Rishabh Pant On Firing Line: Big Names LSG Can Release After IPL 2026 Exit

Lucknow Super Giants [Source: AP Photos]Lucknow Super Giants have officially been knocked out of the IPL 2026 playoff race. Interestingly, they became the first team to get eliminated this season. The team, led by Rishabh Pant, suffered a five-wicket loss against Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk, which ended their playoff hopes.At present, LSG sit at the bottom of the points table with only 6 points from 11 matches. The team has already lost 8 games this season, which clearly shows how difficult their campaign has been.Throughout the tournament, LSG struggled to build a stable batting order. The team kept changing combinations and player positions, and as a result, consistency was missing. In addition, several experiments with the lineup failed to give positive results.Now, with the season almost over for LSG, the franchise may look to make major changes before the IPL 2027 mini auction. Therefore, a few big players could be released as the team looks to rebuild and create a stronger squad for the future.Players LSG Might Release after IPL 2026 exitRishabh Pant Rishabh Pant could be one of the biggest names released by LSG ahead of the next season. The wicketkeeper-batter was bought for a massive ₹27 crore before IPL 2025 and was expected to become one of the key players for the franchise. However, his performances have not matched expectations.Even though Pant is a talented player, his poor form has become a major concern for the team. At the same time, LSG already have several strong batting options such as Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, and Mitchell Marsh. As a result, the team does not appear short of match-winning batters.During the season, Pant also kept changing his batting position. First, he opened the innings, then he moved to number three, and later batted at number four. These frequent changes reflected the team’s confusion regarding his best role.In IPL 2025, Pant scored 269 runs in 13 innings with an average of 24.45. Moreover, LSG finished seventh that season with 6 wins and 8 losses, missing the playoffs once again.Also Read: LSG Official Leaks Shocking Information On Nicholas PooranThis year, things became even worse. LSG were the first side to be eliminated from the tournament and are now fighting to avoid a bottom finish. Therefore, the franchise may decide to release Pant and use the money to strengthen other areas of the squad.Ayush BadoniAyush Badoni is another player who could be released by LSG. The young batter from Delhi has been with the franchise since 2022. However, his role in the team now appears uncertain.Notably, Badoni started IPL 2026 with a duck. Later, despite showing decent form, he was dropped from the playing XI. This decision suggested that the team management may not see him as part of their long-term plans.So far, Badoni has played 64 matches for LSG. Even then, the franchise seems focused on trying younger and newer players. For example, names like Akash Raghuwanshi and Arshin Kulkarni have received more attention this season.Retained for ₹4 crore, Badoni mainly plays the role of an anchor batter. Meanwhile, LSG seem to prefer aggressive and flexible batting options. Consequently, his style may no longer fit into the team’s strategy.Therefore, releasing him could help LSG free up funds and make space for fresh talent in the squad.Mayank YadavMayank Yadav became one of the most exciting young fast bowlers during IPL 2024. He impressed fans with his incredible speed, regularly bowling above 150 kph for LSG.The franchise showed great trust in him and retained him for ₹14 crore. However, injuries and fitness problems have slowed down his progress.In IPL 2025, Mayank picked up only 2 wickets in 2 matches before missing the rest of the season due to injury. Similarly, in IPL 2026, he has remained wicketless after playing two games.At the same time, LSG already have several pace bowling options such as Prince Yadav, Mohammed Shami, and Anrich Nortje. Therefore, the team may feel secure even without Mayank in the squad.Although Mayank has huge potential, his repeated fitness issues continue to worry the management. As a result, LSG may decide to release him and use the available money to build a more balanced and reliable team for the next season.Also Read: IPL Players From LSG, Delhi Capitals Bag Lucrative Contracts In New T20 League