The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are gearing up for the IPL 2026 mini auction with major squad adjustments after a mixed IPL 2025 season. Led by Rishabh Pant, the team showed promise but failed to find consistency, finishing seventh in the points table. With six wins and eight losses, the management is now focused on reshaping the squad for a stronger comeback.
Lucknow Super Giants 2025 Recap
Despite high expectations, LSG couldn’t replicate the success of their earlier seasons. Rishabh Pant, in his debut year as captain, managed 269 runs in 14 matches, while several key players like David Miller, Ravi Bishnoi, and Shardul Thakur underperformed. The franchise is now aiming to strike a balance between experience and youth heading into IPL 2026.
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LSG IPL 2026 Released Players List
Lucknow Super Giants have decided to release a set of players who couldn’t deliver consistently or fit into the team’s new vision. These releases will help the team free up significant funds ahead of the mini auction.
Released Players:
| Player Name | Role | Reason for Release |
|---|---|---|
| David Miller | Batter | Poor batting form and high salary (₹7.5 Cr) |
| Shardul Thakur | All-Rounder | Inconsistent economy, limited match impact |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Bowler | Underwhelming season – 9 wickets in 11 matches |
| Avesh Khan | Bowler | High economy rate and limited breakthroughs |
| Prince Yadav | Bowler | Bench option, no major contribution |
| Himmat Singh | Batter | Lack of opportunities and impact |
| Shahbaz Ahmad | All-Rounder | Struggled to deliver consistent spells |
| Rajvardhan Hangargekar | All-Rounder | Expensive spells, limited all-round performance |
| Arshin Kulkarni | All-Rounder | Young talent, released for team balance |
| Shamar Joseph | Bowler | High pace but poor control and injury issues |
These exits signal LSG’s clear intent to rebuild around a younger, more agile core ahead of the new season.
LSG IPL 2026 Retained Players List
While several names have been released, the core group has been retained to provide continuity and balance.
Retained Players:
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant (C) | WK-Batter |
| Nicholas Pooran | WK-Batter |
| Aiden Markram | Batter |
| Ayush Badoni | All-Rounder |
| Mitchell Marsh | All-Rounder |
| Abdul Samad | All-Rounder |
| Mayank Yadav | Bowler |
| Akash Singh | Bowler |
| M. Siddharth | Bowler |
| Akash Deep | Bowler |
| William O’Rourke | Bowler |
| Digvesh Rathi | Bowler |
Captaincy
Rishabh Pant will continue to lead the side in IPL 2026, with Nicholas Pooran and Mitchell Marsh expected to play key leadership support roles.
LSG’s Strategy for IPL 2026 Auction
The franchise is expected to enter the auction with a strong purse, prioritizing:
- Power-hitters in the middle order to replace David Miller.
- An Indian fast bowler who can dominate in death overs.
- A consistent spinner after releasing Ravi Bishnoi.
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Possible Targets
| Need | Target Players | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Middle-order finisher | Cameron Green / Glenn Phillips | Hard-hitting ability and finishing experience |
| Indian pacer | Deepak Chahar | Reliable powerplay bowler |
| Leg-spinner | Suyash Sharma / Karn Sharma | To strengthen spin attack |
Expert Take
LSG’s decision to release high-salary players like Miller and Bishnoi reflects their strategic approach to maximize budget flexibility. The focus is now on recruiting all-rounders and consistent performers who can balance the batting and bowling units.
Rishabh Pant’s leadership, backed by Marsh and Pooran, provides stability, while youngsters like Ayush Badoni and Mayank Yadav are expected to form the backbone of the side in the coming years.
Read more: IPL 2026 Retained Players List
LSG IPL 2026 Squad Summary (Predicted)
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters & WKs | Rishabh Pant (C), Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram |
| All-Rounders | Mitchell Marsh, Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Digvesh Rathi |
| Bowlers | Mayank Yadav, Akash Deep, Akash Singh, M. Siddharth, William O’Rourke |
Final Word
Lucknow Super Giants enter IPL 2026 with a renewed sense of purpose. The focus is on rejuvenation—less dependence on veterans and more on emerging Indian talent. With Rishabh Pant at the helm and a clear auction plan, LSG’s 2026 season could mark the beginning of a strong new phase in their IPL journey.
