David Miller is one of the Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) players who are likely to be released ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auction. He joined the Lucknow-based franchise for INR 7.5 crore during the IPL 2025 mega-auction. However, he failed to live up to his reputation, scoring just 153 runs in 11 matches at an average of 30.60 and a strike rate of 127.50. The southpaw had a highest score of just 27 not out.
Due to Miller's dismal performance, LSG seemed like a top-heavy batting
lineup, with Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, and Mitchell Marsh doing the bulk of the scoring. By letting Miller go, LSG can free up INR 7.5 crore, which will help them pick someone who can add more value to the team. Lucknow finished seventh on the points table, with six wins and eight losses from 14 matches. After failing to reach the playoffs in consecutive years, Lucknow will look to assemble a strong team and stake a claim for the title in 2026.
Here are 3 potential replacements LSG must look at over David Miller
3. Matthew Short
Matthew Short's flexibility as a batter could come in handy for Lucknow Super Giants. The right-handed batter can play in the top-order and can also take up the finisher's role. He can also chip in with the ball if required.
Short knows how to use the long handle to good effect and score runs quickly. He is a powerful bloke, who can clear the longest of boundaries with relative ease. LSG are known to prefer cricketers with leadership experience. Short fall in that category, as he has led teams in franchise cricket during his career. In 17 T20Is, the Ballarat-born has a strike rate of 156.87.
2. Tom Banton
Tom Banton has had a decent comeback in T20I cricket this season. In five innings, he has aggregated 86 runs at an average of 28.66 and a strike rate of 162.26. Last year, he went unsold in the auction. However, the tide could change in IPL 2026. The 26-year-old has been batting at No. 5 or 6 in the batting order for England. This is the same position in which Miller bats for LSG.
Banton can score quick runs by playing proper cricketing shots. However, he doesn't fear playing unorthodox shots like the ramps and scoops. The Chiltern-born can also step in as the wicketkeeper if LSG requires.
1. Tim Robinson
The 23-year-old Tim Robinson has had a fantastic start to his T20I career for New Zealand. In 14 T20I innings, he has amassed 397 runs at an average of 36.09 and a strike rate of 137.38. He is someone who likes to play according to the situation. In the recent T20I series between New Zealand and Australia, Robinson smashed an unbeaten 106 off 66 balls in Mount Maunganui.
Robinson is not just a boundary hitter but he also knows how to play according to the situation of the match. His ability to rotate strike will help him, especially if there are some challenging tracks on offer at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, which is the homeground of LSG.
