Lucknow Super Giants Gear Up for IPL 2026 with Enhanced Pace Attack
Preparations for IPL 2026
New Delhi, March 25: Tom Moody, the Global Director of Cricket for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), recently discussed the team's strategies as they prepare for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, focusing on bolstering their domestic pace-bowling lineup.
During an interview on JioStar, Moody highlighted the proactive measures taken by the coaching staff to rectify the team's shortcomings ahead of the 2026 season.
“After discussions with everyone from Goenka to the entire Lucknow setup, it’s evident that our preparations for 2025 fell short of expectations,” Moody remarked, acknowledging the fitness issues that plagued several players last season.
He pointed out the significant enhancements made, particularly in the fast-bowling department, stating, “Our current squad features a robust and high-caliber domestic fast-bowling unit, which we have strategically strengthened during the off-season by acquiring Mohammed Shami, who will lead this group effectively.”
Moody also mentioned that the team has implemented substantial changes to their fitness and medical support systems, aiming for improved readiness as they approach IPL 2026. “Right now, all our fast bowlers are creating a selection dilemma, which is precisely what you want before the first match,” he added.
When questioned about the pressure to secure a trophy for LSG, Moody shared his seasoned perspective on the expectations surrounding the team.
“Having been involved in professional cricket for many years, I understand that pressure is both a charm and a challenge of the sport. The quiet confidence we discussed earlier stems from the belief that our squad is prepared for this. You can’t face the future without being undaunted by it. They are ready,” he stated.
On March 11, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed the schedule for the initial phase of the 2026 IPL season, set to take place from March 28 to April 12.
The Pant-led LSG will kick off their IPL 2026 journey against Delhi Capitals on April 1, followed by matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5, Kolkata Knight Riders on April 9, and Gujarat Titans on April 12, as announced by the BCCI.
The defending champions, RCB, will commence the tournament with a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Lucknow Super Giants squad for IPL 2026:
Rishabh Pant (captain), Aiden Markram, Himmat Singh, Matthew Breetzke, Mukul Choudhary, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Josh Inglis, Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahamad, Arshin Kulkarni, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ayush Badoni, Mohammad Shami, Avesh Khan, M. Siddharth, Digvesh Singh, Akash Singh, Prince Yadav, Arjun Tendulkar, Anrich Nortje, Naman Tiwari, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan.