LSG Retained & Released Players List IPL 2026 have been the hot topics of conversation amongst cricket enthusiasts with everyone marching into the new Indian Premier League season. In a replication of an IPL franchise, which became part of the league in 2022, they have taken important calls during the retention window to bolster their team and let go players who are not on their radar for future. In this piece, we will discuss all the latest updates about the LSG Retained & Released Players List for IPL 2026, ideas driving decisions made by them, player analyses, strengths and weaknesses of this squad and what it is likely to portend for their future in the competition.
Introduction to Lucknow Super Giants
LSG, which is Lucknow Super Giants and one of the nine IPL teams. The franchise is owned by RPSG Group and has grown gradually since joining the league. LSG has a big fan base and have emerged of a team with depth and potential. Pre IPL 2026, management did well to retain / release and do some quick strategic trades they could afford to shape up the squad for more success.
What Is Player Retention and Release?
But before we go ahead and look at the LSG Retained & Released Player in IPL 2026, here is something you need to know about What does retained & released players means..??
- Retained Players : Players retained by the franchise from the previous season. These players are retained and they do not enter the auction.
- Released Players: a player released by the team before auction. Each of these players are then available for others team to bid on in the IPL auction.
Retention and release decisions have got to be made because it impacts the team budget and strategy heading into the IPL auction.
Why the LSG Retained & Released Players List for IPL 2026 Matters
LSG Retained & Released Players List IPL 2026: While it’s the details like these that give a glimpse to the fans as well as analysts to understand how the franchise will shape up its squad. LSG’s team composition tells us which players they consider assets for a longer-term future and which ones they are more or less disposable who can be offloaded for better talent at the auction table1. It also provides a window into how the franchise is building its nucleus for the challenges of next season.
LSG Retained Players for IPL 2026
Here is the complete list of players retained by Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the IPL 2026 season:
| Player Name | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant (C) | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Main captain and star batter |
| Nicholas Pooran | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Power hitter from West Indies |
| Aiden Markram | Batter | Experienced overseas batter |
| Mitchell Marsh | All-rounder | Valuable batting and bowling skills |
| Abdul Samad | All-rounder | Explosive middle-order batter |
| Ayush Badoni | All-rounder | Promising young Indian player |
| Himmat Singh | Batter | Domestic batter with potential |
| Matthew Breetzke | Batter | Versatile middle-order player |
| Mayank Yadav | Bowler | Fast bowler with speed threat |
| Avesh Khan | Bowler | Experienced Indian pacer |
| Mohsin Khan | Bowler | Young pace talent |
| Digvesh Rathi | Bowler | Emerging bowling star |
| Manimaran Siddharth | Bowler | Skilled spinner |
| Prince Yadav | Bowler | Upcoming young bowler |
| Akash Singh | Bowler | Promising quick bowler |
| Shahbaz Ahmed | All-rounder | Experienced Indian all-rounder |
| Mohammed Shami (Traded In) | Bowler | Veteran pacer brought via trade |
| Arjun Tendulkar (Traded In) | Bowler | Left-arm pace option from MI |
This set of retained players marks the core leadership and talent that LSG has faith in for continuity in IPL 2026. Read: Why Going to Australia Without Preparing a Solid Captaincy Option is Foolhardy Retaining players such as Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran gives batting stability, while young Indian bowlers and seasoned pacers like Mohammed Shami can bolster the bowling attack.
LSG Released Players for IPL 2026
Here is the list of players released by Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2026 season:
| Player Name | Role | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Aryan Juyal | Wicketkeeper | Limited chances |
| David Miller | Batter | Overseas player released |
| Yuvraj Chaudhary | All-rounder | Squad balance reshuffle |
| Rajvardhan Hangargekar | All-rounder | Performance reasons |
| Akash Deep | Bowler | Bowling lineup changes |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Spinner | Released despite potential |
| Shamar Joseph | Bowler | Team strategy shift |
| Shardul Thakur (Traded to MI) | All-rounder | Moved via trade |
With the release of these players some slots and salary purse get opened for LSG to eye on particular players in the IPL 2022 Mega Auction and Trades. Releasing spin resources in form of bowlers like Ravi Bishnoi but getting in an experienced pacer like Shami is more a clear verdict on experimenting with spin, probably through new or younger faces besides the need to strengthen its fast bowling.
Key Highlights From the LSG Retained & Released Players List for IPL 2026
Rishabh Pant Continues as Captain
LSG kept Rishabh Pant on as captain despite a tough IPL 2025 campaign. Pant’s captaincy and explosive batting is one of the key figures in IPL 2026.
Strong Batting Core Maintained
With the likes of Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh, LSG has added depth to its batting. These are the guys who have brought a level of stability as well as power hitting.
Bowling Strategy Under Revision
The way some bowlers have been thrown in the release folder suggests a shift in bowling plan. It is clear LSG is looking for old heads and new legs in its attack, plumping for experience with Mohammed Shami and exciting youth of young bowlers.
Mix of Youth and Experience
LSG is formed with the experienced international stars in its retained ranks along with a solid group of young Indian talent. This is one of the ways that we keep future competitive.
LSG’s Remaining Auction Strategy
Followed by the auction of LSG Retained & Released Players List for IPL 2026, they have left with a purse value of 22.95 crore retains after the release of those players. This along with a good mix of overseas stars and Indian players, means LSG has to be smart in spending for the filling up almost the entire squad.
With a limited purse and several slots to fill, LSG could target:
- An Indian opener to shore up the top order
- A high-quality spinner
- Overseas fast bowlers for variety
- Backup all-rounders for balance
These moves will be important in helping LSG remain competitive in IPL 2026.
What This Means for LSG Fans
For the fans of Lucknow Super Giants, the LSG Retained & Released Players List for IPL 2026 is both exhilarating and mystifying. The retention of big names such as Pant and Pooran is indicative of the fact that LSG has faith in its core. Releases and trades signal new tactical directions, but not significantly so.
LSG supporters should look forward to:
✔ A stable leadership group
✔ A right blend of experience and youth
✔ Thrilling purchases to come in the auction
✔ Better, more competitive team for IPL 2026
Final Thoughts
The LSG Retained & Released Players List for IPL 2026 brings forth a team who’s shopping will be large and aim to take on the stage with a fresh mindset, walking in line with balanced talent and intentions of further growth. It also seems that lessons have been learned and the team is being built for future as decisions made in the retention window suggest. With clever auction management and sound execution planning, LSG hopes to make a resurgence in IPL in 2026.
For LSG fans and followers of the IPL, here is the retention and release update that you need to know about how are the team taking shape. Watch the IPL auction later to see how remaining spaces are filled and perhaps more about how this thrilling squad takes shape.
