Who are the notable players released by LSG ahead of IPL 2026?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ravi Bishnoi, David Miller, and Akash Deep released.
- Retained players include Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran.
- New additions include Mohammad Shami and Arjun Tendulkar.
- LSG aims for a stronger performance in IPL 2026.
- Leadership changes and squad adjustments made to improve results.
New Delhi, Nov 15 (NationPress) The Lucknow Super Giants have successfully retained several key players in anticipation of the IPL 2026 auction. However, they have also parted ways with six players, including the talented spinner Ravi Bishnoi, explosive batsman David Miller, and fast bowler Akash Deep.
Franchise captain Rishabh Pant, who was the top acquisition at the IPL 2025 auction, remains at the helm, while the formidable hard-hitter Nicholas Pooran has also been kept in the squad.
In addition, Australia’s T20I captain Mitchell Marsh, recognized for his aggressive batting at the top of the order, has secured a position in the team for the upcoming season. The bowling lineup will also see the continuation of Digvesh Rathi, who caught the attention of fans last year, alongside Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Mohsin Khan.
Prior to the retention cut-off, LSG strengthened their roster by acquiring Mohammad Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad and Arjun Tendulkar from Mumbai Indians, while Shardul Thakur was traded to MI.
Despite these significant roster changes and a shift in leadership, the Lucknow Super Giants did not achieve improved outcomes in IPL 2025. Rishabh Pant took over as captain from KL Rahul, with Zaheer Khan stepping in as team mentor. Yet again, the team failed to reach the playoffs, finishing in seventh place, similar to their previous season's performance.
As the league stage concluded, the team suffered consecutive losses, which ultimately cost them a chance at the knockouts. LSG is determined to recover in the upcoming season by implementing crucial team adjustments prior to the auction.
Retained: Rishabh Pant (c), Nicholas Pooran, Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh, Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Arshin Kulkarni, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, M Siddharth, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Akash Singh
Released: Ravi Bishnoi, David Miller, Akash Deep, Aryan Juyal, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Rajvardhan Hangargekar.
Traded In: Mohd Shami (from SRH), Arjun Tendulkar (from MI)
Traded Out: Shardul Thakur (to MI)