Lucknow Super Giants Confirm IPL 2026 Retentions With Clear Intent to Rebuild

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have finalized their squad adjustments for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, retaining a solid core while executing key trades and releases to address inconsistencies from their seventh-place finish in 2025. Under captain Rishabh Pant, who was acquired for a record INR 27 crore in the previous mega auction, the franchise aims to inject pace and experience into their lineup following two consecutive mid-table campaigns.

The announcements include incoming trades for Veteran Pacer Mohammed Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad and all-rounder Arjun Tendulkar from Mumbai Indians, alongside the outgoing all-cash deal sending Shardul Thakur to Mumbai Indians for INR 2 crore. These moves signal LSG's intent to bolster their bowling attack, particularly in the powerplay and death overs, while maintaining batting depth led by explosive wicketkeeper-batter Nicholas Pooran.

The retained players form a balanced unit blending youth and international flair, with Pant (INR 27 crore), Pooran (INR 21 crore), and Aiden Markram anchoring the top order and middle phase. All-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Ayush Badoni provide versatility, while young pacer Mayank Yadav—retained at INR 11 crore despite injury concerns—remains a cornerstone for his raw speed exceeding 150 kmph. Other key retentions include Digvesh Rathi (mystery spinner and 2025's leading wicket-taker for LSG), Mohsin Khan (left-arm seamer), and uncapped talents like Akash Singh, Prince Yadav, and M Siddharth, ensuring domestic depth.

However, the surprise release of leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi (INR 11 crore) after a shadowed 2025 season highlights a strategic pivot toward unproven spinners like Rathi, freeing up significant purse space for auction reinforcements.

LSG's release list features eight players, including South African finisher David Miller, Indian quick Akash Deep, West Indian express Shamar Joseph, and uncapped prospects Aryan Juyal, Yuvraj Chaudhary, and Rajvardhan Hangargekar, aiming to trim underperformers and create vacancies for targeted acquisitions. Thakur's departure, after a modest all-round contribution last season, underscores the franchise's focus on specialist roles over utility players.

Head coach Justin Langer emphasized the need for "explosive balance" in a statement, noting that retaining Mayank despite his back surgery recovery reflects faith in emerging Indian talent. With no restrictions on retentions in this non-mega auction year, LSG's approach prioritizes continuity in batting while overhauling the bowling unit to chase a maiden IPL playoff berth.

Also Read: Chennai Super Kings Likely to Release Jadeja, Tripathi, and More Before IPL 2026 Auction

Entering the December 16 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi with a robust INR 22.95 crore purse and eight slots to fill (including overseas spots), LSG are well-positioned to pursue high-impact signings like all-rounders or finishers amid league-wide shake-ups. This development aligns with broader IPL 2026 trends, such as Chennai Super Kings' acquisition of Sanju Samson and Kolkata Knight Riders' release of Andre Russell, intensifying competition in a 74-match tournament.

For LSG, backing Pant's aggressive captaincy and integrating Shami's experience could finally unlock their potential, transforming recent frustrations into a title-contending campaign.

Also Read: Sunrisers Hyderabad Confirm IPL 2026 Retentions with Clear Focus on Squad Stability