The IPL 2026 mini-auction is expected to take place around 15 December and the retention deadline on November 15, teams are facing tough choices. One of the most talked-about rumours is that Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) might let go of Rishabh Pant, their major signing and 2025 captain. The move, if it happens, could be one of the most surprising moves ahead of the upcoming season.
Possible Reasons Behind LSG Releasing Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant was bought by LSG for a record ₹27 crore ahead of IPL 2025,the highest-ever price for a player in IPL history. Expectations were sky-high, but the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter failed to deliver the kind of impact the team hoped for.
Inconsistent Form: Pant scored only 269 runs in 13 innings in IPL 2025, managing just one major knock, a late-season century. His overall strike rate and average didn’t justify his massive price tag.
Team Performance: Under his leadership, LSG finished seventh in the points table, missing out on the playoffs. That result has reportedly prompted the management to reassess their core group.
Budget Concerns: With a large portion of the salary cap tied up in one player, releasing Pant could free up funds for multiple quality signings. This would give LSG flexibility to strengthen both their batting depth and bowling attack.
Pant has denied the rumours, and called them baseless. On social media, he mentioned that the reports about his possible release “made little sense.” Still, the buzz continues as Lucknow Super Giants consider their options before the November 15 retention deadline.
Other Possible Shocking Releases
1. Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings)
Known for his yorkers and slingy actions the Sri Lankan pacer Pathirana struggled with inconsistency and injuries in IPL 2025. His economy rate increased, and Pathirana managed to take fewer wickets compared to previous seasons. With CSK aiming to rebuild under new leadership.
2. Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants)
If LSG do go through with releasing Pant, it would be the biggest shock of the season. His star power and experience make him an asset, but his high cost and patchy form may push the franchise to take a bold decision. The move could also open doors for a new captain, possibly KL Rahul returning to the role.
3. Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans)
Another astonishing name could be Rashid Khan. The Afghan spinner played throughout IPL 2025 but didn’t perform at his usual dominant level. Considering his high salary and the Titans’ struggles last season, management may consider releasing or trading him to rebalance the squad.
What It Means for the Auction
The IPL 2026 mini-auction is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent years. Teams like LSG, CSK, and GT are expected to take bold steps to reset their squads. If Pant or Rashid are released, it would spark intense bidding wars, with nearly every franchise likely to show interest.
As things stand, no official announcement has been made by LSG or Pant regarding his future. But with the retention window closing soon, the next few weeks could bring some major twists in franchise cricket.
Rishabh Pant’s future at LSG remains uncertain. CSK’s Pathirana and GT’s Rashid Khan might also face the release list. Official retention lists will be finalised by November 15, setting the stage for a blockbuster IPL 2026 auction.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
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