IPL 2026 Auction: 4 Players Lucknow Super Giants May Target, Including Glenn Maxwell & Matheesha Pathirana

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are gearing up for the 2026 IPL mini-auction, which will be taking place from December 16 in Abu Dhabi. With a purse of ₹22.95 crore left for them and 6 slots, they will be looking forward to fitting in some essential areas new for the year.

After finishing seventh in IPL 2025, the team has retained its core under skipper Rishabh Pant, with Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Mayank Yadav and newly traded Mohammed Shami forming the backbone of the squad.

LSG’s priority areas ahead of the auction include:

• A middle-order finisher after David Miller’s release
• An overseas death-overs pacer
• A frontline Indian spinner following Ravi Bishnoi’s exit

Additional all-round depth

With head coach Justin Langer focusing on experienced, multi-role cricketers, the franchise may pursue high-impact names capable of contributing immediately.

Here are four players LSG may target at the IPL 2026 auction:

1. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)

Glenn Maxwell could be one of LSG’s top targets to fill the middle-order finisher role left vacant after David Miller’s departure. The Australian all-rounder offers explosive batting at No. 5 or No. 6 and valuable off-spin — a combination highly suited to LSG’s requirement.

Why Maxwell fits LSG:

• Experienced middle-order hitter
• Ability to bowl match-defining overs
• Proven IPL performer in pressure situations

📌 IPL Career Stats:

Matches: 141 | Runs: 2,819 | Strike Rate: 155.14 | Wickets: 41

2. Rahul Chahar (India)

With Ravi Bishnoi no longer in the squad, LSG urgently needs a frontline Indian spinner. Rahul Chahar, known for his control and wicket-taking ability in middle overs, emerges as a strong replacement option.

Why he suits LSG:

• Indian spin option, offering team balance
• Ability to contain runs and break partnerships
• Prior IPL success across multiple franchises

📌 IPL Career Stats:

Matches: 79 | Wickets: 75 | Economy: 7.72

3. Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka)

Despite the addition of Mohammed Shami, LSG still require a reliable death-overs bowler — and Matheesha Pathirana could be that solution. Known for his slingy action and accurate yorkers, the Sri Lankan speedster has quickly become one of the best finishers with the ball in T20 cricket.

Why Pathirana is a strong target:

• Specialist in the last 5 overs
• Young, long-term pick with high upside
• Experience in IPL pressure situations

📌 IPL Career Stats:

Matches: 32 | Wickets: 47 | Economy: 8.68

4. Abhinav Manohar (India)

LSG may also look to strengthen domestic finishing options, making Abhinav Manohar a potential pick. His ability to play cameos in the lower middle order fits the team's squad structure.

Why he’s on the radar:

• Indian finisher option
• Flexible lower-order role
• Potential long-term investment

📌 IPL Career Stats:

Matches: 27 | Runs: 292 | Average: 15.36

Final Word

The above case illustrates why IPL 2026 has entered the LSG bidding process with numerous roles: strongest akin to demon death bowling, transforming the heart of the team into English middle-ordered power, and spinning a few tendrils. To bring out the good side of it, if somewhat can be expressed for the expected case, the team then manages to have a strong chance to win.