IPL 2026: 3 players LSG should target in auction
LSG have 6 slots available for IPL 2026 mini-auction.
The auction for the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026 auction) is just one day away. The much-awaited event will take place on Tuesday, December 16, in Abu Dhabi. There are 77 slots available to fill, and 350 players have been shortlisted to go under the hammer.
Lucknow Super Giants have retained 17 players, while they have traded in Mohammed Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad and Arjun Tendulkar from the Mumbai Indians.
Super Giants now have six slots available to fill, which includes four overseas slots. Lucknow retained their core group of players, and a few good signings could further strengthen their squad. On that note, let’s take a look at three players LSG should consider targeting in the IPL 2026 mini-auction.
3. Salman Nizar
Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, and captain Rishabh Pant, followed by Ayush Badoni, are the strongest top 5 players in the top order of Lucknow.
After that, LSG have tried Abdul Samad and Himmat Singh, but they did not perform well. Now, they have a chance of signing Kerala’s Salman Nizar at the IPL 2026 auction. The 28-year-old came into the limelight after hitting 11 sixes in 13 balls during the Kerala Premier League 2025.
He had a spectacular season and will be on the list of a few IPL teams. He bats at no. 5 or 6 and can be a good addition for LSG. If LSG gets him at a low price, then they will have enough money to go for other good options.
2. Jason Holder
An all-rounder is the need of the hour for LSG. They have the fourth biggest purse of INR 22.95 crore. They will definitely try to get Cameron Green, and if it happens, it will be perfect for them. But if not, they have another good option in Jason Holder.
The West Indian all-rounder is a bankable T20 player. He can bowl at different stages of the game and can hit the ball very long. Holder has played 46 IPL games and taken 53 wickets. With a low price and the potential for excellent returns, he could prove to be a great deal for LSG.
1. Matheesha Pathirana
LSG have retained four overseas players, and all four are batters. They don’t have an overseas quick in the squad. That is why they can go for some good bowlers. They have good new-ball bowlers like Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, Mohammad Shami, and Avesh Khan.
But someone like Matheesha Pathirana can change the outcome of this bowling unit. He is a death bowling specialist, and he performed well for the Chennai Super Kings in the past few seasons. Pathirana at Ekana Stadium can be an asset. Hence, LSG could look to sign him at the IPL 2026 auction.
When will the IPL 2026 auction take place?
The IPL 2026 auction is scheduled to take place on December 16.
Where will the IPL 2026 auction be held?
The auction will be held in Abu Dhabi.
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Karan Rawat is a seasoned cricket writer with a deep passion for the game and over 5 years of experience covering everything that the game can offer. He loves to share the analysis, match reports, and player profiles and tries to bring stories to life with a unique blend of statistics and storytelling. Whether breaking down Test match tactics or capturing the drama of a T20 thriller, Karan's work connects fans with the soul of the sport.