Ambati Rayudu Backs Eliminated LSG as Potential IPL 2026 Title Winners
A Bold Assessment of a Disappointing Campaign
In the unpredictable world of the Indian Premier League, momentum is often everything. While the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have officially been knocked out of the playoff race in the 2026 edition of the tournament, the conversation surrounding their potential has taken a fascinating turn. Former India batter Ambati Rayudu has offered a bold perspective, suggesting that the team currently playing for the Super Giants is arguably the most dangerous outfit in the competition, capable of winning the title if they had qualified for the postseason.
The Tale of Two Halves
The LSG journey in 2026 has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. After a promising start that saw them secure two victories in their opening three matches, the team suffered a catastrophic mid-season slump. A devastating streak of six consecutive losses left them at the bottom of the table, effectively sealing their fate as the first team to be eliminated from contention this season. This marks the third consecutive year that the franchise has failed to progress beyond the group stages.
However, cricket is a game defined by form, and recent outings suggest a resurgence. LSG has managed to win two of their last three encounters, showing glimpses of the dominance that was expected of them early on. Currently sitting in tenth place with four wins from twelve matches, their position on the points table hardly reflects the quality Rayudu believes they possess.
The ‘Inglis’ Factor and Batting Stability
Rayudu’s confidence in the squad stems from a significant tactical shift. The arrival of Josh Inglis, who was unavailable for the majority of the campaign, has provided the much-needed glue for the batting line-up. According to Rayudu, Inglis has stabilized the order, allowing players like Nicholas Pooran to flourish and express themselves with more freedom.
“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 during his analysis on ESPNCricinfo. He highlighted that the team’s current structure and collective form have transformed them into a unit that looks comfortable posting totals in the range of 200-220 runs, while simultaneously possessing a bowling attack—spearheaded by Prince Yadav and Mohsin Khan—capable of defending those targets.
Playing the Party-Pooper
While the dream of lifting the trophy in 2026 is mathematically dead, the Super Giants have a vital role to play in the final stages of the tournament. With matches against the Rajasthan Royals and the Punjab Kings remaining, LSG has the power to act as the ultimate spoiler. For teams like RR and PBKS, these matches are high-stakes “must-win” encounters.
Rayudu believes that if Lucknow plays to its full potential, they are currently superior to the Rajasthan Royals. “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. So I think Lucknow are favourites for me,” he added.
Looking Toward the Future
The constant chopping and changing of the batting order were widely criticized as a primary reason for LSG’s early-season struggles. However, with a settled unit, the team has finally found a rhythm that eluded them for months. While fans of the franchise will lament what could have been, the current form of the team serves as a warning for their final opponents and a potential foundation for the next season.
As the curtains close on their 2026 campaign, LSG will be looking to finish on a high note. Whether or not they are truly the ‘secret’ champions of the tournament remains a matter of debate, but one thing is certain: Ambati Rayudu’s comments have ensured that all eyes will be on Lucknow as they look to dismantle the playoff aspirations of their upcoming rivals.
