As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 auction approaches, teams are gearing up to finalize their squads to build competitive sides for the upcoming season. The IPL 2026 mini auction is expected to take place around mid-December, with November 15 as the last date for franchises to announce their retained players. Amid this, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), which had a mixed IPL 2025 season, are strategizing about which players to hold on to as the auction draws near.
LSG’s pathetic IPL 2025 run
Lucknow Super Giants entered IPL 2025 with high expectations after major auction moves, including the costly acquisition of Rishabh Pant as captain for Rs 27 crore. However, the team finished 7th on the points table, winning 6 of their 14 matches and losing 8.
A key challenge for LSG was a fragile bowling attack plagued by injuries to important pacers like Mohsin Khan, Akash Deep, and Avesh Khan, which weakened their pace battery significantly. The bowling inconsistency meant LSG had no dominant match-winner in their bowling lineup despite bright spots like Shardul Thakur and emerging talent Digvesh Rathi. Batting performances were similarly inconsistent, with Pant underperforming relative to expectations. Overall, although some players showed promise, the team fell short of playoff contention, highlighting areas that need strengthening ahead of IPL 2026.
Five Indian players LSG could retain ahead of IPL 2026
1. Rishabh Pant (Wicket-Keeper Batter):
Despite a below-par IPL 2025 personally, Pant remains a critical cornerstone for LSG. As captain and one of the most explosive Indian batters, he scored 269 runs in 13 innings with a top score of 118* and maintains a high strike rate of 133.16. His experience and leadership are vital, making him a near-certainty for retention.
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2. Ayush Badoni (Batting All-Rounder):
Ayush Badoni showed consistency and adaptability with the bat during IPL 2025, albeit in limited opportunities. He scored 13 runs in 2 innings, displayed a healthy strike rate around 130, and continues to develop as a dependable finisher. Given his youth and potential, LSG is likely to keep him for further growth.
3. Akash Deep (Pace Bowler):
Akash played 6 matches for LSG in IPL 2025, taking 3 wickets. Although his economy rate was on the higher side, he brings variety with his swing bowling and can develop into a reliable bowling option. LSG values his skill set and may retain him as an ace pacer.
4. Avesh Khan (Pace Bowler):
Avesh remains one of LSG’s most experienced Indian pacers. In IPL 2025, he played 13 matches, picking up 13 wickets with notable spells. His pace and ability to swing the ball make him a key asset despite some inconsistency. LSG will likely retain him to lead their pace attack.
5. Digvesh Rathi (Mystery spinner):
The breakout performer of IPL 2025 for LSG, Rathi impressed with 14 wickets in his debut season. His promising mystery spin bowling and ability to take crucial wickets have stamped him as a rising talent that the franchise will be keen to hold on to.
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