Ambati Rayudu’s Bold Claim: Eliminated LSG Could Win IPL 2026 in Current Form
The Paradox of the Lucknow Super Giants: Late Form vs. Early Exit
In the unpredictable world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), timing is often more important than talent. For the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), the 2026 season has been a masterclass in this difficult lesson. Despite boasting a squad that many experts considered balanced, the franchise became the first to be mathematically eliminated from the playoff race. However, as the tournament reaches its business end, a surprising narrative is emerging: LSG might actually be the best team currently playing.
Former India batter Ambati Rayudu has stirred the pot with a bold assessment of the side. Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Rayudu suggested that LSG’s current level of performance is so high that they would likely win the tournament if they were still in contention. While they sit at the bottom of the table with only 4 wins in 12 matches, their recent performances have caught the eye of seasoned observers.
Ambati Rayudu’s High Praise for the Lucknow Outfit
Rayudu’s comments come at a time when LSG has shown a dramatic turnaround in form. After a disastrous mid-season slump where they suffered six consecutive defeats, the team has managed to win two of their last three games. According to Rayudu, the version of LSG we are seeing now is a far cry from the team that struggled for consistency in the early weeks.
“I think if you seed them in the playoffs, they’re going to win the IPL. That is how good they’re looking at the moment right now,” Rayudu stated. He emphasized that the team has finally found the right combination, albeit too late to save their campaign. “They’ve just come into some tremendous form. They look very dangerous.”
The Josh Inglis Factor: Stabilizing the Batting Order
A significant reason for this late-season surge has been the inclusion of Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis. Missing for the majority of the tournament due to availability issues, Inglis made an immediate impact upon his arrival. Rayudu credited the Australian for providing the backbone that the LSG middle order desperately lacked during their losing streak.
“Inglis coming into the XI has made it so much better. He looks so stable. He’s stabilized the whole batting order around him,” Rayudu noted. This stability has allowed power hitters like Nicholas Pooran to find their rhythm, creating a batting unit that Rayudu believes is now capable of posting scores in the 200-220 range consistently.
Bowling Brilliance and Middle-Order Struggles
While the batting has been underwhelming for most of the season—barring the efforts of Mitchell Marsh—the bowling department has remained a silver lining. The emergence of Prince Yadav and the consistent performances of Mohsin Khan have kept LSG competitive in matches even when the scoreboard didn’t reflect it. Their ability to defend totals or restrict opponents to under-par scores has been a highlight of their otherwise difficult season.
The root cause of LSG’s downfall in 2026 can be traced back to their lack of a settled lineup. The team management chopped and changed the batting order frequently, leading to a lack of role clarity. This instability resulted in a historic collapse where they lost six matches in a row, effectively ending their hopes for a third consecutive playoff appearance since their inception.
Playing the Role of Spoilers: RR and PBKS in the Crosshairs
Even though their championship dreams are over, LSG still holds the power to dictate the fate of other teams. They are set to face the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Jaipur this Tuesday, followed by a home clash against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 23. Both RR and PBKS are in desperate need of wins to secure their own playoff berths, making LSG the ultimate “party-pooper.”
Rayudu believes RR will have their work cut out for them against this revitalized LSG side. “RR will be up against it because LSG look like they are going to score 200-220 every game. Lucknow, if they play to their potential, are way ahead of RR at the moment. It’s just unfortunate that they could not do it at the start of the season,” he added.
Conclusion: A Lesson for 2027
The story of the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026 serves as a reminder of how thin the margins are in franchise cricket. While they may finish near the bottom of the points table, the endorsement from a veteran like Ambati Rayudu suggests that the core of the team is strong. If they can carry this late-season momentum and tactical stability into the next auction and the 2027 season, the Super Giants may finally transition from being ‘potential’ winners to actual champions.
