Ambati Rayudu Backs Eliminated LSG as Potential IPL 2026 Title Winners
A Bold Assessment of a Challenging Season
The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Despite suffering an early exit from playoff contention, the team has recently drawn high praise from former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu. Rayudu, known for his sharp cricketing acumen, has suggested that the Super Giants are currently playing at a level that would make them legitimate title contenders if they were still in the hunt for the trophy.
The Tale of Two Seasons
LSG’s journey in IPL 2026 has been marked by inconsistency. After a promising start, securing two victories in their opening three matches, the franchise experienced a dramatic slump. A disastrous mid-season phase saw them lose six consecutive matches, effectively sealing their fate as the first team to be officially eliminated from the tournament. This exit marks a frustrating third consecutive year where the team has failed to progress beyond the group stages.
However, the narrative has shifted slightly in the final stages of the league. With a mini-resurgence, the team has managed to win two of their last three matches. While they currently sit in tenth place on the points table with only four wins in twelve matches, the underlying metrics of their recent performances have caught the eye of experts.
Why Rayudu Believes in the ‘Party-Poopers’
Speaking on his analysis of the league, Ambati Rayudu highlighted the significant transformation in the team’s dynamics. He believes that the current iteration of the squad is functioning at an elite level. “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 remarked during his discussion on ESPNCricinfo.
A major factor in this resurgence, according to Rayudu, is the late-season inclusion of Josh Inglis. “Inglis coming into the XI has made it so much better. He looks so stable. He’s stabilized the whole batting order around him. I think even Pooran is getting into a little bit of form, but they look very dangerous,” he added. Rayudu also noted that while the bowling unit—led by the impressive Prince Yadav and Mohsin Khan—has shown grit throughout the tournament, the batting order’s previous instability was the primary reason for their early struggles.
The Threat to Playoff Hopefuls
With nothing to lose, the Super Giants have transitioned into the role of potential ‘party-poopers’ for teams still fighting for a playoff spot. Their upcoming clash against the Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, followed by their final home game against the Punjab Kings on May 23, will be crucial for their opponents.
Rayudu is particularly bullish about their chances against the Royals. “RR will be up against it because LSG look like they are going to score 200-220 every game. With the bowling that they have, they look like they’re going to defend it or even restrict an opponent to an under-par score. 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 concluded.
Looking Ahead
While the statistics may show the Lucknow Super Giants at the bottom of the table, their late-season form proves that individual brilliance and team balance are volatile commodities in the IPL. As the league enters its business end, teams like Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings must be wary of an opponent that has shed the pressure of qualification and is now playing with the freedom that often leads to high-quality, destructive cricket. Whether this momentum can be carried into future seasons remains to be seen, but for now, the Super Giants have certainly kept the conversation alive.
