Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) entered the IPL 2026 auction with a clear strategy to bolster their squad, addressing key areas to build a balanced and competitive team. With a remaining purse of ₹22.95 crore, LSG aimed to secure strategic buys to fill the six vacant slots, focusing on finishing batsmen, backup pacers, and a potential spin option. The auction, held in Abu Dhabi, saw LSG actively participating in bidding wars and securing valuable players.
Key Acquisitions at the Auction
LSG's opening acquisition was Sri Lankan spin bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, secured at his base price of ₹2 crore. Hasaranga, released by the Rajasthan Royals, was brought in to address the team's need for spin options following the release of Ravi Bishnoi. South African pacer Anrich Nortje was another significant addition, also acquired for his base price of ₹2 crore. Nortje, known for his express pace and experience, was released by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) before the auction.
One of the more surprising picks was uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Mukul Choudhary, for whom LSG spent ₹2.60 crore. Choudhary sparked a bidding war with Mumbai Indians, with LSG eventually securing his services. LSG also acquired Akshat Raghuwanshi, an uncapped Indian player from Madhya Pradesh, for ₹2.20 crore after a bidding contest with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Additionally, the franchise picked up Naman Tiwari for ₹1 crore.
In a significant move, LSG secured Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis for ₹8.6 crore. Inglis, who drew bids from SRH and LSG, was eventually sold to Lucknow as Hyderabad lacked sufficient funds.
Retained and Traded Players
Prior to the auction, LSG retained several key players, including Rishabh Pant (c), Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, and Mayank Yadav. They also traded in Mohammed Shami from SRH and Arjun Tendulkar from MI. The released players included Aryan Juyal, David Miller, Ravi Bishnoi, and Rajvardhan Hangargekar. Shardul Thakur was traded to Mumbai Indians.
LSG Squad for IPL 2026
Here is the full list of players purchased by Lucknow Super Giants at the IPL 2026 Auction with their respective prices:
- Wanindu Hasaranga (₹2 crore)
- Anrich Nortje (₹2 crore)
- Mukul Choudhary (₹2.60 crore)
- Naman Tiwari (₹1 crore)
- Akshat Raghuwanshi (₹2.20 crore)
- Josh Inglis (₹8.6 crore)
Retained Players:
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.
With these additions and retentions, Lucknow Super Giants have assembled a strong squad for IPL 2026, ready to compete for the title.
