Despite a major overhaul during the IPL 2025 mega auction, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) failed to make the playoffs, finishing seventh on the points
table. The franchise had invested heavily in a revamped batting line-up featuring Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Rishabh Pant, while retaining Nicholas Pooran. However, their campaign was marred by inconsistencies, particularly in the bowling department.
As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, LSG will be keen to address these gaps and build a more balanced squad. CricTracker finds this as a great opportunity to look at some potential options that the Lucknow-based franchise might ponder over ahead of the IPL 2026 auctions.
Here are 5 players Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) might target at IPL 2026 auction
William O’Rourke (New Zealand)
New Zealand pacer William O’Rourke is a promising overseas option LSG might pursue. He featured briefly in IPL 2025 as a temporary replacement, delivering a few tidy spells. With his ability to generate bounce and bowl at a brisk pace, O’Rourke could be a valuable asset across phases, especially in the powerplay and death overs.
He has fast become a mainstay in the BlackCaps international side, making him one of the premier pacers ever since Tim Southee announced his retirement. This time, the Super Giants may look to secure his services for the full season, banking on his potential to evolve into a reliable frontline seamer for Pant & Co.
Darshan Nalkande (India)
Vidarbha’s Darshan Nalkande is another name that could bolster LSG’s domestic pace arsenal. Previously with Gujarat Titans (GT), Nalkande has been making waves in the domestic circuit with his sharp pace and wicket-taking ability. With 80 wickets in 51 T20s at a respectable economy rate, he brings both experience and aggression.
Moreover, he is also a handy batting option lower down the order, smashing crucial runs for the side. He made a half-century as a tail-ender for Vidarbha in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy final, which eventually the Akshay Wadkar-led side emerged triumphant in. Slotting him alongside Akash Deep and Avesh Khan could provide LSG with a more potent and flexible pace attack.
Prithvi Shaw (India)
Prithvi Shaw’s resurgence in domestic cricket and renewed focus on fitness make him a compelling top-order option. While his IPL journey has been inconsistent, his explosive potential remains undeniable. Following a slip in form, he was subsequently dropped from the Mumbai squad, but the opener joined hands with Maharashtra and impressed with a solid 75 in the first round game against runners-up Kerala.
The knock in the opening game of the fresh Ranji season also showcases his return to being among the runs once again. With LSG’s top order currently dominated by overseas stars, Shaw’s inclusion could offer a dynamic Indian alternative, allowing greater flexibility in team combinations and overseas player slots for the upcoming season.
Priyam Garg (India)
The Uttar Pradesh batter Priyam Garg could be a strategic addition for LSG. Although his IPL performances have been underwhelming so far, his domestic form makes him a viable backup for the top order. He had gained widespread popularity for leading the India Under-19 side to the World Cup win in 2020.
The batter hasn't managed to score even a half-century in his last five professional outings. However, Garg’s ability to anchor innings and adapt to different match situations could prove useful, especially in a long tournament where squad depth is crucial.
Kyle Verreynne (South Africa)
South African wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne is an intriguing overseas option. While he is yet to debut in T20 internationals, his performances in SA20 and domestic T20s have been encouraging. He is known for his calm demeanour and ability to finish games, and could strengthen LSG’s lower middle order.
He recently gained popularity for hitting the winning runs for the Proteas in their historic triumph at the World Test Championship final against Australia in June 2025. His presence would also provide a backup wicketkeeping option, adding depth to the squad.
