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LSG's Tom Moody Reveals Domestic Pace Focus & Trophy Ambition for IPL 2026

Tom Moody, LSG's Global Director of Cricket, highlighted the team's strategic focus on building a high-quality domestic pace attack, bolstered by the trade for Mohammed Shami. He acknowledged past preparation shortcomings but detailed improved fitness and medical systems for the upcoming season. Moody expressed a quiet confidence in the squad's readiness to handle the pressure of winning a maiden IPL trophy. LSG will begin their campaign against Delhi Capitals on April 1 in the announced first phase of IPL 2026.

Key Points: Tom Moody on LSG's IPL 2026 Pace Attack & Trophy Goals

  • Focus on domestic pace-bowling
  • Trade for Mohammed Shami
  • Improved fitness systems
  • Embracing trophy pressure
  • Strong selection headache
3 min read

Tom Moody discusses LSG's focus on domestic pace-bowling and trophy goals for IPL 2026

LSG's Tom Moody discusses strengthening the domestic pace unit with Shami trade and the team's readiness to embrace pressure for an IPL 2026 trophy.

"The squad and balance we have now include a strong, high-quality domestic fast-bowling attack. - Tom Moody"

New Delhi, March 25

Lucknow Super Giants Global Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, shared insights into the team's preparations for the upcoming Indian Premier League season, with a particular emphasis on strengthening their domestic pace-bowling attack.

Speaking on JioStar, Moody explained the efforts made by the support staff to address weaknesses in the squad leading into the 2026 season.

"Having spoken to everyone from Goenka down through the system here at Lucknow, it's very clear that the preparation leading into 2025 wasn't as good as it could have been," Moody said, acknowledging the fitness challenges faced by several players in the previous season.

Moody emphasised the improvements made, notably in strengthening the fast-bowling unit, "The squad and balance we have now include a strong, high-quality domestic fast-bowling attack, which we've added to smartly in the off-season through a trade for Mohammed Shami, who can lead that group and show the way forward."

Moody further revealed that the team had made significant changes to improve their fitness and medical support systems, with the aim of providing better preparation going into IPL 2026. "At this point, all our fast bowlers are giving us a selection headache, which is exactly what you want going into the first game," he stated.

When asked about the pressure of winning a trophy for LSG, Moody expressed his seasoned approach to the expectations placed on the team.

"I've been privileged to be involved in professional cricket for a long time, and that is both the charm and the challenge of the game, embracing pressure. The quiet confidence we spoke about earlier comes from believing that the squad is ready for that. You can't have that without feeling undaunted by what lies ahead. They're ready for it," he said.

On March 11, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the schedule for the first phase of the 2026 IPL edition, which is to be played from March 28 to April 12.

The Pant-led LSG will begin their IPL 2026 season campaign against Delhi Capitals on April 1, followed by their matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5, Kolkata Knight Riders on April 9 and Gujarat Titans on April 12 in the first phase, which was announced by BCCI.

Defending champions RCB will play the opening fixture 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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a long-time IPL fan, I appreciate Moody's honest assessment about last year's preparation. Fitness is non-negotiable in T20. If they've truly fixed that, LSG could be dark horses. Pant's leadership will be key.
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Aditya G
Good focus on domestic pace, but the batting looks a bit thin after the top order? Hope Pant fires. Also, the schedule is tough right from the start. DC, SRH, KKR... no easy games. All the best to the team!
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Priya S
Love the confidence! "Selection headache" for fast bowlers is a great problem to have. Shami, Avesh, Mohsin, Mayank... that's a proper Indian pace battery. Hope they stay fit throughout. Trophy aa sakta hai iss baar! 🏆
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Karthik V
Respectfully, we hear this "quiet confidence" and "addressed weaknesses" talk every year from some team management. Action on the field matters. Prove it in the matches against KKR and GT. Just win, boys.
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Michael C
Smart move focusing on domestic pace. In Indian conditions, local seamers who know how to bowl on these pitches are worth their weight in gold. The trade for Shami shows serious intent. Looking forward to seeing this squad gel.

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