Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) step into IPL 2026 with renewed intent, a sharpened leadership core, and one of their most thoughtfully structured squads in recent seasons. With the LSG IPL 2026 Squad Revealed, the franchise has shifted toward stability and data-backed decision-making after two seasons of fluctuating performances.
The 2026 squad reflects a clear direction to retain match-winners, strengthen the all-rounder pool, and build a bowling attack capable of handling pressure across phases.
LSG’s Auction Strategy for IPL 2026 – Core First, Improvements Next
LSG aims to preserve their winning foundation, increase squad depth, and intelligently fill key gaps. Their strategy revolves around fast‑bowling firepower, versatile all‑rounders, and flexible batting combinations.
Key Strategic Priorities:
- Strengthen death bowling with specialist Indian and overseas pacers.
- Add a multi‑dimensional all‑rounder to support batting and bowling.
- Secure an overseas finisher for the lower middle order.
- Identify a stable Indian top or middle‑order batter to support the core.
Retention Strategy Highlights
- Leadership stability with KL Rahul continuing as captain.
- Fast‑bowling depth maintained with Mayank Yadav and Naveen‑ul‑Haq.
- All‑rounder solidity through Krunal Pandya and Marcus Stoinis.
- Strong domestic batting core retained: Ayush Badoni, Devdutt Padikkal.
LSG IPL 2026 – Retained Players List
| Player Name | Role |
| Rishabh Pant (C) | WK-Batter |
| Nicholas Pooran | WK-Batter |
| Aiden Markram | Batter |
| Ayush Badoni | Batter |
| Abdul Samad | All-Rounder |
| Arshin Kulkarni | All-Rounder |
| Mitchell Marsh | All-Rounder |
| Shahbaz Ahmed | All-Rounder |
| Himmat Singh | Batter |
| Matthew Breetzke | Batter |
| Avesh Khan | Pacer |
| Mayank Yadav | Pacer |
| Mohsin Khan | Pacer |
| Manimaran Siddharth | Spinner |
| Digvesh Rathi | Spinner |
| Prince Yadav | All-Rounder |
| Akash Singh | Pacer |
| Arjun Tendulkar | All-Rounder / Pacer |
LSG IPL 2026 – Released Players Ahead of Auction
| Player Name | Reason for Release |
| Aryan Juyal | Team rebalancing |
| David Miller | Poor 2025 season; high salary |
| Yuvraj Chaudhary | Domestic reshuffle |
| Rajvardhan Hangargekar | Limited progress |
| Akash Deep | Underperformance |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Not retained due to strategic changes |
| Shamar Joseph | Struggled in Indian conditions |
LSG Probable Squad for IPL 2026
| Player Name | Role |
| Rishabh Pant (C) | Batters & WKs |
| Nicholas Pooran | Batters & WKs |
| Aiden Markram | Batters & WKs |
| Matthew Breetzke | Batters & WKs |
| Himmat Singh | Batters & WKs |
| Mitchell Marsh | All-Rounders |
| Shahbaz Ahmed | All-Rounders |
| Ayush Badoni | All-Rounders |
| Arshin Kulkarni | All-Rounders |
| Abdul Samad | All-Rounders |
| Prince Yadav | All-Rounders |
| Arjun Tendulkar | All-Rounders |
| Manimaran Siddharth | Spinners |
| Digvesh Rathi | Spinners |
| Avesh Khan | Pace Bowlers |
| Mayank Yadav | Pace Bowlers |
| Mohsin Khan | Pace Bowlers |
| Akash Singh | Pace Bowlers |
Conclusion: LSG Aim for a Breakthrough in IPL 2026
With the LSG IPL 2026 Squad Revealed, the franchise has adopted a balanced, forward-looking strategy. By retaining match-winners, strengthening bowling depth, and releasing inconsistent performers, LSG has positioned itself strongly for the upcoming season. With targeted buys in the mini-auction, particularly a finisher and a death-overs pacer, LSG could emerge as a major playoff contender for IPL 2026.
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