IPL 2026 Mini-Auction: The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) displayed moments of brilliance during IPL 2025, showing consistency and resilience, but ultimately fell short of the playoffs, finishing seventh in the league stage. While the team’s campaign marked progress over the previous season, it also highlighted areas needing restructuring ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
LSG’s approach continues to revolve around a core of established Indian internationals, with captain Rishabh Pant leading from the front. Pant, alongside Mitchell Marsh, anchored the batting lineup reliably, providing stability in crucial situations. Aiden Markram contributed significantly in both batting and bowling, controlling the middle overs with his off-spin and sharp fielding. On the bowling front, young leg-spinner Digvesh Rathi emerged as a standout performer, finishing as the team’s leading wicket-taker and offering a consistent middle-over threat.
Despite these positives, LSG’s roster strategy for IPL 2025 revealed financial inefficiencies. Several high-value contracts failed to deliver proportional returns, while some overseas slots were occupied by players who saw little to no game time. To maximize flexibility for the upcoming mini-auction, the franchise must consider releasing certain players and reallocating resources toward specialist, high-impact replacements.
Players LSG Could Release Ahead of IPL 2026 Mini-Auction
Avesh Khan
Avesh Khan was expected to lead LSG’s domestic pace attack but struggled with inconsistency, taking only 13 wickets in 13 matches at an economy of 10.29. For a player with a premium contract, the team needs more reliability in both powerplay and death overs. Releasing Avesh could free up a massive INR 10 Cr, allowing LSG to target a proven, cost-effective Indian pacer or a finisher with impact.
M. Siddharth
M. Siddharth’s spin closely mirrors that of established players like Ravi Bishnoi and Krunal Pandya, making him a redundant option. Although inexpensive, retaining him limits the opportunity to bring in a versatile uncapped player who could contribute with bat or ball.
Shamar Joseph
Signed mid-season as a replacement, Shamar Joseph didn’t feature in any matches due to availability and fitness issues. Releasing him frees up an overseas slot and auction capital, aligning with the strategy of retaining only fit, high-impact foreign players.
Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur’s dual role as a death-bowling pacer and lower-order hitter did not consistently meet expectations, especially given his hefty price tag. Letting him go would provide LSG the financial flexibility to secure a proven all-rounder or specialist Indian pacer with more predictable performance.
William O’Rourke
O’Rourke, though an exciting prospect, remains largely untested in Indian conditions and carries performance risk. Releasing him opens a critical overseas slot and provides additional funds to bring in a high-impact foreign player capable of delivering under pressure.
LSG’s IPL 2026 Mini-Auction Outlook
With the mini-auction around the corner, LSG’s key focus will be financial efficiency and squad balance. Releasing underperforming or redundant players will not only free up funds but also allow the franchise to strengthen weak areas, particularly the domestic pace department and high-impact finishing options. By combining stability in the core with strategic acquisitions, Lucknow can aim for a strong playoff push in IPL 2026, building on the foundation laid in previous seasons.
Also Read: IPL 2026 Mini-Auction: 3 Teams Set to Target Australia’s Matthew Short For Next Season
