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LSG's Overseas Reliance: Balaji Flags Tactical Concerns for IPL 2026

Former Indian bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji has expressed concerns about Lucknow Super Giants' heavy dependence on their overseas batters in the top order. He suggests Indian talents like Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad, alongside skipper Rishabh Pant, must shoulder more responsibility. Balaji also pointed to issues with the team's bowling, captaincy, and tactical leadership from the previous season. LSG will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Delhi Capitals on April 1.

Key Points: Balaji on LSG's Over-Reliance on Overseas Batters in IPL 2026

  • Over-reliance on overseas top order
  • Tactical and captaincy concerns flagged
  • Indian talents like Badoni, Samad need to step up
  • Bowling attack hinges on Hasaranga's fitness
2 min read

IPL 2026: 'They're dependent heavily on overseas batters,' Balaji flgs concerns over LSG's tactical leadership

Former pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji highlights Lucknow Super Giants' dependence on foreign batters and tactical leadership issues ahead of IPL 2026.

"They definitely depend heavily on their overseas trio of batters. - Lakshmipathy Balaji"

New Delhi, March 22

Former Indian bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji flags concerns over Lucknow Super Giants being heavily reliant on their overseas batters in top-order, suggesting that Indian talents -- Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad and skipper Rishabh Pant -- can do the heavy lifting for the side in the upcoming Indian Premier League season, commencing on March 28.

Following a disappointing seventh-place finish in the 2025 season, the Pant-led side will be hopeful to claim their maiden title. Lucknow, meanwhile, didn't make any radical changes to its squad during the mini-auction. Apart from investing in young talents like Arjun Tendulkar. In the overseas category, the team bid on Josh Inglis and Matthew Breetzke.

"The top order, especially with Marsh, Aiden Markram, and of course Pooran, is stacked. They have given solid starts and out-batted the opposition on multiple occasions last season. The concerns were the bowling, the captaincy, and the tactical side of the leadership group. They definitely depend heavily on their overseas trio of batters," Balaji told Jio Hotstar.

"You have the likes of Badoni, Abdul Samad, and Shahbaz Ahmed, all of whom can chip in. But the top order and Rishabh Pant will have to do the heavy lifting. On the overseas combination, normally I would pick three batters, so the first-choice players, Marsh, Markram, and Pooran, walk in," he added.

According to the former CSK star, if Hasaranga is available, it will be the team's first choice for an overseas bowler, while Anrich Nortje could be in playing XI in place of the Sri Lanka bowler for the time being.

"Then, you need to strengthen the bowling attack with one overseas fast bowler, as we are still unsure whether Hasaranga will be fully fit or not. If not, Anrich Nortje would be my choice as the fourth overseas player," he said.

According to the 20-match schedule released by the BCCI, LSG will begin their campaign in IPL 2026 against Delhi Capitals at their home ground, Ekana Stadium on April 1.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Honestly, I'm tired of this narrative every year. If the overseas players are performing, let them play! The goal is to win the IPL, not just develop Indian players. That's what domestic cricket is for. LSG should pick their best XI, period.
R
Rohit P
The real issue is the bowling attack. You can have all the batting firepower, but if you can't defend 200, what's the use? Hope they get Hasaranga fit. Nortje is a great backup option though. LSG's season hinges on their bowlers, not batters.
S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, it's exciting to see Rishabh Pant back and leading a side. His presence alone changes the dynamics. If he fires with the bat and leads well, LSG could be dark horses. The dependency on overseas batters might reduce if Pant is in form.
K
Karthik V
Balaji is spot on about the tactical leadership. Last season, some of the bowling changes and field placements were baffling. Pant is a fierce competitor, but he needs a strong think-tank around him. Hope they've worked on that. #LSG
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Nisha Z
Abdul Samad has so much potential but needs consistency. This is his chance to become a mainstay. The Indian core must deliver. Can't always rely on Marsh and Pooran to bail the team out. Excited for the new season! 🏏

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