Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) could retain a strong core featuring Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Ayush Badoni, and Kuldeep Yadav ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. The franchise is expected to make several changes following a disappointing campaign.
LSG finished last in IPL 2026 under Rishabh Pant's captaincy, recording their first-ever bottom-of-the-table finish. Pant has since returned to Delhi Capitals (DC) through a player trade, while left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav has moved to Lucknow as part of the deal.
Which Players Are Likely to Be Retained by Lucknow Super Giants?
Lucknow Super Giants are expected to retain Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Ayush Badoni, and Kuldeep Yadav. Marsh was their leading run-scorer in IPL 2026, scoring 563 runs at a strike rate of 163.19. He also became the first player in LSG history to record consecutive 500-plus-run seasons.
Pooran and Markram are expected to remain important parts of the batting lineup. Badoni also offers a reliable Indian batting option, while Kuldeep's arrival through the trade with Delhi Capitals strengthens the spin department.
Among the overseas players, Anrich Nortje and Matthew Breetzke could retain their places. Fast bowlers Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, and Prince Yadav are also likely to feature in the list. Prince Yadav led the team's bowling charts with 16 wickets in IPL 2026.
All-rounders Abdul Samad and Shahbaz Ahmed could continue with the franchise, while young players such as Naman Tiwari, Mukul Choudhary, and Arshin Kulkarni may also retain their places.
Lucknow Super Giants' predicted retained players list:
Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Kuldeep Yadav (traded), Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mitchell Marsh, Anrich Nortje, Naman Tiwari, Manimaran Siddharth, Matthew Breetzke, Mukul Choudhary, Arshin Kulkarni, Arjun Tendulkar, Akash Maharaj Singh, Prince Yadav, and Digvesh Singh Rathi.
Which Lucknow Super Giants Players Could Be Released Before IPL 2027?
Rishabh Pant is among the expected departures after returning to Delhi Capitals through a player trade. Josh Inglis could be another notable departure despite his impressive late-season performances. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter scored 266 runs in just five matches at a strike rate of 186.01. However, the franchise could look for a different overseas combination ahead of the mini-auction.
Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami and Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga are also among the potential releases. LSG could further reassess the availability and fitness of domestic fast bowlers Mohsin Khan and Gaurav Yadav.
Indian batters Akshat Raghuwanshi and Himmat Singh are also likely to be considered for release as the management looks to reshape its struggling squad.
Lucknow Super Giants' predicted released players list:
Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Shami, Josh Inglis, Mohsin Khan, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Wanindu Hasaranga, Himmat Singh, and Gaurav Yadav.
Also read: Punjab Kings retained players list 2027: Predicted retentions ahead of IPL auction
How Lucknow Super Giants Could Build Their Squad for the Next Season
Lucknow Super Giants need to identify a new captain following Pant's departure. Aiden Markram is a strong candidate, having previously captained Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20. Nicholas Pooran is another option due to his leadership experience in franchise cricket.
Strengthening the pace attack should also be a priority. Mayank Yadav offers genuine pace, but his fitness and availability remain important considerations. LSG could look for experienced domestic fast bowlers to provide reliable backup options alongside Avesh Khan and Prince Yadav.
Kuldeep Yadav's arrival also gives LSG an experienced option in the spin department. The management will need to decide how he fits alongside Manimaran Siddharth and Shahbaz Ahmed to maintain the right balance in the bowling attack.
Also read: Gujarat Titans retained players list 2027: Predicted retentions ahead of IPL auction
