Lucknow Super Giants retained players list 2027: Predicted retentions ahead of IPL auction

Lucknow Super Giants Retention Prediction for IPL 2027: Who Could Stay and Who May Leave?

Lucknow Super Giants could enter the IPL 2027 auction with a major rebuilding plan after enduring a difficult 2026 season. The franchise finished at the bottom of the table for the first time in its history, prompting questions about its leadership, squad balance and approach to the next campaign.

Rishabh Pant’s return to Delhi Capitals through a player trade has already triggered a significant change. In the same deal, left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav moved to Lucknow, giving the team a proven spin option as it begins reshaping its roster. While the final retention list will depend on the franchise’s plans and auction rules, several established players are well placed to remain part of the squad.

LSG Retention Prediction: The Core Players Likely to Stay

Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Ayush Badoni and Kuldeep Yadav are among the strongest candidates to form the foundation of Lucknow’s IPL 2027 squad. Keeping this group would preserve a mix of international experience, power-hitting, Indian batting depth and specialist spin.

Mitchell Marsh leads the case for retention

Marsh was Lucknow’s leading run-scorer in IPL 2026, finishing with 563 runs at a strike rate of 163.19. He also became the first player in the franchise’s history to produce consecutive seasons with more than 500 runs. His ability to attack in the powerplay and contribute with the ball makes him a valuable all-round option, although the team will need to consider his fitness and availability when planning its overseas combination.

Pooran remains another important piece of the batting lineup. His aggressive approach can change the pace of an innings, particularly in the middle and death overs. Markram offers a contrasting style, combining top-order batting with useful off-spin and leadership experience. If Lucknow wants continuity after Pant’s departure, Markram could be especially important.

Badoni provides a domestic batting option who can help balance the overseas-heavy parts of the lineup. Meanwhile, Kuldeep’s arrival gives LSG a high-profile specialist spinner who can challenge batters through the middle overs. His presence may also give the management greater flexibility when selecting its overseas players.

Fast Bowlers and Young Players Who Could Remain

Lucknow’s pace resources include Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan and Prince Yadav. Prince had an impressive 2026 campaign, leading the team’s bowling charts with 16 wickets. That performance strengthens his case for retention and gives LSG a promising Indian fast-bowling option.

Mayank’s express pace offers a point of difference, but his availability and fitness will be central to any retention decision. Avesh brings experience and familiarity with the franchise, while retaining all three could help the team preserve a domestic pace-bowling core rather than having to rebuild it at auction.

Abdul Samad and Shahbaz Ahmed could also remain in the squad as all-round options. Their value lies in the flexibility they offer: both can contribute to different parts of the lineup, even if their roles and playing time vary from match to match. Youngsters Naman Tiwari, Mukul Choudhary and Arshin Kulkarni may also be retained as developing prospects, particularly if the franchise wants to invest in a longer-term Indian core.

Possible LSG retention pool: Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Kuldeep Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan, Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mitchell Marsh, Anrich Nortje, Naman Tiwari, Manimaran Siddharth, Matthew Breetzke, Mukul Choudhary, Arshin Kulkarni, Arjun Tendulkar, Akash Maharaj Singh, Prince Yadav and Digvesh Singh Rathi.

Which LSG Players Could Be Released Before IPL 2027?

Pant is the clearest expected departure after his move back to Delhi Capitals. His exit leaves a leadership vacancy and creates an opportunity for Lucknow to reconsider the team’s structure at the top of the order and behind the stumps.

Josh Inglis could also be at risk, despite an outstanding late-season contribution. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter scored 266 runs in only five matches at a strike rate of 186.01. Those numbers underline his impact, but a short run of appearances may not be enough to secure his place if LSG decide to pursue a different overseas balance or prioritise another role at the auction.

Veteran quick Mohammed Shami and Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga are also possible release candidates. In Shami’s case, the decision may depend on the team’s assessment of his role, workload and future availability. Hasaranga’s place could hinge on how the franchise plans to use its overseas slots, particularly after adding Kuldeep to the spin group.

Lucknow may also review the fitness and availability of domestic fast bowlers Mohsin Khan and Gaurav Yadav. Indian batters Akshat Raghuwanshi and Himmat Singh could be considered for release as the management looks to make room for players who better fit its revised plans.

Possible LSG releases: Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Shami, Josh Inglis, Mohsin Khan, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Wanindu Hasaranga, Himmat Singh and Gaurav Yadav.

Leadership, Pace and Spin: LSG’s Key Auction Priorities

Finding a new captain will be one of Lucknow’s most pressing tasks. Markram appears a credible option: he has led Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and captained Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20. Pooran could also enter the discussion, given his leadership experience in franchise cricket. The final choice may depend on whether LSG prefer a captain who can anchor the top order or one who can lead from the middle of the batting lineup.

Strengthening the pace attack should be another priority. Mayank’s speed is a major asset, but a team cannot rely on a single bowler whose availability may be uncertain. LSG could target experienced Indian quicks at the auction to provide dependable support for Avesh and Prince, while also ensuring that the attack has enough options across the powerplay and death overs.

Kuldeep’s arrival improves the spin department, but the balance still needs careful planning. The coaching staff will have to decide how he fits alongside Manimaran Siddharth and Shahbaz Ahmed, and whether the team needs another specialist spinner or would benefit more from an additional seam-bowling all-rounder.

What the IPL 2027 Prediction Means for Lucknow

This retention prediction points to a measured rebuild rather than a complete reset. Holding on to Marsh, Pooran, Markram and Badoni would protect much of the batting core, while Kuldeep and the emerging Indian quicks could strengthen the bowling foundation. However, the team’s final shape will depend on its captaincy decision, player fitness and how aggressively it approaches the auction.

After a last-place finish, LSG will need more than a few headline signings. A clearer batting order, reliable pace-bowling depth and defined roles for its all-rounders could be just as important. The IPL 2027 auction may therefore be a turning point: the right mix of retention and targeted recruitment could help Lucknow turn a disappointing season into a more balanced campaign.