Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) entered the IPL 2026 mini auction in Abu Dhabi after retaining 17 players, forming the core of the side, and completing trades for Mohammed Shami and Arjun Tendulkar ahead of the auction. With a largely settled base, LSG made six purchases to complete a 25-member squad. Despite an aggressive approach, the LSG buys in IPL 2026 auction appear to have focused more on reinforcement than repair.

Did the Problems Be Solved?

After another inconsistent campaign in 2025, where they struggled to close out matches despite strong starts, the squad still raises questions about balance. The LSG 2026 players list looks deeper, but whether it has solved the real issues remains debatable.

Lucknow Super Giants 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 Siddharth, Digvesh Rathi, Prince Yadav, Akash Singh, Mohammed Shami (traded from SRH), Arjun Tendulkar (traded from MI), Wanindu Hasaranga, Anrich Nortje, Mukul Choudhary, Naman Tiwari, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Josh Inglis.

Let’s take a closer look at the players bought by LSG in 2026 IPL auction and assess how these new additions fit into the broader structure of the Lucknow Super Giants’s 2026 squad. While the LSG 2026 players list reflects intent and ambition, the key will lie in whether these players can slot into clearly defined roles and offer solutions rather than just options.

Rationale Behind LSG Buys in IPL 2026 Auction

Josh Inglis is a Super Giant! 👌

The wicketkeeper-batter will represent @LucknowIPL for INR 8.6 Crore 💪#TATAIPL | #TATAIPLAuction pic.twitter.com/cq5s3rt6jE

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) December 16, 2025

Josh Inglis

Josh Inglis was the big name in the auction buys for Lucknow as they fetched him for ₹8.60 crore. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter offers flexibility and aggression, having had a significant presence across the T20 leagues of the world.

Josh says, “I can talk Inglis, I can walk Inglis, I can laugh Inglis, I can run Inglis, I can eat Inglis, I can play Inglis… I am Inglis!” ⚡🔥 pic.twitter.com/Xv1P6pPP0z

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) December 16, 2025

Though his IPL exposure is limited, Inglis has played more than 250 T20s, scoring at a strike rate north of 140. He fits into the Lucknow Super Giants squad as a middle-order aggressor and a backup keeping option behind Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran. Tactically, he will allow LSG to rotate overseas combinations while maintaining batting depth. Realistically, Inglis may begin as a rotation option but has the weapons to push for a regular spot.

Arriving at Ekana at 150 kmph ⚡🔥 pic.twitter.com/Tw301yFnBD

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) December 21, 2025

Anrich Nortje

Bought for ₹2 crore, Anrich Nortje stands out as one of the more value-driven buys for LSG. The South African pacer has featured in over 150 T20 matches and is known for his raw pace and wicket-taking ability. In IPL terms, Nortje has proven effective as a strike bowler, particularly through the middle and death overs. For the 2026 LSG squad, he adds an element of intimidation, though workload management will be crucial given his injury history.

Sri Lanka’s magical combination of spin and swag, now in Lucknow 🤩 pic.twitter.com/YEkaog9ej8

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) December 16, 2025

Wanindu Hasaranga

Wanindu Hasaranga’s inclusion in LSG at ₹2 crore could prove decisive. The Sri Lankan all-rounder has over 300 T20 wickets and offers control as well as attacking intent in the middle overs. His IPL experience adds reliability, especially on slower surfaces. Within the 2026 LSG squad, Hasaranga is expected to slot in as a frontline spinner and a lower-order contributor, making him one of the more balanced additions to the side.

Lucknow mein swagat hai, Mukul 💙 pic.twitter.com/s25odDb7rC

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) December 16, 2025

Mukul Choudhary

Indian left-arm pacer Mukul Choudhary was picked for ₹2.60 crore to bolster domestic depth. With prior IPL exposure and steady T20 numbers, Choudhary is viewed primarily as a backup option. In the LSG squad for 2026, he provides variation and injury cover rather than being a guaranteed starter, and could be deployed selectively depending on conditions, opposition match-ups and workload management of the frontline pacers across the long season.

All-round power added to our family 🔥

Welcome to Lucknow, Akshat Raghuwanshi 💙 pic.twitter.com/FHPZ0yEyan

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) December 16, 2025

Akshat Raghuwanshi

Akshat Raghuwanshi, bought for ₹2.20 crore, is a long-term investment on the list. The domestic batter has impressed in age-group and domestic circuits but remains untested at IPL level. His role in the LSG’s squad will likely be limited initially, with gradual integration expected.

Welcome home, Naman 💙 pic.twitter.com/fWP0bYiU9R

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) December 18, 2025

Naman Tiwari

Naman Tiwari rounded off the LSG buys in IPL 2026 auction at ₹1 crore. Another depth addition, Tiwari strengthens the Indian pace pool and provides bench strength across a long season.

Strengths of the 2026 LSG Squad

The biggest strength of the LSG’s squad lies in their top five in batting, which looks among the strongest on paper this season. With Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram and Josh Inglis forming the core, the LSG 2026 players list boasts both power and adaptability at the top.

Pace yourself, aandhi aane wali hai 🌪️ pic.twitter.com/394ntQon1g

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) December 17, 2025

This group gives LSG the ability to dominate powerplays, maintain momentum through the middle overs and set strong platforms consistently. The continuity of this core, combined with the intent shown at the auction, ensures that batting firepower is unlikely to be a concern in most matches.

Weakness of the 2026 LSG Squad

Despite the aggressive LSG buys in IPL 2026 auction, finishing remains a concern for the squad. The absence of a proven, specialist finisher following the release of David Miller puts pressure on the top order to bat deep.

25 Super Giants 🔒 & ready to roll 💥 pic.twitter.com/vs3YxU4xWJ

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) December 16, 2025

Additionally, a significant portion of LSG’s bowling strength comes from injury-prone options such as Anrich Nortje and Mayank Yadav. While the LSG 2026 players list looks formidable on paper, sustained fitness and clearly defined end-overs roles will be critical if the squad is to translate potential into results.