Lucknow Super Giants — Released & Retained Players 2026
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Below is the confirmed list of retained and released players for Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the IPL 2026 season, following official squad announcements.
LSG Retained Players
| Player | Role | Overseas |
| Nicholas Pooran | Wicketkeeper | 🌍 |
| Marcus Stoinis | All-rounder | 🌍 |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Bowler | — |
| Mayank Yadav | Bowler | — |
| Mohsin Khan | Bowler | — |
| Ayush Badoni | Batter | — |
Released Players
| Player | Role | Overseas |
| KL Rahul | Batter | — |
| Quinton de Kock | Wicketkeeper | 🌍 |
| Krunal Pandya | All-rounder | — |
| Deepak Hooda | All-rounder | — |
| Naveen-ul-Haq | Bowler | 🌍 |
Notes
- Captaincy update: Rishabh Pant signed as captain (replacing KL Rahul).
- Strategy: Retained the core engine while changing the driver.
LSG Retention & Release Strategy
Lucknow Super Giants retain players who offer immediate impact and tactical flexibility. LSG value adaptability across conditions and match situations when shaping their retained core.
Releases are used to manage workload balance and squad depth. This enables LSG to remain flexible while preserving a competitive core.
Released & Retained FAQ
What does “retained players” mean in the IPL?
Retained players are those kept by the franchise ahead of the auction.
What does “released players” mean?
Released players re-enter the IPL auction pool and are free to be signed by other teams.
Can released players rejoin the same team?
Yes. Teams may buy back released players during the auction.
When are released and retained players announced?
These decisions are typically announced several weeks before the IPL auction.
Will this page be updated after the auction?
Yes. This page reflects confirmed roster decisions and official announcements.