There are plenty of decisions to make for Lucknow Super Giants as they head into the new season of IPL in 2027. The side hasn’t been able to reach the playoffs for the last three seasons after their debut in 2022. In fact, the Super Giants made the playoffs twice in 2022 and 2023 but stumbled to a seventh-place finish in the next two campaigns before ending up at the bottom of the table in 2026.

Ahead of the new season, the franchise has already traded Rishabh Pant to Delhi Capitals and got Kuldeep Yadav in return. The move could be termed a masterstroke as the left-arm wrist spinner finally heads home to play for his local franchise for the first time. The wickets in Ekana could work in Kuldeep’s favour and help the side finally reach the top four in the table.

With just a few days left to reveal the list of retained and released players, Lucknow could make a few tough calls.

Here are the five players LSG could release

5- Arjun Tendulkar

The son of the biggest cricketing icon in the world, hehasn’t had a great time in the league.

4- Digvesh Rathi

In 2025, Digvesh Rathi emerged as a bowler with immense potential, claiming 14 wickets from 13 games. The world was keenly waiting to see what the spinner would do in his second season, which turned out to be a damp squib.

3- Himmat Singh

The 30-year-old Himmat Singh has been stellar in domestic cricket, but he hasn’t been able to have the same impact in the IPL. Singh played six games last year and scored just 92 runs, with a best of 40 not out. Considering the side could be looking for strong middle-order options, Himmat’s time at the Ekana Stadium could end in a few days.

2- Wanindu Hasaranga

The Sri Lankan star, when fit, can be a handful for any batting unit with his variations as well as flight and guile. Wanindu Hasaranga missed the entire IPL 2026 season due to injury, and the team management could put the spinner on the release list. Hasaranga’s fitness is likely to cost him an IPL contract next season.

1- Mohammed Shami

One of the biggest names that could be on the chopping block is veteran Indian seamer Mohammed Shamiwho recently called time on his Test career. Shami played 13 games last year and claimed 12 wickets. The franchise already has Anrich Nortje, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav, and Mohsin Khan in the ranks.