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After a rollercoaster ride filled with unfulfilled potential, the Lucknow Super Giants’ (LSG) campaign in IPL 2025 has come to an end. Despite high expectations and some headline-grabbing signings, the franchise failed to find consistency. Winning only 6 out of their 13 games and losing 7, they fell short of making the playoffs. A few big names underperformed significantly, prompting serious questions about their future with the team. As LSG look ahead to IPL 2026, a squad revamp appears inevitable.
Misfiring stars and missed opportunities define LSG’s campaign
Despite assembling a star-studded lineup and investing heavily in big names at the 2025 auction, LSG failed to click as a unit. Frequent changes in the playing XI, questionable captaincy decisions, and the inability of senior players to step up when it mattered most contributed to their downfall. While a few young talents showed promise, the overall campaign was marred by inconsistency and missed opportunities. With another playoff miss on their record, it’s clear the franchise needs a course correction — starting with trimming the deadwood.
5 players Lucknow Super Giants should release
1. Rishabh Pant – Price tag pressure ends in disappointment
Stats: 13 matches, 151 runs, SR: 107, Avg: 13.73, 1 fifty
In what was expected to be a turning point for LSG, the acquisition of Rishabh Pant for a record-breaking INR 27 crore turned into a costly gamble. Pant, burdened by expectations, failed to deliver either as a batter or a captain. With just one fifty across 13 matches and a strike rate well below his usual standards, the southpaw never looked in rhythm. More critically, his tactical decisions came under the scanner as LSG struggled to find momentum and eventually missed out on a playoff berth. His underwhelming leadership and form may force LSG to reconsider retaining him.
2. David Miller – A finisher who couldn’t finish games
Stats: 11 matches, 153 runs, SR: 127, Avg: 30
Known for his explosive finishes, David Miller‘s stint with LSG lacked the spark fans hoped for. Bought for INR 7.5 crore, Miller was expected to provide stability and firepower in the middle order. However, with only 153 runs in 11 outings and no match-winning contributions, he failed to meet expectations. Given his price and age, LSG might opt to release the veteran to make room for younger, more dynamic options.
3. Ravi Bishnoi – Big retention, small returns
Stats: 11 matches, 9 wickets, Economy: 10.84, Best: 2/18
Ravi Bishnoi was one of LSG’s marquee retentions, secured for INR 11 crore. However, the leg-spinner had a forgettable season. Conceding runs at over 10.8 per over and managing only 9 wickets, Bishnoi looked far from his best. His inability to control the flow of runs or take wickets at key junctures hurt LSG in tight games. The franchise may be tempted to release him and aim to buy him back at a significantly lower price in the IPL 2026 auction.
Also READ: IPL 2025: 5 players CSK should release from their current squad ft. Matheesha Pathirana
4. Mayank Yadav – A risk that didn’t pay off
Stats: 2 matches, 2 wickets, Economy: 12.50
Mayank Yadav was another high-profile retention for LSG, with the franchise banking on his raw pace and potential for INR 11 crore. Unfortunately, injuries continued to plague the young pacer. He returned to action for just two games before suffering another back injury that ruled him out of the remainder of the tournament. With fitness concerns mounting, LSG might think twice before continuing to invest heavily in him.
5. Abdul Samad – Flashes of brilliance, but lacked consistency
Stats: 12 matches, 163 runs, SR: 177, Avg: 20.38, HS: 45
Abdul Samad‘s aggressive batting style promised fireworks, but the consistency just wasn’t there. Picked for INR 4.2 crore ahead of the season, the Jammu and Kashmir batter showed glimpses of his potential but couldn’t convert his starts into impactful knocks. With a high strike rate but no real match-winning innings to his name, Samad’s season was underwhelming. For a team in need of reliable finishers, his inconsistency may lead LSG to explore more dependable options going forward.
Also READ: IPL 2025: 5 players Delhi Capitals should release from their current squad ft. Faf du Plessis
