Anrich Nortje, is another such member of the list who hasn’t played a lot of games in the last couple of seasons.

LSG's strongest playing 11 for IPL 2026 after mini auction

Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (c & wk.), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed, Avesh Khan, Mohammad Shami, Mayank Yadav.

Impact player: Digvesh Rathi.

Lucknow Super Giants were concentrating on strengthening their team at the mini-auction for the IPL 2026 season by adding more strenght to their bowling department. They also made some crucial signings in the mini-auction, which include Wanindu Hasaranga and Anrich Nortje, both purchased for ₹2 crores at the base price of the players. 

LSG’s biggest buy at the auction was Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, for whom the team spent ₹8.6 crore. Inglis adds power and flexibility to the batting order. The franchise also invested in young Indian talent by signing uncapped Madhya Pradesh batter Akshat Raghuvanshi for ₹2.2 crore. These moves show LSG’s plan to build a stronger and more balanced squad.

The last two years have been unsatisfactory for Lucknow Super Giants. In IPL 2025, LSG finished seventh with many changes in their lineup. Rishabh Pant replaced KL Rahul as their team captain, and Zaheer Khan joined as a team mentor. Prior to the IPL 2026 auction, many important players of LSG were released, including Ravi Bishnoi, Akash Deep, and David Miller. Along with this, Shardul Thakur was traded for a deal with Mumbai Indians, and Mohammad Shami and Arjun Tendulkar were also acquired by trade.

See Also: IPL Auction 2026: Full squad and new bought players for Sunrisers Hyderabad

Lucknow Super Giants Bought Players at IPL 2026 Auction

Josh Inglis (₹8.6 crore), Mukul Choudhary (₹2.6 crore), Akshat Raghuvanshi (₹2.2 crore), Anrich Nortje (₹2.2 crore), Wanindu Hasaranga (₹2 crore), Naman Tiwary (₹1 crore).

Lucknow Super Giants Full Squad for IPL 2026

Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh, Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Arshin Kulkarni, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, M Siddharth, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Akash Singh, Josh Inglis, Mukul Choudhary, Akshat Raghuvanshi, Anrich Nortje, Wanindu Hasaranga, Naman Tiwary.

When Akshat Raghuvanshi came into the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction, there was a fair amount of interest for the top order batter of the Madhya Pradesh player. And the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) hasn’t wasted much time in raising their paddle for the base price of INR 30 lakh before the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) joined the battle.

Both teams continued to go after each other for Akshat Raghuvanshi till INR 2 crore before the Lucknow Super Giants finally became successful in signing the player for a price of INR 2.20 crore. His state senior, Venkatesh Iyer, said “At 21, I haven't seen a more talented player. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Big things are waiting for him in the future” on the youngster.

See Also: Who is Auqib Nabi, the J&K all-rounder bought by Delhi Capitals at IPL 2026 Auction?

Raghuvanshi has been a exclusive batter around the T20 circuit despite not being the leader of the chart. The scouts and the coaches addressed him as the Priyansh Arya-like IPL star. Raghuvanshi impressed and shocked everyone when he smashed a fine knock of 105 runs in 45 balls against Bhopal Leopards in the MP T20 league.

Who is Akshat Raghuvanshi sold to LSG

He nailed 239 runs in just four innings at a strike rate of 177. Since being part of the Ranji Trophy winning campaign of the Madhya Pradesh in 2022, his career has hit a rough patch. But his recent white-ball performance have provided so much hope for his brighter future, which will be exciting.

Lucknow Super Giants already have several star batters, including their captain- Rishabh Pant, the South Africa T20I captain- Aiden Makram, or the white-ball captain of the Australia side- Mitchell Marsh, as under their wings, Raghuvanshi can learn several things for his development in the future.

His overall T20 record of 63 runs in seven innings with the best score of 24 isn’t impressive. However, in the 10 innings of the List A cricket, he has nailed 192 runs in 10 innings at an average of 27.42 and a strike rate of 114.28 with the best score of one fifty at the best score of 62.  

Lucknow Super Giants have added former England cricketer Carl Crowe to their coaching staff as the new spin bowling coach ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The franchise shared the announcement on their official X account on Tuesday. This appointment gives LSG more strength and experience in their support staff.

Crowe is well known in T20 leagues around the world as a top spin-bowling specialist. He previously worked with Kolkata Knight Riders during their IPL 2024 title-winning season under captain Shreyas Iyer. Crowe is known for his rather unique and innovative style of training, particularly making bowlers bowl "bad balls" in practice deliberately to hone their skills for better control over pressure situations. The 50-year-old has coached in big tournaments like the Big Bash League, T20 Blast and Global T20 Canada. Although he never played international cricket for England, he enjoyed a solid domestic career with 50 first-class games, 40 List A matches and one T20 game.

His arrival makes LSG’s coaching team even stronger for IPL 2026. The staff already includes Tom Moody as Cricket Director, Kane Williamson as Strategic Advisor, Justin Langer as head coach, Lance Klusener as assistant coach and Bharat Arun as bowling coach. The perfect blend of coaches from different parts of the world makes LSG strong in terms of support during the new season.

LSG Squad, Trades and Auction Plans for IPL 2026

Lucknow are heading into the December 16 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi with a stable squad. They have retained 17 players and completed some important trades. Rishabh Pant, India’s Test vice-captain and the costliest player in IPL history at ₹27 crore, will lead the team. Their overseas players include Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram and Matthew Breetzke. The team also traded in Mohammed Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹10 crore and Arjun Tendulkar from Mumbai Indians for ₹30 lakh, while Shardul Thakur was traded to MI for ₹2 crore. Released players include David Miller, Ravi Bishnoi, Shamar Joseph and Rajvardhan Hangargekar.

Say hello to the man guiding all our tweakers 🩵 pic.twitter.com/4z0zjelEpi

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) November 25, 2025

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LSG still have ₹22.95 crore left in their purse and six slots to fill, including four overseas spots. They will look to add more quality players in the auction. With a refreshed coaching staff and strong core already in place, LSG hope to put up a better fight in IPL 2026.