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Irfan Pathan's LSG XI: Pant at No. 3, Shami Leads Attack for IPL 2026

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has selected his preferred playing XII for the Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2026. His key recommendation is to bat captain Rishabh Pant at the number 3 position instead of opening, allowing him to stabilize the innings. Pathan retained the overseas opening pair of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh while noting a dip in form for Nicholas Pooran. The lineup features a strengthened bowling attack with new additions like Mohammad Shami and Anrich Nortje.

Key Points: Irfan Pathan Picks LSG Playing XI, Slots Rishabh Pant at No. 3

  • Pathan's LSG XI slots Pant at No. 3
  • Backs Markram-Marsh as openers
  • Expresses concern over Pooran's form
  • Bolsters bowling with Shami, Nortje
2 min read

IPL 2026: Irfan Pathan picks LSG playing XI, slots Pant at No. 3 spot

Ex-cricketer Irfan Pathan reveals his LSG playing XII for IPL 2026, batting Rishabh Pant at number 3 and adding bowlers like Mohammad Shami.

"A refreshed Rishabh Pant at No. 3 - Irfan Pathan"

New Delhi, March 26

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has picked his playing 12 for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League, which is set to commence on March 28.

LSG, which finished in seventh position last season, made a lot of changes to their squad ahead of IPL 2026. LSG improved their bowling, which was under attack in IPL 2025, by adding Mohammad Shami and Arjun Tendulkar through trade and purchasing Wanindu Hasaranga and Anrich Nortje in the Auction.

Despite reports claiming that captain Rishabh Pant can open the innings for the team, Pathan suggested that LSG should not alter the Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh opening pair, who performed well in the last year.

According to the former all-rounder, Pant is best suited for the number 3 position, as it will give him the opportunity to assess the wicket before coming into play, and he can also stabilise the innings if one of the openers falls early.

Pathan has put Nicholas Pooran at number 4 and also raised concerns about his poor form. He has gone with all the Indian lower batting lineup with Ayush Badoni, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed and Abdul Samad.

"Markram and Marsh are very important because both of them are overseas openers. For this reason, I wish Lucknow put up some good seaming wickets in home matches so that the overseas openers find it comparatively easier to play. A refreshed Rishabh Pant at No. 3, Nicholas Pooran's graph has gone downwards; he has not really performed well in the last year, but he loves playing for Lucknow," Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

"Ayush Badoni's graph has gone up; he got an Indian call-up as well. You then have Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, and Shahbaz Ahmed in the lower middle-order. You can also consider M Siddharth as well if you feel that seven batters are enough," he added.

The 2007 T20 World Cup champion has selected Mohammad Shami and Avesh Khan as fast bowlers and Digvesh Rathi as the spinner. Ahmad and Badoni could also support the bowling.

Pathan has gone with five options for impact player which include Mayank Yadav,Anrich Nortje,Mohsin Khan,Naman Tiwari and Prince Yadav.

Irfan Pathan's playing XI

Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed/ M Siddharth, Mohammad Shami, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi.

Impact Player: Mayank Yadav/Anrich Nortje/Mohsin Khan/Naman Tiwari/ Prince Yadav.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting perspective, but I respectfully disagree on one point. Pooran at 4 seems like a big risk given his recent form. Maybe they should promote Badoni up the order? The Indian lower middle order looks solid though.
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Priya S
Yaar, so happy to see Rishabh Pant back and in the discussion! After everything he's been through, just seeing him play will be a victory. Batting at 3 gives him time to settle. All the best to LSG! 🇮🇳
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Vikram M
The team looks good on paper, but the real test is on the field. Last season's 7th place finish was disappointing. Hope the management backs this combination and doesn't keep chopping and changing every match.
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Rohit P
Bowling looks much stronger with Shami. But where is Wanindu Hasaranga? He was a big auction buy, right? Pathan's XI doesn't include him. Is he injured or just not fitting into the combination?
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Michael C
As a neutral fan, this is a well-balanced side. The impact player options are fantastic - Mayank Yadav's raw pace and Nortje's experience. The key will be how they use the home conditions in Lucknow.

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