The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) faced yet another disappointing IPL season which saw them end up in the seventh position on the points table with a tally of only six victories from 14 matches. The team, however, showed flashes of brilliance but was unable to maintain the right equilibrium throughout the whole period. With the IPL auction 2026 approaching fast, the talk has turned towards the Indian domestic players that may be retained by LSG and those who might get released.
The LSG squad has a good mix of young Indian players and old warriors with the only concern being the management deciding which of the last mentioned will have to go. The reason is that some players such as domestic stars produced their performances with consistency and no nervousness while others could not take advantage of the limited opportunities given to them.
Now let’s see who among the Indian domestic stars is on the LSG retention list before the IPL 2026 auction, who might be in and who might be out.
Top India Domestic Stars in LSG Retention List
The LSG has a great number of Indian domestic stars since they were the major part, especially the bowling section, which was formed at the previous mini auction. Check out players who will be most likely in the team.
Ayush Badoni – The right-hand batsman had his best IPL season in 2025. He scored a total of 329 runs giving him an average of 32.90 and a good strike rate of 148.19 with two fifties included. Considering his maturity and adaptability, Badoni is almost guaranteed to be on the IPL 2026 retention list of LSG.
Abdul Samad – The young Indian batsman who was primarily eingesetzt as a finisher played an LSG’s crucial role in closing the innings. He scored 164 runs in just 12 innings with a decent average of 20.50 and an incredible strike rate of 176.34, often being the one who provided the quick late-order runs.
Digvesh Rathi – One of the most deserving breakout stars of IPL 2025 for LSG, Digvesh Rathi placed his mark the very first day with the ball. At a point, the leg-spinner even played more games than India’s spinner Ravi Bishnoi. He confirmed that by getting 14 wickets at a superb economy rate of 8.25.
Prince Yadav – Notwithstanding his average with the ball, three wickets in six matches at a high average of 75, Prince Yadav’s performance in the beginning of IPL 2025 was such that he drew the attention of a number of former players and experts. His awareness of the game and his confidence in himself are the traits that make him a great future star.
Apart from domestic stars of Indian origin, the LSG retention list will also include
Manimaran Siddarth – The left-arm orthodox spinner’s two wickets in as many games came with an economy of 9.57. Though a very small sample size, his powerplay skills and left-arm angle add diversity to LSG’s bowling attack.
Mohsin Khan – The left-arm pacer, sidelined due to an ACL injury, might still be one of the students in LSG’s long-term plans. His swing and death-over skills strengthen his retention argument.
Arshin Kulkarni – The young all-rounder is still making a mark in the domestic arena, most recently by scoring a century against Mumbai in a practice game and being a consistent performer in the Ranji Trophy.
Akash Singh – The left-arm pacer bagged four wickets in three matches at an average of 24.75 and an economy of 8.86.
Top India Domestic Stars Who Will Likely Not Be in LSG Retention List
Although LSG has an impressive domestic talent pool, some of the players did not perform well and are expected to get released prior to the IPL 2026.
Himmat Singh – Himmat Singh played in three matches, but he did not manage to bat in any of them. Considering the availability of more established middle-order players, he is likely to be released before the IPL 2026 auction.
Rajvardhan Hangargekar – The talented all-rounder who once played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) didn’t take part in any match. With the overabundance of pace bowlers at LSG and the expected comebacks of Mohsin Khan and India’s Mayank Yadav, the management may let Hangargekar go to free up a place.
Yuvraj Chaudhary – Yuvraj wasn’t involved in any match during IPL 2025 season and, as LSG aims to fix the weaknesses exposed last season, he finds himself in the list of players likely to be released.
