- May 20, 2025
Another IPL season, another set of heartbreaks—and for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), 2025 was a season that promised plenty but failed to deliver anything. The squad had sparks of brilliance and a few notable performances, but it just couldn’t seem to get it together when it mattered most. From head-scratchers at the top to lackluster bowlers, LSG fans were left asking: What happened this time? So, let’s dissect and pinpoint the real reasons LSG didn’t make a playoff run this season.
Over-Reliance on Indian Bowlers Backfired
One of the most obvious problems LSG faced this season was their bowling attack, or lack thereof. As Abhi noted in the last post-match review, the franchise put a lot of faith in their Indian bowlers, most of whom didn’t have that “firing cannon” type experience in pressure-filled T20 matches. This wasn’t an isolated incident either; throughout the season, the LSG bowling lineup suffocated under the pressure to the point where they couldn’t control or finish out their games.
Despite having a lack of a consistent overseas pace spearhead and a rotating cavalcade of spinners, it was a toothless bowling unit. They had no consistent go-to, match-winner with the ball, which allowed teams to often recover from early mistakes, and put together or chase competitive totals. If bowlers leak runs and don’t deliver under pressure, even solid batting lineups succumb — and that is what happened with LSG.
Tactical Blunders at the Top of the Order
Let’s talk about the batting order. One decision that puzzled everyone was to include Rishabh Pant ahead of Nicholas Pooran in an important match. Pant has struggled for the whole season, while Pooran has been LSG’s most dangerous and consistent batsman. Why didn’t he get a little more responsibility at No. 3?
These types of tactical mistakes accumulate throughout the season. It seemed that management was predominantly guessing and not strategizing. Players had to bat in too many different spots within the batting order. When it comes to T20 batting orders and roles, clarity and defined roles are everything. Look at teams like SRH and KKR this season.
Ravi Bishnoi’s Decline and the Spin Puzzle
Remember when Ravi Bishnoi was LSG’s secret weapon? This season, he resembled nothing more than a facsimile of that version. As Tom and Abhi noted, Bishnoi became way too predictable. Without using any variation in pace or any flight at all, batters quickly sussed him out and were able to cash in.
Adding to the issues was a lack of a backup. LSG didn’t have a reliable spin partner for Bishnoi, nor did it seem to have a Plan B when he was being clattered.
SRH, on the other hand, uncovered a gem in Ishaan Malinga and also had Kamindu Mendis emerge. These were two overseas spinners who had been acclimatized to Indian pitches. LSG’s spin combination was captivating in context, but looked very flat, uninspiring, and one-dimensional in the right conditions (e.g., when pitches are slow).
As the team heads back to the drawing board, they will realize that there is significant promise within the roster. The question will be – can LSG’s potential turn into performance for the next season, or will they be forever known as the IPL’s most underachieving franchise? Let us know in the comment section.
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