IPL 2025: Players Who Played For Both Lucknow Super Giants And Royal Challengers Bengaluru

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become more than just a cricket tournament; it is a spectacle where talent and passion for the game blend into an electrifying display of skills. As the IPL continues to captivate millions across the world, several players have graced multiple franchises, creating a unique narrative of their journey. Among the many teams that have made their mark on the IPL landscape, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stand out as franchises that have been home to some exceptional players. Over the years, both teams have shared a few key players who have left an indelible mark on both sides.

In this article, we will explore the IPL journeys of three such players who have played for both LSG and RCB: Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, and Shahbaz Ahmed. Each of these players has had a dynamic role with their respective teams, showcasing different facets of their cricketing talents. Their transitions from one franchise to another tell a story of growth, evolution, and, for some, redemption. Let’s delve into how these players have shaped the fortunes of both LSG and RCB.

1. Krunal Pandya: The All-Rounder Who Bridged Two Worlds

Krunal Pandya’s IPL career has been one of steady growth, and his journey has seen him wear the jerseys of two major franchises in LSG and RCB. Known for his aggressive batting, clever spin bowling, and all-around contributions, Krunal’s ability to adapt and perform in crucial moments has made him one of the most reliable all-rounders in the IPL.

Starting with Mumbai Indians (MI), Krunal’s entry into the IPL was marked by his consistency, both with the bat and the ball. His aggressive left-arm spin was complemented by a middle-order batting style that could change the course of a match. Playing for MI from 2016 to 2021, Krunal earned a reputation as a match-winner who could stabilize the innings with the bat and break partnerships with the ball.

In the 2022 IPL Auction, Krunal made a significant move when he was acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for a substantial amount, marking his shift from the Mumbai-based team to the newly established franchise. His impact was immediate, and he played a vital role in the team’s progress. Between 2022 and 2024, Krunal represented LSG in 43 matches, amassing 504 runs at a healthy strike rate of 140 and picking up 25 wickets. His performances were instrumental in LSG’s deep playoff runs, as his all-round abilities allowed the team to thrive in pressure situations.

In IPL 2025, Krunal made another shift, this time to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after being purchased for INR 5.75 crore. The move to RCB has proven to be a perfect fit, as Krunal’s vast experience and tactical awareness were key in his impressive performances. In a crucial match against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, Krunal displayed his worth by not only taking important wickets but also playing an unbeaten knock of 73, guiding RCB to a much-needed victory. His versatility has allowed RCB to strengthen their spin department and add more depth to their middle order, making him a pivotal asset for the franchise.

Krunal’s journey from MI to LSG and now to RCB demonstrates his ability to adapt, evolve, and excel in diverse environments. He brings experience, tactical depth, and invaluable leadership skills, which will continue to serve RCB well as they push for their first IPL title.

2. Romario Shepherd: The Explosive All-Rounder’s Versatile IPL Journey

The IPL is known for its inclusion of explosive talents, and Romario Shepherd is a prime example of a player who embodies this trait. Known for his fiery pace bowling and the ability to smash the ball out of the park, Shepherd has been a consistent performer in various T20 leagues, including the IPL.

Shepherd’s IPL journey began when Lucknow Super Giants picked him up in the 2023 auction. Despite his destructive potential, Shepherd played only one match for LSG before moving on. His stint at LSG was brief, but it did lay the foundation for his future in the IPL. Recognizing his talents, RCB signed Shepherd for INR 1.5 crore in the 2025 IPL Auction.

At RCB, Shepherd quickly found his feet, becoming a crucial all-rounder who added balance to the team. His ability to bowl at high speeds, coupled with his explosive batting, made him an immediate threat in the death overs. One of his standout performances came in a thrilling match against Chennai Super Kings, where Shepherd’s all-round contributions earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award. His powerful hitting, combined with his valuable bowling, has provided RCB with the perfect finishing touch to their lineup.

Shepherd’s transition from LSG to RCB demonstrates the fluid nature of the IPL transfer market, where players move from one team to another based on performance and tactical needs. His addition to RCB’s roster has certainly strengthened their middle-order depth, and his ability to contribute with both bat and ball provides much-needed balance to the team.

As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, Shepherd’s firepower will continue to play a key role in RCB’s pursuit of the title. His ability to turn the game on its head in the final overs, whether with the bat or ball, has made him a vital player for RCB’s strategy.

3. Shahbaz Ahmed: The Understated All-Rounder’s Dynamic Role

Shahbaz Ahmed is one of those players whose quiet yet effective performances often go under the radar, but his contributions are invaluable. Known for his left-arm spin and hard-hitting lower-order batting, Shahbaz made a name for himself during his time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

From 2020 to 2023, Shahbaz was a key member of the RCB squad. During his 39 appearances, he took 14 wickets and provided vital runs in the lower order. His steady performances were crucial in RCB’s journey to the 2022 playoffs, where his contributions in key moments added balance to the team. While his bowling was economical, it was his batting at the lower order that made a real difference, providing stability in situations where RCB needed it the most.

In 2023, RCB traded Shahbaz to Sunrisers Hyderabad in exchange for Mayank Dagar, marking a shift in his IPL journey. However, his time with SRH was short-lived, and by 2025, he had found his way back to the IPL through a move to Lucknow Super Giants. At LSG, Shahbaz’s skill set as a versatile spinner and lower-order batsman has added depth to the team’s all-rounder pool. His ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs and his capacity to stabilize the innings with the bat makes him a valuable asset for LSG’s quest for their first IPL title.

Shahbaz’s journey across RCB, SRH, and LSG highlights the unpredictable and ever-changing nature of the IPL. His performances, particularly in high-pressure situations, have shown that he can adapt to different teams and their strategies. As the IPL 2025 season continues, Shahbaz’s contribution will be critical in providing much-needed balance to LSG’s side, especially with their growing ambition to break into the top ranks of the IPL standings.

The Crossroads of Talent and Opportunity

The Indian Premier League continues to be a breeding ground for talent and opportunity. For players like Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, and Shahbaz Ahmed, the journey through different franchises tells a story of growth, challenges, and resilience. From Krunal’s evolution into an all-rounder par excellence with LSG to Romario’s fiery pace and powerful hitting for RCB, each player has found their niche in the ever-competitive world of IPL.

While the paths of these players have crossed multiple times, their contributions to LSG and RCB continue to shape the future of the tournament. Whether it’s Krunal’s calming influence in the middle order, Shepherd’s explosive impact at the death, or Shahbaz’s all-round utility, these players are invaluable assets to their teams.

As IPL 2025 progresses, the story of these players will continue to unfold, and their impact on both Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play a significant role in the chase for the ultimate prize: the IPL trophy. The dynamic nature of the IPL, where players evolve and shift between franchises, ensures that these stories remain at the heart of the league’s ever-growing legacy.

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