IPL 2026: Lucknow Super Giants Face Retention Reckoning After Disappointing Season

Lucknow Super Giants are facing crucial decisions ahead of the November 15 retention deadline for IPL 2026. After finishing seventh with just six wins from 14 games in 2025, the franchise must carefully reshape their squad to bounce back next season.

The Season That Went Wrong

LSG’s 2025 campaign fell well short of expectations. Poor balance in key phases, lack of batting depth, and inconsistent bowling performances plagued them throughout the tournament. With several big-money signings underperforming and purse pressures mounting, owner Sanjiv Goenka confirmed the franchise is already deep in discussions about who stays and who goes.

Core Retentions Expected

Despite the disappointing season, LSG are expected to retain their marquee names. Rishabh Pant tops that list—even though he played just a handful of games before his injury—as the franchise views him as a long-term investment and potential captain.

Nicholas Pooran remains their most reliable middle-order striker and a key leadership figure. His explosive batting and consistency make him indispensable to LSG’s rebuild plans.

Rising domestic star Ayush Badoni, who scored 329 runs at an average of 32.90 and strike rate of 148.20 in IPL 2025, has earned retention. His ability to finish games and contribute in multiple roles makes him valuable for the future.

Digvesh Rathi’s rising all-round value has also impressed management, positioning him as another likely retention. His performances suggest he could become a crucial player in LSG’s core group.

Avesh Khan is expected to stay after a strong comeback season. The Indian pacer offers genuine pace and death-overs capability—two qualities LSG desperately need.

Confirmed Departure

One exit is already confirmed: Shardul Thakur has been traded to Mumbai Indians for Rs 2 crore. Initially going unsold in the auction before being brought in as an injury replacement, Shardul played 10 matches for LSG but struggled to make the impact the franchise needed. His trade represents LSG’s desire for more consistent pace options.

Probable Retentions

According to the article, LSG’s likely retained players include: Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Digvesh Rathi, Mitchell Marsh, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, Abdul Samad, Aiden Markram, Aryan Juyal, Shahbaz Ahmed, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Arshin Kulkarni, M Siddharth, William O’Rourke, and Akash Singh.

Expected Releases

Players likely to be let go include Shamar Joseph, Himmat Singh, Matthew Breetzke, Prince Yadav, and Yuvraj Chaudhary. These releases will free up purse space for LSG to target specific needs at the upcoming mini-auction.

Trade Possibility

David Miller’s name appears under probable trades, suggesting LSG may look to move the South African batter despite his experience and proven T20 credentials.

Strategic Rebuild

The retention strategy reflects LSG’s intention to build around young Indian talent while maintaining a core of proven match-winners like Pooran and Pant. By releasing underperformers and trading selectively, they aim to create a more balanced squad capable of challenging for playoffs.

With the retention deadline just hours away, LSG’s final decisions will reveal whether they’re committed to gradual rebuilding or planning major squad overhaul through the auction.