IPL 2026: 3 Players LSG should release ahead of mini-auction

Ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, LSG is set to release expensive players like Shahbaz Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi (form dip), and David Miller. These releases aim to free up significant cap space to pursue a marquee overseas all-rounder.

By Jack 14 Nov 2025 in Cricket

New Update

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) had a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, ending in seventh place with 12 points from 14 matches. With India’s wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant leading the side, fans expected them to fight strongly and aim for their first IPL title.

But they failed to even make the playoffs. Now, before the 2026 season, LSG may look to release a few players who underperformed and did not deliver in 2025. To see who those players will be, all eyes will be on the mini-auction, which is reportedly to be staged in Abu Dhabi in mid-December 2025.

Here are the 3 players LSG should release before the mini-auction

Shahbaz Ahmed

Indian all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed is usually seen as a handy player. With his left-arm spin and flexibility in the batting order, he can contribute in both departments. But in IPL 2025 for LSG, he could not make any real impact.

In three matches, Shahbaz gave away 102 runs at an economy rate of 12.00 and picked up only one wicket. With the bat, he got just one chance and scored nine runs. Because of this, LSG will likely consider releasing him ahead of IPL 2026 and bringing in more effective all-rounders.

David Miller

David Miller also had a tough IPL 2025 season for LSG. With all his experience, he was expected to play an important role, especially as a finisher in the lower order. But in 11 innings, he scored only 153 runs at a strike rate of 127.50. Due to this performance, the franchise may look for a different option for the finisher role and release the senior batter before IPL 2026.

Ravi Bishnoi

Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi also struggled to meet expectations. Across 11 matches in IPL 2025, he took nine wickets but gave away 401 runs at an economy rate of 10.83. In recent years, whether in the IPL or international cricket, Bishnoi’s form has declined.

By the end of 2023, he was ranked as the number one bowler in T20Is. But now, he is nowhere close to the selectors’ radar for Team India. With time running out, LSG might make the bold call to release the spinner ahead of the next season.

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