Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) entered IPL 2026 with high expectations after assembling a strong squad led by Rishabh Pant. However, the season failed to go according to plan as inconsistent performances, injury concerns, and unsuccessful team combinations prevented them from securing a playoff berth. While a few players delivered standout performances, several members of the squad struggled to justify their places in the playing XI.
With IPL 2027 still months away, the franchise is expected to reassess its squad and identify areas that require improvement. As part of that process, a few players could be released to free up resources and create space for fresh additions. Here is a look at five players who might be released by Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2027.
5 players who might get released by LSG ahead of IPL 2027
1) Anrich Nortje
Anrich Nortje arrived with a reputation as one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket, but IPL 2026 proved challenging for the South African speedster. The batting-friendly conditions often worked against him, with opposition batters using his pace to their advantage. As the tournament witnessed record-breaking scoring rates, Nortje struggled to contain runs and eventually lost his place in the side. With domestic pacers like Prince Yadav emerging strongly and other bowling options impressing, LSG could decide to move on from the experienced quick.
2) Arshin Kulkarni
One of India’s most exciting young prospects, Arshin Kulkarni found opportunities hard to come by during IPL 2026. The all-rounder featured in only two matches and failed to make a significant impact with the bat. He managed just 17 runs across his 2 appearances and was not given an opportunity to contribute with the ball. While Kulkarni remains a promising long-term talent, LSG may prefer to release him and invest in players who can immediately strengthen their playing XI.
3) George Linde
South African all-rounder George Linde joined the squad as a replacement player during the season but never managed to break into the starting lineup. With overseas stars such as Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, and Josh Inglis occupying the foreign-player slots, Linde found himself firmly on the sidelines throughout the campaign. Given the competition for overseas places and his lack of game time, LSG are unlikely to retain him heading into IPL 2027.
4) Mohsin Khan
Mohsin Khan’s IPL 2026 campaign was a season of extremes. The left-arm pacer showcased his immense potential on a few occasions, including a sensational spell of 5/23 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and an impressive 2/17 against Rajasthan Royals (RR). However, consistency remained a major concern. Mohsin frequently struggled at the death and leaked runs at crucial stages of games. He conceded 48 runs against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in his final appearance of the season and was also expensive against Mumbai Indians (MI) and Punjab in the reverse fixture. Considering his salary and fluctuating performances, LSG could decide to move in a different direction ahead of IPL 2027.
5) Shahbaz Ahmed
Shahbaz Ahmed was brought into the squad to provide balance through his left-arm spin and lower-order batting ability. However, he struggled to establish a clearly defined role throughout the season. The all-rounder frequently found himself batting too low in the order and was often underutilized with the ball. As a result, he was unable to make a meaningful impact on matches. With LSG likely to seek greater clarity in team roles moving forward, Shahbaz could be one of the players released before IPL 2027.
LSG expected to make important squad decisions
Lucknow Super Giants could be set for a few major changes ahead of IPL 2027. Apart from reviewing their squad, the franchise may also need to address its leadership situation, with reports suggesting that Pant could step down as captain after a disappointing season.
While LSG still have a strong core in place, releasing a few underperforming players could help them free up resources and strengthen the squad ahead of the next auction. The coming months could prove crucial as the franchise looks to bounce back after missing out on the playoffs in IPL 2026.
