Top Players LSG Should Target in IPL 2026 Auction Featuring Venkatesh Iyer

Lucknow Super Giants have a big challenge ahead in the IPL 2026 auction. They need to find the right balance between their batting and bowling. In IPL 2025, their batting, except for Rishabh Pant, did okay. But their bowling was a problem because of injuries and inconsistency.

Before the mini-auction, LSG released seven players: Akash Deep, David Miller, Rajvardhan Hangrekar, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Shamar Joseph, Aryan Juyal, and Ravi Bishnoi. Now, ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, let’s look at some players LSG could consider picking in the mini-auction.

An Improved Bowling Attack is LSG’s Top Priority. LSG acquired Mohammed Shami from SRH but will need more quality pace bowlers to replace the injured Mayank Yadav and Avesh Khan, who cannot be counted on this season by LSG. LSG may consider acquiring Pathirana, who has historically been one (of the main bowlers) for CSK, instead of Shamar Joseph. If healthy, Pathirana will play more matches than Joseph and provide much more value to LSG. Simarjeet, an uncapped Indian bowler, could be a viable replacement for Yuvraj.

Next, LSG need to focus on their spin bowlers. Digvesh Rathi performed well in IPL 2025, but he did not do so well in DPL 2025. LSG have also released their experienced spinner Ravi Bishnoi. Now, they have two choices: they can either buy back Bishnoi at a lower price in the IPL 2026 mini-auction, or look at Rahul Chahar as a replacement. Since LSG do not have an overseas spinner, they could also consider Adam Zampa, who can work well with coach Justin Langer.

In the middle order, LSG need at least one power hitter since they released David Miller. Options include Andre Russell, Glenn Maxwell, and Wiaan Mulder. All three can hit big as finishers and also help with the ball.

If LSG want an Indian all-rounder who can bat at number 4, Venkatesh Iyer is a good option. Even though he had a poor season in IPL 2025, he has performed well in previous seasons and could be very valuable for Rishabh Pant’s team. However, LSG should not spend ₹23.75 crore on him and should try to get him for a lower price if they decide to bid.

LSG Potential Targets for IPL 2026 Mini-Auction:

Overseas all-rounders: Andre Russell, Glenn Maxwell, or Wiaan Mulder
Indian all-rounder: Venkatesh Iyer
Overseas spinner: Adam Zampa
Indian spinners: Ravi Bishnoi or Rahul Chahar
Overseas pacer: Matheesha Pathirana
Indian uncapped pacer: Simarjeet Singh

LSG Squad Before IPL 2026 Auction:
Abdul Samad, Aiden Markram, Akash Singh, Arjun Tendulkar (T), Arshin Kulkarni, Avesh Khan, Ayush Badoni, Digvesh Rathi, Himmat Singh, Manimaran Siddharth, Matthew Breetzke, Mayank Yadav, Md Shami (T), Mitchell Marsh, Mohsin Khan, Nicholas Pooran, Prince Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Shahbaz Ahmed

Players Retained: 19
Remaining Purse: ₹22.95 crore

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