‌IPL 2025 Mega Auction Preview: Analyzing Lucknow Super Giants’ Strategy

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) had a mixed IPL 2024 season, with strong batting performances but inconsistent bowling. In the powerplay, they focused on wicket preservation, scoring steadily but struggling to control the opposition’s progress. Their bowling, especially in the powerplay, lacked early breakthroughs, allowing teams to set strong foundations. The middle overs showed some improvement, but LSG's bowlers still struggled to maintain pressure, and their death-over bowling remained expensive, despite occasional breakthroughs. LSG’s batting, on the other hand, excelled in the middle and death overs, with high averages and strike rates, enabling strong finishes. At Ekana Stadium, LSG adapted well to changing pitch conditions, with pacers playing a pivotal role. The team also faced challenges off the field, particularly around KL Rahul’s captaincy, which led to his eventual release. Rahul's low strike rate, coupled with inconsistent performances from key bowlers, hindered the team's success. For the upcoming mega auction, LSG aims to target a dynamic opener, a reliable seamer for death overs, and a captain who can balance leadership with batting strength to address their gaps.

Middle and death overs

LSG’s performance at Ekana

Lucknow delivered a strong performance at their home ground, Ekana Stadium, securing four wins out of seven matches. Traditionally known for its slow pitch favouring spinners, the venue witnessed a surprising shift this season with higher scores being posted. Key contributions came from the middle order, led by Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran, who averaged 31.8 and 33, respectively at Ekana. Despite the pitch’s historic reputation, pacers thrived this year, claiming 29 wickets with an economy of 9.65, an average of 28.28, and a strike rate of 17.59. In contrast, spinners had a subdued impact, taking only 12 wickets at an average of 34.33 and a strike rate of 25.50. The performance data highlights a notable evolution in Ekana Stadium’s pitch dynamics. The dominance of pacers over spinners indicates either a shift in pitch preparation or a change in team strategies. With a higher economy rate but frequent breakthroughs, pacers proved pivotal. Meanwhile, the middle order's consistency underpins Lucknow's success, reflecting adaptability to the changing conditions.

LSG also faced several other issues in IPL 2024 that hampered their performance.  Rahul's strike rate was a major concern despite scoring 520 runs in 14 matches. His strike rate of 134.61, coupled with slow innings like a 37-ball fifty against Mumbai Indians and a 33-ball 29 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, drew criticism. These struggles were compounded by his omission from India's T20 World Cup squad. The team’s bowling unit also lacked depth and experience. While Mohsin Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq picked up 11 and 14 wickets respectively, Naveen’s economy rate often proved costly, and Yash Thakur, despite a standout 5/30 against Gujarat Titans, struggled against teams like SRH, KKR, and RR. Devdutt Padikkal, expected to deliver after being traded from Rajasthan Royals, failed to impress and managed just 38 runs in seven games. Mayank Yadav’s promising start with seven wickets in four matches was cut short by a muscle tear, further weakening LSG’s bowling attack.  

In terms of retentions, the Lucknow-based franchise has held onto key players: Nicholas Pooran (₹21 Cr), Ravi Bishnoi (₹11 Cr), Mayank Yadav (₹11 Cr), Mohsin Khan (₹4 Cr), and Ayush Badoni (₹4 Cr). With a healthy purse of ₹69 crores, the Sanjiv Goenka-owned team is well-positioned to make impactful acquisitions this season. Now the question remains, who can LSG target to acquire in this year’s mega auction? 

Mitchell Starc: Starc’s experience and ability to thrive under pressure make him an excellent addition to LSG. Pairing him with young Indian bowlers like Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, and Yash Thakur would create a well-rounded pace attack capable of tackling any challenge. Last year for the Kolkata Knight Riders, he scalped 17 wickets with a bowling strike rate of 14.76

Shreyas Iyer: Iyer offers LSG a reliable and experienced Indian batter for the middle order. With Nicholas Pooran and other power hitters in the lineup, Iyer’s ability to anchor innings makes him an ideal replacement for KL Rahul’s role in the squad.

Now coming to the RTM card, here are the players LSG can use RTM to bring back to the team with one capped player: 

Naveen-ul-Haq: The Afghan pacer was LSG's standout death-over specialist last season, leading their bowling attack with 14 wickets in 10 matches. Despite his release, LSG may consider using the RTM card to bring him back, given his reliability in pressure situations.

As LSG prepares for the mega auction, they have several opportunities to strengthen their squad strategically. Their priority will be securing a dynamic opening pair capable of exploiting the powerplay and providing explosive starts. The team also needs a reliable seamer who excels in death overs and consistently takes wickets under pressure. This addition would address the gaps in their bowling attack, especially after releasing key players like Naveen-ul-Haq. Most importantly, LSG requires a captain who can lead effectively without sacrificing their batting performance