The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), under the leadership of wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, are gearing up for the Indian Premier League 2026 season with a significant war chest. The franchise entered the player auction with a hefty purse of Rs 22.95 crore, a sum accumulated after releasing seven players from their previous squad.
Rebuilding After a Disappointing Season
This rebuild comes on the heels of a challenging IPL 2025 campaign. Despite creating headlines the previous year by making a record-breaking Rs 27 crore signing of captain Rishabh Pant, LSG could not translate that investment into on-field success. The team endured a tough season, ultimately finishing in a lowly seventh position on the points table. The management has now taken decisive steps to overhaul the squad for a stronger comeback.
Strategic Moves in the Auction and Trade Window
LSG's strategy was clear from the outset of the auction. Their first acquisition was Sri Lankan spin maestro Wanindu Hasaranga, whom they secured for his base price of Rs 2 crore. This move bolsters their spin-bowling department significantly.
Beyond the auction, LSG was active in the trade window, making two notable acquisitions. They brought in veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and all-rounder Arjun Tendulkar from Mumbai Indians (MI). In a corresponding trade move, they sent experienced all-rounder Shardul Thakur to Mumbai Indians.
Complete Lucknow Super Giants Squad for IPL 2026
The finalized LSG roster for the upcoming season is a mix of retained stars, trade arrivals, and new auction picks. Here is the comprehensive breakdown:
Players Retained: Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh, Rishabh Pant (c), Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Arshin Kulkarni, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, Manimaran Siddharth, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Akash Singh.
Players Bought at Auction: Wanindu Hasaranga (Rs 2 crore).
Players Traded In: Mohammed Shami (from SRH), Arjun Tendulkar (from MI).
Players Released: Aryan Juyal, David Miller, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Akash Deep, Will O’Rourke, Ravi Bishnoi, Shamar Joseph.
Player Traded Out: Shardul Thakur (to MI).
Analysis and Road Ahead for LSG
With a purse of nearly Rs 23 crore now partially spent, LSG has a balanced squad featuring explosive batters like Pant, Pooran, and Markram, and a potent pace attack led by Shami, Avesh Khan, and Mayank Yadav. The addition of Hasaranga provides a world-class wicket-taking option in the middle overs. The team management will hope this revamped combination, blending youth and experience, can overcome the disappointments of the last season and mount a serious title challenge in IPL 2026. The focus will firmly be on captain Pant to lead from the front and justify his historic price tag with consistent performances.
