Although IPL 2026 is still three months away, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have already begun preparations. The franchise has decided to use the SA20 league in South Africa as part of its training strategy.
LSG owns the Durban Super Giants team in the SA20 league. Therefore, the franchise plans to use its South African setup to prepare Indian bowlers for IPL Season 19.
BCCI Gives Green Signal
To begin with, LSG sought special permission from the BCCI to send Indian bowlers overseas. Subsequently, the board approved the request. As a result, selected Indian players will train in South Africa.
Indian Bowlers to Gain Overseas Exposure
As part of the plan, fast bowlers Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, and Naman Tiwari will travel to South Africa. Along with others, they will train with the Durban Super Giants squad.
Moreover, the bowlers will bowl long spells in the nets. This exposure will help them adapt to pace-friendly conditions. At the same time, it will improve their fitness and consistency ahead of the IPL.
Squad Planning After Mini Auction
Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini auction, LSG retained 19 players. Later, the franchise added six more players to strengthen the squad.
Among overseas signings, Wanindu Hasaranga, Anrich Nortje, and Josh Inglis joined the team. Meanwhile, Indian players Mukul Choudhary, Akshat Raghuvanshi, and Naman Tiwari also earned spots.
LSG Squad for IPL 2026
The LSG squad includes Rishabh Pant (captain), Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Mayank Yadav, Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Nicholas Pooran, and Shahbaz Ahmed. In addition, the bowling unit features Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, Mohammed Shami, Arjun Tendulkar, Anrich Nortje, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mukul Choudhary, Josh Inglis, and Naman Tiwari.
Overall, LSG believe that early overseas training will give them an edge. Therefore, the franchise hopes to enter IPL 2026 better prepared and more competitive.
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