Lucknow Super Giants Revamp Squad at IPL 2026 Auction

Introduction

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made strategic moves to enhance their roster during the IPL 2026 Auction held in Abu Dhabi on December 16, 2025. With the objective of bouncing back after a lackluster performance in 2025, LSG targeted pivotal new players.

Key Acquisitions

Prior to the auction, LSG kicked off their squad revamp by trading for star players Mohammad Shami and Arjun Tendulkar. Their approach during the auction reflected urgency and intent to build a competitive team.

Headline Player Investments

One notable acquisition was Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who was signed for his base price of INR 2 crore. The franchise also pursued fast bowlers, bringing in South Africa’s Anrich Nortje, reinforcing their attack with another base bid of INR 2 crore.

Strategic Bidding Wars

Despite their efforts, LSG faced stiff competition from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), especially for Matheesha Pathirana. The auction witnessed intense bidding, but their purse constraints limited further acquisitions.

Uncapped Players and Others

LSG also focused on the uncapped category, securing players like Naman Tiwari and Mukul Choudhary. However, an attempt to secure Liam Livingstone could not compete with the financial muscle of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Among the auction highlights was Josh Inglis, who garnered a striking bid of INR 8.60 crore. LSG’s spending strategy reached its peak, resulting in them fulfilling the 25-player limit shortly after.

Final Player Price Summary

Here’s a breakdown of key player acquisitions:

Conclusion

Overall, the LSG has laid a solid foundation for the upcoming IPL season with their calculated investments. Their mix of established stars and emerging talent promises to enhance team performance significantly.