The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are gearing up for the IPL 2026 mini auction after a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign where they finished seventh with only six wins. Under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, the team showed flashes of promise but struggled with inconsistency, injuries, and an unstable middle-order. Heading into IPL 2026, LSG management has initiated a major squad reshuffle to fix long-standing issues and rebuild around a stronger, younger core. The team also completed a key trade — Arjun Tendulkar traded in from Mumbai Indians. The IPL 2026 mini-auction is scheduled for December 16, 2025 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, where LSG will look to plug their remaining gaps.
Lucknow Super Giants 2025 Recap
Despite high expectations, LSG were unable to replicate their early-season momentum. Captain Rishabh Pant had a steady season with the bat, but inconsistent finishing, injuries to key pacers, and poor performances from senior players such as David Miller, Ravi Bishnoi, and Shamar Joseph affected their playoff chances. Youngster Mayank Yadav also missed several matches due to injury, reducing LSG’s impact in the death overs.
LSG IPL 2026 Released Players List (Confirmed)
Lucknow Super Giants have officially released seven players ahead of IPL 2026, including several high-cost and underperforming names.
LSG Released Players (Official):
| Player Name | Role | Reason for Release |
|---|---|---|
| Aryan Juyal | WK-Batter | Team rebalancing |
| David Miller | Batter | Poor 2025 season; high salary |
| Yuvraj Chaudhary | All-Rounder | Domestic reshuffle |
| Rajvardhan Hangargekar | All-Rounder | Limited progress |
| Akash Deep | Pacer | Underperformance |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Spinner | Not retained due to strategic changes |
| Shamar Joseph | Pacer | Struggled in Indian conditions |
These confirmed exits reflect LSG’s plan to build a young, dynamic squad with a stronger domestic core.
LSG IPL 2026 Retained Players List (Updated & Confirmed)
LSG have retained a powerful mix of young Indian talents, experienced internationals, and impactful all-rounders.
LSG Retained Players (Official):
| Player Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant (C) | WK-Batter |
| Nicholas Pooran | WK-Batter |
| Aiden Markram | Batter |
| Ayush Badoni | Batter |
| Abdul Samad | All-Rounder |
| Arshin Kulkarni | All-Rounder |
| Mitchell Marsh | All-Rounder |
| Shahbaz Ahmed | All-Rounder |
| Himmat Singh | Batter |
| Matthew Breetzke | Batter |
| Avesh Khan | Pacer |
| Mayank Yadav | Pacer |
| Mohsin Khan | Pacer |
| Manimaran Siddharth | Spinner |
| Digvesh Rathi | Spinner |
| Prince Yadav | All-Rounder |
| Akash Singh | Pacer |
| Arjun Tendulkar | All-Rounder / Pacer |
This core reflects LSG’s vision of building a youth-driven and all-rounder-rich squad.
LSG Purse Remaining & Slots for IPL 2026 Auction
Purse Remaining: ₹22.95 crore
Slots Left: 6 (including 4 overseas)
Major Trades: Arjun Tendulkar In
LSG made one confirmed trade before the retention deadline:
- Arjun Tendulkar traded in from Mumbai Indians — strengthens pace depth and adds a left-arm option
This move helps LSG balance their all-rounder department with a mix of youth and variety.
LSG IPL 2026 Squad Summary (Updated)
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters & WKs | Rishabh Pant (C), Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh |
| All-Rounders | Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Ayush Badoni, Arshin Kulkarni, Abdul Samad, Prince Yadav, Arjun Tendulkar |
| Spinners | Manimaran Siddharth, Digvesh Rathi |
| Pace Bowlers | Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Akash Singh |
With a young squad, a powerful middle-order, and ₹22.95 crore available at the auction, LSG enters IPL 2026 with a clear vision and a strong foundation.
