The excitement around the IPL 2026 season is reaching fever pitch, and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are gearing up to defend their stronghold with a balanced mix of experienced stars and promising youngsters.
With key retentions, smart trades, and a healthy auction purse, LSG looks ready to make a significant impact this season.
Under the leadership of captain Rishabh Pant, LSG has retained a core group of players who proved their mettle in the previous seasons. The team management has ensured a blend of explosive batting, versatile all-rounders, and a formidable pace attack to keep fans on the edge of their seats. The upcoming IPL mini-auction presents an opportunity to plug gaps and reinforce the squad with strategic buys.
The Lucknow franchise has carefully planned its moves, releasing a few big names while trading for key players to strengthen the squad. With ₹22.95 crore still available in the purse, LSG is strategically positioned to target six slots, including four overseas players, to complete a competitive lineup for IPL 2026.
LSG Retained Players for IPL 2026
Rishabh Pant (Captain), Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram (SA), Mitchell Marsh (AUS), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Matthew Breetzke (SA), Shahbaz Ahamad, Arshin Kulkarni, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, M. Siddharth, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Akash Singh
Traded In
Mohammed Shami (from SRH), Arjun Tendulkar (from MI)
Key Releases
Ravi Bishnoi, David Miller, Akash Deep, Shamar Joseph
LSG IPL 2026 Purse
Lucknow Super Giants enter the mini-auction with a strong remaining purse of ₹22.95 crore, giving them flexibility to target key players to fill six vacant slots (four overseas, two Indian). The team's focus will be on acquiring finishing batsmen, backup pacers, and a potential spin option to balance the squad. With strategic planning, LSG can strengthen its lineup without stretching the budget.
LSG IPL 2026 Auction Strategy
The Tata IPL mini-auction 2026, taking place on December 16, 2025 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, promises intense bidding action. With 369 players shortlisted for 77 slots across 10 franchises, LSG will need to make smart moves to target the right players. Teams like KKR and CSK have large purses, making the competition tough, but LSG's mid-range budget allows for strategic acquisitions rather than knee-jerk spending.
Early trends indicate franchises focusing on all-rounders, pacers, and versatile overseas players. LSG's need for finishing power hitters and a reliable Indian pace backup will guide their auction strategy. Unlike teams constrained by low budgets, Lucknow can aim for high-value players without compromising balance. Key overseas options could be explored under the new foreign salary cap of ₹18 crore.
Lucknow Super Giants IPL 2026 Buys with Price
1. Wanindu Hasaranga has been sold to LSG for ₹2 crore, reuniting with coach Paddy Moody after their successful stints at Desert Vipers in the ILT20.
2. Anrich Nortje- 2 crore
LSG IPL 2026 Full Squad
Once auction buys are confirmed, the LSG squad for IPL 2026 is expected to feature a blend of retained players and strategic additions. With Pant leading the team and players like - Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and Mohammed Shami in the mix, the franchise is well-positioned to challenge for the title. Young Indian talents such as Mayank Yadav, Ayush Badoni, and Mohsin Khan will provide the spark, while Arjun Tendulkar adds depth and versatility.
*The List will be updated accordingly
