Lucknow Super Giants assistant coach Lance Klusener has praised his side’s bowling unit following consecutive wins while describing his overseas batters as “sleeping giants” yet to fire in IPL 2026. He expressed confidence that the team’s recent success on the road will translate into strong performances at home as they prepare to face Gujarat Titans on April 12 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.
These remarks come at a time when LSG are looking to build momentum early in the season. The three overseas power-hitters Klusener referred to — Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and Nicholas Pooran — were crucial to LSG’s push for a top-four finish last season. However, the team eventually finished seventh among the ten sides, following a disappointing campaign from both their Indian batting and bowling units.
“Yeah, probably sleeping giants, and that’s probably a good thing,” Klusener told reporters at the pre-match press conference.
During IPL 2025, LSG’s overseas batters had a record-breaking season, led by Marsh, who scored 627 runs in 13 matches. Alongside him, Pooran and Markram also crossed the 400-run mark, making it the first time in IPL history that three overseas players from a single franchise scored over 400 runs in a single season.
Conversely, in IPL 2026, it has been the Indian batting contingent that has taken responsibility for scoring runs, with captain Rishabh Pant and Ayush Badoni leading the charge. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Mukul Chaudhary played a match-winning knock of 54 off 27 balls to guide LSG to victory against Kolkata Knight Riders.
“We’ve got over the line twice in three games. Rishabh was outstanding. I thought Badoni was outstanding, and obviously Mukul as well. But I think Nicky P (Pooran), Aiden to a degree, and Mitch are sleeping giants.”
BOWLING UNIT STEPS UP
Klusener also credited the team’s bowling unit for their recent success, highlighting their ability to deliver under pressure and reduce the burden on the batting line-up.
“I think what’s been excellent is the bowling,” he said. “We’ve got over the line chasing, but I think the bowling unit has been absolutely outstanding. If there is something you could possibly put your finger on from last year, it’s been the way the boys have bowled as a group this year.”
The season has already brought out strong performances from Mohammed Shami, who returned figures of 2 for 9 in four overs, dismantling Sunrisers Hyderabad’s explosive top order. Delhi pacer Prince Yadav has also impressed, picking up five wickets and surpassing last season’s tally in fewer matches.
Meanwhile, Avesh Khan has been consistent, claiming three wickets at an average of 21.22, further strengthening LSG’s bowling attack as they aim to climb the standings.
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