After IPL 2025, Lucknow Super Giants have officially announced their retained squad for IPL 2026, securing a strong core of batters, all-rounders, and bowlers. Captain Rishabh Pant will lead a lineup that includes key performers like Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Ayush Badoni.
With additions like Mohammed Shami and Arjun Tendulkar already confirmed, LSG are set to build a balanced squad ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The franchise now looks focused on maintaining consistency while targeting strategic upgrades in the upcoming mini-auction.
Lucknow Super Giants – Official Retention Update
Lucknow Super Giants have now officially confirmed their retentions for IPL 2026, ending all speculation around trades, releases, and squad reshuffling. The announcement aligns with the broader moves happening across franchises as seen in the latest insights on the IPL 2026 auction landscape and the recent IPL 2026 trade activity, giving fans a clear picture of LSG’s strategy before the mini auction.
Key Updates
- Two major trades were locked in before the retentions were announced, strengthening the team’s depth and overall squad quality. These moves reflect LSG’s intent to fortify their lineup ahead of the auction.
Key Trade Moves
- Two major trades were locked in before the retentions were announced, strengthening the team’s depth and overall squad quality. These moves reflect LSG’s intent to fortify their lineup ahead of the auction.
Squad Strategy
- With retention decisions now public, LSG appear focused on maintaining continuity while adding experience in key departments. The team management has emphasized that this retained core will guide their approach at the auction, where they plan to address remaining gaps.
Ahead of the Mini Auction
- The final squad picture is clearer than ever, and LSG will now enter the December mini auction 2026 with a defined core and a strategic roadmap for final additions.
LSG Confirmed Retention List for IPL 2026 Season
LSG have officially declared their retained players for IPL 2026, ensuring a solid core across all departments as they prepare for the new season.
| Player Name | Role | IPL Stats & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant (C) | WK-Batter | 3553 runs in 125 IPL matches at an average of 34.16. Aggressive captain, explosive batting, and sharp wicketkeeping; central to LSG’s core planning. |
| Nicholas Pooran | WK-Batter | 524 runs at a strike rate of 196.25. Key middle-order hitter and wicketkeeper; provides finishing ability and consistency in death overs. |
| Aiden Markram | Batter | 445 runs in 13 IPL 2025 games. Reliable opener; anchors innings with composed technique and calculated aggression. |
| Ayush Badoni | All-Rounder | 963 runs in 56 IPL matches. Designated finisher; contributes with both bat and occasional overs; adds depth and balance to the squad. |
| Mitchell Marsh | All-Rounder | Leading run-scorer for LSG in 2025: 627 runs at 48.23 average. Hard-hitting all-rounder; strengthens top and middle-order stability. |
| Abdul Samad | All-Rounder | 741 runs in 63 IPL matches at a strike rate of 151.84. Lower-order finisher and part-time bowler; offers flexibility in batting and bowling. |
| Mayank Yadav | Bowler | Emerging pace talent; played only 2 matches in IPL 2025 due to injury. Raw speed and potential; fits LSG’s long-term pace strategy. |
| Shardul Thakur | Bowling All-Rounder | 13 wickets in IPL 2025. Reliable all-round option; can bowl crucial overs and contribute with the bat under pressure. |
| Digvesh Rathi | Bowler | 14 wickets in IPL 2025 at an economy of 8.25. Young wicket-taking pacer; provides middle-over breakthroughs and strengthens the bowling attack. |
| Himmat Singh | Batter | Emerging domestic batter; provides additional top-order option and depth. |
| Matthew Breetzke | Batter | Explosive T20 batter; offers finishing capability in the lower order. |
| Avesh Khan | Bowler | Experienced Indian pacer; key strike bowler for LSG in powerplay and death overs. |
| Akash Singh | Bowler | Young left-arm pacer; adds variety and depth to the bowling attack. |
| Prince Yadav | Bowler | Domestic pace option; versatile in death overs. |
| M Siddharth | Bowler | Spinner; controls middle overs and provides breakthrough potential. |
| Mohsin Khan | Bowler | Fast bowler; developing young talent with pace and bounce. |
| Mohammad Shami | Bowler (Traded In) | Veteran pacer; experienced in handling pressure overs and executing yorkers. |
| Arjun Tendulkar | Bowler (Traded In) | Young left-arm pacer; developmental talent for future seasons. |
| Shahbaz Ahamad | All-Rounder | Spin-bowling all-rounder; adds balance to batting and bowling combination. |
| Arshin Kulkarni | All-Rounder | Provides domestic all-round depth; flexible in batting positions. |
1. Rishabh Pant (Captain, WK-Batter)
Rishabh Pant has been a figure for LSG with 3553 IPL runs in 125 matches. However, his first assignment as LSG captain was unsuccessful, as he scored only 269 runs in 14 games, including 118 in a single match.
As captain, his aggressive mindset drives the team’s attacking brand of cricket. Pant’s leadership, experience, and ability to change games with explosive batting and sharp keeping make him indispensable to LSG’s core planning for 2026.
2. Nicholas Pooran (WK-Batter)
Nicholas Pooran is the best batter for LSG since their introduction in the IPL. He scored 524 runs at a blistering strike rate of 196.25, marking him as one of IPL’s most impactful middle-order hitters.
His ability to finish games explosively while also keeping wickets adds immense value. LSG retained him as their marquee overseas player, relying on his match-winning prowess and consistent threat during the middle and death overs.
3. Aiden Markram (Batter)
Markram has been a reliable top-order batter for LSG in IPL 2025, scoring 445 runs in 13 games.
His composed technique as an opener provides stability and calculated aggression, crucial for establishing solid starts overseas. LSG values his experience and consistency to anchor innings while allowing freedom to rotate strike among power hitters.
4. Ayush Badoni (All-rounder)
Badoni, with 963 runs in 56 IPL matches, is the designated finisher for LSG.
His all-round capabilities contribute balance, providing relief to frontline bowlers when he rolls his arm over. Retaining Badoni reflects LSG’s trust in his ability to close matches and add depth in batting and fielding.
5. Mitchell Marsh (All-rounder)
Marsh emerged as LSG’s leading run-scorer in 2025 with 627 runs at a strong average of 48.23.
His hard-hitting ability provides crucial balance, allowing LSG to score freely during power play along with Aiden Markram. Marsh’s experience in pressure games and all-rounder skillset solidify his place in LSG’s retention core.
6. Abdul Samad (All-rounder)
Samad is a valuable lower-order hitter with bowling options, accumulating 741 runs at a strike rate of 151.84 in 63 matches since making his IPL debut in 2020.
His role as a finisher and handy spinner strengthens LSG’s depth. Samad may retain him for his utility in crucial phases and his ability to accelerate innings while contributing overs in tight moments.
7. Mayank Yadav (Bowler)
Mayank Yadav is an emerging pace talent and was retained despite playing only 2 matches in 2025 due to injury.
LSG will value his raw speed and potential to develop him into a frontline pacer. His youth and skill set fit LSG’s long-term strategy around fast-bowling resources.
8. Shardul Thakur (Bowling All-rounder)
Thakur claimed 13 wickets in IPL 2025 and offers LSG a dependable bowling option after their bowlers couldn’t play due to injury. He can bowl crucial overs and contribute with the bat in the lower order.
His ability to perform in pressure situations and experience in various conditions make him a key retention for the all-round balance of the team.
9. Digvesh Rathi (Bowler)
Rathi was LSG’s leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets at an economy of 8.25, showing promise as a wicket-taking bowler.
His knack for taking crucial wickets in the middle overs complements LSG’s bowling attack. Retaining Rathi is a strategic move to nurture a potent young bowler for continued success.
Related Reads:
Official LSG Retentions 2026 – Full Player List Revealed
With their official retention list now announced, Lucknow Super Giants have secured a strong core of batters and all-rounders, including Pant, Pooran, Marsh, and Badoni.
The team’s primary focus ahead of the IPL 2026 auction will be strengthening the pace department, ensuring quality fast bowlers are added to complement retained talents like Shami, Mayank Yadav, and Arjun Tendulkar. A balanced bowling attack will be crucial for LSG to challenge for a top-four finish next season.
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