LSG retention list 2026: 4 players who might not fit into future plans

LSG retention list 2026 [Source: AFP]

As the IPL 2026 mini-auction approaches in December (with official dates yet to be announced), all franchises are under pressure to finalize their retained and released players by November 15. Among them, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have tough calls to make.

Since joining the IPL in 2022, LSG has shown promise but is still chasing their first trophy. Unfortunately, their 2025 season didn’t go as planned, they finished seventh with just six wins out of 14 matches, missing out on the playoffs. Now, as the management looks to rebuild for the 2026 season, a few players might not be part of their future vision.

Let’s take a closer look at four players who could be released due to inconsistent performances or fitness issues.

Mayank Yadav

Mayank Yadav made headlines in IPL 2024 for his express pace, regularly bowling over 150 km/h. He was seen as one of India’s most exciting fast-bowling prospects. LSG showed their faith by retaining him for ₹11 crore ahead of IPL 2025.

[Mayank Yadav's IPL 2025 performance]

However, his recurring injury problems continued to haunt him. In the 2025 season, Mayank managed to play only two matches, taking just two wickets at an expensive economy rate of 12.50. His body has not held up to the rigors of the tournament and that raises doubts about his long-term reliability.

While Mayank’s talent is unquestionable, the franchise might decide to release him to free up funds and bring in a more dependable pacer. Notably LSG needs consistency and unfortunately, fitness issues have overshadowed his raw pace.

Akash Deep

[Akash Deep's IPL 2025 performance]

Another pacer who may face the axe is Akash Deep. Despite being part of LSG’s squad, he barely made an impact in the 2025 season after returning from long injury layoff. Playing six matches, he picked up just three wickets while conceding runs at an economy rate of 12.05.

Across 14 IPL matches in his career, he has taken only 10 wickets at an economy rate close to 12, a poor return for a frontline bowler. His struggle with both form and fitness has limited his impact. Releasing him could help LSG save around ₹8 crore, giving them room to target a more reliable fast bowler in the auction.

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Shamar Joseph

The West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph, brought in via the Right to Match (RTM) card for ₹3 crore, failed to deliver in IPL 2025. The 26-year played just one match, went wicketless, and conceded runs at 11.75 per over.

Meanwhile, fitness issues and difficulty adapting to Indian pitches made it hard for him to find rhythm. Given his limited availability and lack of impact, LSG might choose to release him and instead look for an overseas pacer who can perform consistently throughout the tournament.

David Miller

In the batting department, David Miller’s struggles stood out. Despite his experience, the South Africa star couldn’t find form in IPL 2025. Across 11 matches, he scored only 153 runs at a strike rate of 127, his lowest since 2021.

[David Miller's IPL 2025 performance]

With LSG’s top order, including Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran, performing well, Miller’s role in the middle order became uncertain. His limited impact and declining strike rate make his retention hard to justify. 

Releasing him would allow LSG to invest in a more explosive middle-order batter or an all-rounder who can change games under pressure.

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