Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain Rishabh Pant has delivered his first message to the franchise’s new recruits ahead of the IPL 2026 season, urging the squad to focus on communication, learning, and building strong relationships as the team prepares for the upcoming campaign.
The Pant-led side will begin their IPL 2026 journey against Delhi Capitals on April 1 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. With a refreshed squad and several new signings, LSG are aiming to bounce back after finishing seventh in the points table last season.
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Pant welcomes new faces in the squad
Speaking during the team’s pre-season camp, Pant welcomed the new players and encouraged everyone to learn from each other and strengthen team bonding before the tournament begins.
“A lot of people are from last year, and there are a few new faces for sure. Welcome everyone. Let’s build relationships. If we don’t talk about cricket, we’re not going to improve,” Pant said in a video shared by the franchise.
He added that every player should focus on gaining something valuable from teammates.
“As individuals, let’s take whatever we can from all these gentlemen here and try to build something for this season,” he said.
LSG strengthened squad in mini auction
Lucknow Super Giants made several strategic additions during the IPL 2026 mini auction held in December. The franchise brought in a mix of experienced international players and young domestic talents to strengthen the squad.
Among the key signings were Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje, and Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis.
The franchise also picked Mukul Choudhary, local youngster Naman Tiwari, and Akshat Raghuwanshi.
In addition to auction purchases, LSG completed trades to bring in Arjun Tendulkar from Mumbai Indians and Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad, adding more depth to their bowling attack.
Learning from last season’s struggles
LSG endured a mixed campaign in IPL 2025, managing only six wins across the season and missing out on the playoffs. Despite Pant’s impressive unbeaten 118 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their final league match, the result wasn’t enough to change their standings.
The team eventually finished seventh on the points table, prompting management to look for changes ahead of the new season.
Pant believes the pre-season camp is the perfect opportunity for players to clarify their roles and expectations.
“When we come into a season, the thought is always to build something and try to win. But it’s important to be clear about what you want to achieve individually and as a team,” he explained.
Pre-season camp focused on bonding
Pant described the current training camp as a crucial period for players to understand each other before the full squad joins.
According to the LSG captain, most of the remaining players are expected to arrive between March 15 and 16, after completing other cricket commitments.
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“So it’s about getting to know each other. Let’s spend good time together, keep communicating, bring lots of energy, have fun and keep learning,” Pant said.
LSG’s IPL 2026 schedule begins April 1
Lucknow Super Giants will open their IPL 2026 campaign against Delhi Capitals at their home ground in Lucknow on April 1.
After the opening fixture, the team will travel to Hyderabad to face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5 as the early phase of the season gets underway.
With a revamped squad and a fresh approach under Pant’s leadership, LSG will be hoping to deliver a stronger performance and push for a playoff spot this year.
