3 players LSG should consider trading in after IPL 2025 ft. Sai Kishore
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) had a disappointing campaign in the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). They finished seventh in the league with 12 points, including six wins and eight defeats.
LSG went through a transition this year, with Rishabh Pant taking over the leadership duties after the franchise parted ways with KL Rahul. Pant failed to inspire the team to the playoffs, as he struggled with his batting form, amassing only 269 runs in 14 games.
The Super Giants had a good start to their campaign and were in the first half of the points table. However, they lost the plot towards the business end of the tournament and had to settle for a seventh-place finish. LSG's struggle this season could be attributed to weak links in the pace attack. The middle order also failed to capitalize on the good work done by the top-order batters.
The Lucknow management will look to fill in the gaps before IPL 2026. On that note, we look at three players LSG could trade in ahead of IPL 2026.
#1 Mohammad Shami
The ace Indian fast bowler had a below-par outing in IPL 2025 for the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). Mohammad Shami picked up only six wickets in nine matches at an average of 56.16. He was also expensive, conceding more than 11 runs in an over.
Due to his poor form, the SRH management decided to leave Shami out of the last few games. If this is any indication, then the franchise could part ways with the senior fast bowler ahead of the next season.
Meanwhile, LSG have struggled this year because of the Indian pacers' inability to pick up wickets. Hence, they might cash in on the opportunity to strengthen their bowling by adding Shami to their roster. The 34-year-old has 133 IPL wickets and will bring in a lot of experience alongside him to the Super Giants side if traded in.
#2 Sai Kishore
The left-arm spinner has been a stalwart in domestic cricket and got his due in the IPL this year. He played almost all the matches for the Gujarat Titans this year and picked up 19 wickets in 15 games at an average of 20.68.
Sai Kishore's ability to vary the pace and dictate in the middle phase of the game stood out this year. Gujarat will be desperate to retain him for the next year, and it will take some hard work for LSG to prise him away. However, if they manage to do so, it will be a significant boost for the franchise.
Lucknow lacked a key spinner who could vary the pace according to the situation. Both Ravi Bishnoi and Digvesh Rathi are known for bowling at decent speeds, and adding Kishore to the lineup will only bring a new dynamic to the team.
#3 Nathan Ellis
The Australian speedster was part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) squad in IPL 2025. Despite his excellent run in 2025, he played only one game for the five-time champions and had to warm the benches for the rest of the season.
While it is not certain whether CSK would release him, LSG would benefit significantly if they managed to convince Chennai to trade in Nathan Ellis. The right-arm pacer has played 166 T20 matches, picking up 194 scalps. He is also more or less economical, conceding runs at an economy of 8.10.
Ellis is adept at bowling both in the powerplay and at the death, which could boost LSG massively in IPL 2026.