New Delhi, March 26 Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has selected his playing 12 for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which is set to begin on March 28.
LSG, which finished in seventh position last season, made several changes to their squad ahead of IPL 2026. LSG improved their bowling, which had been under pressure in IPL 2025, by acquiring Mohammad Shami and Arjun Tendulkar through trades and auctions, as well as purchasing Wanindu Hasaranga and Anrich Nortje.
Despite reports suggesting that captain Rishabh Pant could open the innings for the team, Pathan advised LSG to maintain the Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh opening pair, who had performed well in the previous year.
According to the former all-rounder, Pant is best suited for the number 3 position, as it would allow him to assess the pitch before batting, and he could also stabilize the innings if one of the openers gets out early.
Pathan has placed Nicholas Pooran at number 4, while also expressing concerns about his inconsistent form. He has chosen the entire Indian lower batting order, including Ayush Badoni, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Abdul Samad.
"Markram and Marsh are very important because both are overseas openers. For this reason, I wish Lucknow would create some good seam-friendly pitches at home, so that the overseas openers can play more easily. A refreshed Rishabh Pant at No. 3, Nicholas Pooran's performance has declined; he hasn't performed well in the last year, but he enjoys playing for Lucknow," Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
"Ayush Badoni's performance has improved; he has also been selected for the Indian team. You also have Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, and Shahbaz Ahmed in the lower middle order. You can also consider M Siddharth if you feel that seven batsmen are enough," he added.
The 2007 T20 World Cup champion has selected Mohammad Shami and Avesh Khan as fast bowlers, and Digvesh Rathi as the spinner. Ahmad and Badoni could also support the bowling.
Pathan has selected five players as impact players, including Mayank Yadav, Anrich Nortje, Mohsin Khan, Naman Tiwari, and Prince Yadav.
Irfan Pathan's playing XI:
Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed/M Siddharth, Mohammad Shami, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi.
Impact Player: Mayank Yadav/Anrich Nortje/Mohsin Khan/Naman Tiwari/Prince Yadav.