‘Player of great character’: Sanjay Bangar backs Shahbaz Ahmed as LSG’s potential finisher for IPL 2026

Former India batter Sanjay Bangar believes Shahbaz Ahmed could emerge as a key finisher for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026, praising his fighting spirit and character.

Shahbaz Ahmed (Image Credit: @LucknowIPL)

India's former batting coach Sanjay Bangar praised Lucknow Super Giants' all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The tournament will start on March 28 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, LSG will play their first match against Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 1 in Lucknow.

Talking about the LSG team and their strikers, he mentioned that Ahmed, Abdul Samad, and Ayush Badoni will the players on whom the responsibility will be more. Since Bangar had played with Ahmed in RCB, he did open up about their bond and how responsible the player is.

"Apart from Shahbaz Ahmed, Abdul Samad and Ayush Badoni, they don't have any other player who can fit in there. So the top five will have to do more, and you can expect Shahbaz to come and provide the finishing touches," said Sanjay Bangar on Star Sports.

"He is a player with great character. He was with me in RCB. So I know the kind of fighting qualities he has. So you will definitely want the top order to perform the way they have been performing in international cricket at the moment, or the way Nicholas Pooran garnered fame last year. If the top order doesn't fire, this team will have difficulties throughout the season," he added.

Rishabh Pant showed his true colors: Sanjay Bangar

Sanjay Bangar also spoke about Rishabh Pant and his current form. Pant performed in the previous season and will be looking forward to doing the same in the upcoming season. He is also the skipper of the team and will have players like Aiden Markram, Nicolas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, and others in the squad.

"Rishabh Pant showed his colors just before the last season ended. He scored a hundred and also batted slightly up the order. He should bat there only. The top order will mostly decide their batting performance. You can definitely say that the lower order looks a slightly weak department," said Bangar.

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