Lucknow Super Giants Eye Domestic Pace Reinforcements Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are expected to overhaul their fast-bowling unit ahead of the IPL 2026 auction following a disappointing 2025 campaign that exposed their weaknesses with the ball. The franchise finished seventh on the points table with seven wins, but it was the bowling department — particularly the pacers — that drew the most concern.

Across the tournament, LSG’s pace attack managed only 44 wickets, the second-lowest tally among all teams. The numbers underline the problem: their average of 37.43 was the second-worst in the league, while an economy rate of 10.78 stood as the highest overall. The lack of penetration with the new ball and discipline at the death left the team struggling to contain oppositions throughout the season.

According to team sources, LSG could make significant changes to their domestic fast-bowling roster. Two Indian quicks — Akash Deep and Mayank Yadav — are expected to be released after inconsistent and injury-affected seasons. Akash Deep, who led the attack in six matches, picked up just three wickets at an average of 76.33 and leaked runs at 12.05 per over. Mayank Yadav, once hailed as a future star, managed only two appearances before another injury setback, finishing with two wickets at an economy of 12.50.

In their place, the franchise is believed to be eyeing two potential replacements: Yash Thakur and Kuldeep Sen, both currently with IPL 2025 runners-up Punjab Kings (PBKS). Thakur, who made his IPL debut with LSG in 2023, impressed early by taking 13 wickets in his maiden season and even notching a five-wicket haul in 2024. However, inconsistency crept in, and after moving to Punjab, he featured in just two matches last season, claiming one wicket at an economy of 12.15.

Despite the dip in form, Thakur’s ability to swing the new ball and strike early remains an asset — something LSG sorely missed last season when their powerplay bowlers conceded at 11.45 runs per over, the worst in the league.

Kuldeep Sen, meanwhile, offers a contrasting skill set. Known for his raw pace, bounce, and aggression, Sen had strong spells with Rajasthan Royals in 2022 and 2024, picking up 14 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 9.64, including a four-wicket haul. Although he didn’t feature for Punjab in 2025 due to team balance, his control at the death and ability to hit hard lengths could make him a fitting replacement for the injury-prone Mayank Yadav.

With the auction for IPL 2026 approaching, LSG’s management, led by captain Rishabh Pant, appears intent on rebuilding its domestic pace core. Should PBKS release either Thakur or Sen, the Super Giants may finally find the firepower they lacked to challenge consistently in the coming season.