LSG 2026 Retentions: Released, Retained & Trade Players List Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

Published - 15 Nov 2025, 18:16 IST | Updated - 15 Nov 2025, 18:26 IST

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) endured an inconsistent campaign in IPL 2025, finishing seventh in the points table with six wins from 14 matches. They generated major headlines during the IPL 2025 mega-auction by acquiring Rishabh Pant for a record-breaking INR 27 crore, the highest price ever paid for any player in IPL auction history.

LSG entered the season with a strong squad featuring Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, and promising youngsters such as Ayush Badoni and Digvesh Rathi, who delivered impressive performances. However, a few setbacks proved costly. Pant had an up-and-down season, struggling to produce the match-winning consistency expected at his price tag. Their pace attack also faced significant challenges, with inconsistent spells leading to several defeats and preventing the team from building momentum.

Ahead of IPL 2026, LSG have moved strategically in the trade window by bringing in veteran pacer Mohammed Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). His arrival adds experience and depth to the bowling lineup, complementing Avesh Khan, Prince Yadav, Akash Deep, and spinner Ravi Bishnoi. With Shami’s inclusion, LSG will aim to strengthen their attack and address their shortcomings. They also traded Shardul Thakur to Mumbai Indians (MI) and got Arjun Tendulkar, adding another promising left-arm option to bolster their bowling attack.