{"id":22464,"date":"2025-12-16T11:10:38","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T05:40:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.businessupturn.com\/sports\/?p=671378"},"modified":"2025-12-15T16:10:55","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T10:40:55","slug":"ipl-2026-auction-what-lucknow-super-giants-need-and-who-they-could-target","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.businessupturn.com\/sports\/cricket\/ipl\/ipl-2026-auction-what-lucknow-super-giants-need-and-who-they-could-target\/","title":{"rendered":"IPL 2026 Auction: What Lucknow Super Giants need and who they could target"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lucknow Super Giants<\/a> head into the IPL 2026 mini-auction<\/strong> with a purse of Rs 22.95 crore<\/strong>, six slots to fill<\/strong>, and four overseas vacancies<\/strong>. Unlike some other franchises, LSG already possess a strong core, particularly in the bowling department, allowing them to approach the auction with clear and focused priorities.<\/p>\n

Lucknow Super Giants squad overview<\/h3>\n

Probable playing XII:<\/strong>
\nAiden Markram<\/a>, Mitchell Marsh<\/a>, Nicholas Pooran<\/a>, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Middle-order batter, Ayush Badoni<\/a>, All-rounder, Abdul Samad<\/a>, Avesh Khan<\/a>, Mohammed Shami<\/a>, Mayank Yadav, Digvesh Rathi<\/p>\n

Other squad members:<\/strong>
\nAkash Singh<\/a>, Arjun Tendulkar<\/a>, Arshin Kulkarni, Himmat Singh, M Siddharth, Matthew Breetzke, Mohsin Khan<\/a>, Prince Yadav, Shahbaz Ahmed<\/p>\n

What Lucknow Super Giants need at the auction<\/h3>\n

If there is one department where Lucknow Super Giants are well stocked, it is Indian fast bowling<\/strong>. The addition of Mohammed Shami<\/strong> further strengthens a pace unit that already includes Avesh Khan, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan<\/strong>, and emerging options like Arjun Tendulkar<\/strong>, who provides left-arm cover if fitness issues arise.<\/p>\n

With Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and Nicholas Pooran<\/strong>, three overseas slots in the playing XII are virtually locked based on last season\u2019s performances. The key decision for LSG revolves around how they use the fourth overseas slot<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

LSG\u2019s most pressing needs are a middle-order batter<\/strong> and an all-rounder<\/strong> who can provide balance to the XI. At present, none of their frontline bowlers offer meaningful batting depth, making the all-rounder role critical to team structure. If an overseas all-rounder is secured, LSG could then pivot toward strengthening their Indian batting depth.<\/p>\n

Spin is another area to watch. After parting ways with Ravi Bishnoi<\/strong>, Digvesh Rathi<\/strong> remains the only wrist spinner in the squad. While he impressed last season, LSG may look for additional spin options to avoid over-reliance on a single specialist, especially on slower surfaces.<\/p>\n

With four overseas slots available, the franchise could also consider adding an overseas fast bowler<\/strong> as insurance, particularly given the workload management concerns around their Indian quicks.<\/p>\n

Potential targets for Lucknow Super Giants<\/h3>\n

LSG are expected to be selective rather than aggressive, focusing on fit-for-role players:<\/p>\n