Lucknow Super Giants' Big Moves in IPL 2026 Auction
The IPL 2026 Auction held on December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi proved to be a significant turning point for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Following a disappointing 2025 season, LSG made strategic decisions to revamp their roster, ensuring that the team is competitive for the upcoming season.
Key Acquisitions Made
Among the notable additions was the talented Sri Lankan spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, acquired for his base price of INR 2 crore. This move demonstrated LSG's commitment to strengthening their bowling lineup. Another major signing was Anrich Nortje, a fast bowler from South Africa, also fetched at his base price of INR 2 crore.
Battles and Bids: The Auction Highlights
LSG engaged in a fierce bidding war, especially for the young talent Matheesha Pathirana. However, they fell short against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The planning didn’t end there; the franchise also targeted uncapped Indian players. New signings included Naman Tiwari and Mukul Choudhary, enhancing the bench strength.
Financial Insights from the Auction
| Player Name | Price (INR) |
|---|
| Josh Inglis | 8.60 crore |
| Abdul Samad | 4.20 crore |
| Ayush Badoni | 4 crore |
| Aiden Markram | 2 crore |
| Matthew Breetzke | 75 lakh |
| Himmat Singh | 30 lakh |
| Rishabh Pant | 27 crore |
| Nicholas Pooran | 21 crore |
| Mitchell Marsh | 3.40 crore |
| Shahbaz Ahmed | 2.40 crore |
Future Prospects for LSG
With these signings, LSG aims to bounce back and improve on their previous campaign. The team reached the 25-player limit after securing potential stars, reflective of their tactical approach to the auction.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As anticipation builds for IPL 2026, the Lucknow Super Giants have positioned themselves as a formidable contender. Fans are eagerly awaiting the new season to see how these strategic additions play out on the field.