The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are creating waves ahead of the IPL 2025 season and team owner Sanjiv Goenka is brimming with confidence. Speaking about the franchise's strategy, Goenka emphasized the depth and leadership embedded in their squad.

Sanjeev GoenkaWith a blend of power-packed talent and seasoned leaders, the Lucknow-based franchise seems ready to challenge for the elusive IPL trophy. Meanwhile, Goenka highlighted a critical aspect of their squad-building philosophy: leadership.

He went on to name not one but four proven leaders in their team. “We are fortunate to have not just one but four proven leaders in our team,” he remarked, referring to Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh.

"Our internal feeling is that our auction was excellent. Our focus was that our middle order and finishing should be extremely strong. Our No. 3 to No. 8 is very strong. Our second wish was to go with a completely Indian pace attack instead of international pace, and explosive international batters. Now we have got a combination of the two," Goenka replied in a video shared on Aakash Chopra's official YouTube channel.

"We have four leaders in our team - Rishabh, Pooran, Markram and Mitch Marsh. So it becomes a very strong leadership pool of intellect and thought, and strategy. They are all people who can go with the mindset to win. Rishabh has the hunger and passion to win. So a good team has been built. We are happy. Overall, the balance is also okay and no team is 10 on 10," he added in a statement.

Each of these players showcased their capability to inspire teams, making them invaluable assets for LSG both on and off the field. The Retention and Auction Strategy LSG retained their wicket-keeping dynamo Nicholas Pooran for a whopping INR 21 crore.

They secured Rishabh Pant, arguably India’s most dynamic wicket-keeper batter, for a jaw-dropping INR 27 crore, the most expensive signing in the history of the IPL. Pant. He is expected to be the lynchpin of their campaign.

Aiden Markram, who has proven his mettle as South Africa’s skipper, was acquired at a bargain price of INR 2 crore. His versatility as a top-order batter and part-time off-spinner adds depth to the squad.

Meanwhile, the hard-hitting Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh joined the team for INR 3.40 crore, bringing a wealth of experience and balance to the middle order.

Aakash Chopra asked Sanjeev Goenka about LSG's approach to the auction, praising the smart acquisitions. Goenka explained the rationale behind the selections, "We were looking for players who could bring leadership, versatility, and match-winning abilities. We believe this squad has the right blend of youth and experience to make a significant impact."