The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 mini-auctionheld in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, December 16saw Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) make targeted additions to complete a well-rounded squad. With 369 players in the auction pool, LSG focused on experience, overseas firepower, and squad balance rather than volume buying.

LSG picked up six playersincluding three overseas cricketersand finished the auction with a settled 25-member squad.

Rishabh Pant continues as LSG captain

Rishabh Pant will continue to lead Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. The franchise has built its squad around Pant and Nicholas Pooran, forming one of the strongest wicketkeeper-batter cores in the tournament. Pant’s leadership and aggressive batting remain central to LSG’s plans.

LSG wicketkeepers for IPL 2026

Lucknow boast enviable depth behind the stumps. Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran are the primary wicketkeeping options, while Josh Inglissigned at the auction, provides experienced international backup and tactical flexibility.

What Lucknow Super Giants did at the IPL 2026 auction

LSG entered the auction with most of their squad slots already filled and clear requirements in mind. The focus was on strengthening bowling depth and adding multi-skilled overseas players.

Their most notable purchases were Wanindu Hasarangawho adds world-class leg-spin and lower-order batting, and Anrich Nortjewho bolsters the pace attack with genuine express speed. The franchise also secured Josh Inglisdespite his limited availability, valuing his impact potential in crucial matches.

LSG further invested in Indian depth by signing Mukul Choudhary, Tiwari on the other handand Akshat Raghuwanshirounding off their squad without exhausting their purse.

Players bought by LSG at the IPL 2026 auction

Wanindu Hasaranga, Anrich Nortje, Mukul Choudhary, Naman Tiwari, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Josh Inglis.

LSG auction summary

• Purse remaining: Rs. 4.55 crore
• Player slots remaining: 0
• Overseas slots remaining: –

LSG retained players before the auction

Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh, Rishabh Pant (c), Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Arshin Kulkarni, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, Manimaran Siddharth, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Akash Singh, Mohammed Shami (traded in from SRH), Arjun Tendulkar (traded in from MI).

LSG full squad for IPL 2026

Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh, Rishabh Pant (c), Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Arshin Kulkarni, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, Manimaran Siddarth, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Akash Singh, Mohammed Shami, Arjun Tendulkar, Wanindu Hasaranga, Anrich Nortje, Mukul Choudhary, Naman Tiwari, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Josh Inglis.

Squad outlook

Lucknow Super Giants head into IPL 2026 with a squad built around leadership stability, explosive batting, and varied bowling options. The additions of Hasaranga and Nortje significantly strengthen their overseas core, while the retention of Pant, Pooran, Marsh, and Markram ensures continuity. With all slots filled and money left in the purse, LSG appear well-prepared for a deep run in the upcoming season.