IPL 2025: Key Takeaways For The Super Giants

Time of India

4 days ago

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As the dust settles on IPL 2025, the underwhelming show of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) makes it amply clear that tournaments are not won on the auction table. Despite having what looked like one of the most balanced squads after the auction, the team failed to make it to the playoffs for the second year in a row.
So, what went wrong?
Team balance, planning, and performance are weighed in gold before auctions and all the picks are based on these factors. The team had ticked all the right boxes, but when they took the field, many of the above factors didn't go according to the plans.
Lightning struck when the entire fast bowling unit ran aground. The complete absence of Mohsin Khan, the near absence of Mayank Yadav, and even Akashdeep and Avesh Khan being available in parts, completely derailed the coach's plan.
If it was not enough, bad form hit most of the remaining fit squad, the most affected being captain Rishabh Pant, leggie Ravi Bishnoi and 'Killer' Miller.
In fact, Mitch Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Digvesh Rathi and Aiden Markram were the only in-form players who played crucial roles in the team's six wins.
Much was expected from captain Rishabh Pant, the costliest player ever in IPL history. But, despite a century and a half century, his overall impact was underwhelming.
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One big knock may have rescued his season average but did little to lift the team. Expert opinions vary but one bad season does not determine mettle.
In the vacuum left by the depleted bowling strength, young Digvesh Rathi emerged as a bright spot — economical, wicket-taking, and energetic. He showed signs of a long-term asset, provided he matures both in skill and temperament. It will be interesting to see how he faces the second season blues which usually budding spinners see when their bowling has been seen through a season with gigabytes of analysis on it.
LSG's journey can be split into two contrasting halves: on one side, individual brilliance by a few foreign stars; on the other, collective failure of the Indian backbone. The team won six matches — commendable, considering their handicaps — but it was never enough to take them to the knockout round. Mitchell Marsh had a standout season with 627 runs, placing him among the league's top scorers. Pooran and Markram also crossed the 500-run mark with multiple fifties.
But David Miller failed to live up to his reputation.
Among Indian players, Ayush Badoni was modest, Abdul Samad fell short, and Ravi Bishnoi became a cautionary tale of early overhype. Despite having seasoned professionals, especially Zaheer Khan at the helm, the team's planning couldn't completely see the light of execution. Which brings us to a moot point that should a UP-based franchise invest more in local talent or coaches?
The lack of grassroots connection might be costing the team dear.
An assistant coach to act as a pillar for the bridge will be mighty useful.
Lucknow, apart from Ahmedabad, is the only ground with pitches offering a variety of red, black and red-black mix soil. With three variants to exploit as per strength, Gujarat Titans made good use of it and showed their prowess of home strength in the season. LSG, on the other hand, missed the trick and were always vulnerable at home.
This could be one such front on which local support staff with more inroads into the local relationships and connects might be handy.
There are so many available options which can be considered for their thinking prowess and analytical ability with familiarity of local conditions. Piyush Chawla, Kaif, RP Singh are just a few names which come to mind to bring in this missing strength to LSG.
As far as the coaching goes, mentor Zaheer redeemed himself from the grime around him despite having limited resources.
So, what are the lessons for the team for the season?
· IPL success isn't bought at the auction table; it's earned with consistency, strategy, and chemistry
· Selection should be driven by recent form and fitness, rather than brand value
· Fitness should be given top priority, especially for the pace attack
· Some local connect should be integrated within the game plan and ground strategy
· It's time for an honest reflection.
(Writer was CEO of former IPL team, Pune Warriors)