With the November 17 retention deadline approaching, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are preparing for a significant reshuffle ahead of the IPL 2027 season. Following a disappointing campaign in 2026, where they finished at the bottom of the points table, the franchise has already made a major move by trading former captain Rishabh Pant to Delhi Capitals in exchange for Indian leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

The high-profile trade has addressed one of Lucknow’s concerns in the spin department while also creating an opportunity to restructure their finances. However, the franchise still has several decisions to make regarding its overseas contingent before the December 16 mini-auction in Goa.

With Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram expected to remain important parts of their international setup, LSG could consider releasing overseas players who might struggle to secure regular opportunities. Such decisions would help the management create additional financial flexibility and build a more balanced squad. Let’s have a look at some overseas players Lucknow Super Giants could release ahead of the IPL 2027 mini-auction.

3 overseas stars LSG can release ahead of the IPL 2027 auction

1. Josh Inglis (₹8.60 Crore)

Reason: Expensive backup and limited opportunities

Lucknow Super Giants made a significant investment in Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis ahead of the IPL 2026 season, acquiring him for ₹8.60 crore after an intense bidding contest. However, his position in the team’s future plans could become uncertain, particularly considering the other wicketkeeping options available in the squad.

Pooran has established himself as an important component of LSG’s middle order and can also take responsibility behind the stumps. Meanwhile, young Indian wicketkeeper-batter Mukul Choudhary provides another option for the franchise.

Why LSG could release Inglis?

Retaining an overseas wicketkeeper-batter for ₹8.60 crore could prove difficult to justify when the franchise already has alternatives for the role.

Releasing Inglis would provide LSG with considerable financial relief and allow them to redirect those funds towards other areas. Following Pant’s departure, the franchise could particularly benefit from adding an established Indian top-order batter to strengthen its batting department. Considering his salary and the competition for overseas positions, Inglis could be among the most likely players to be released.

2. Wanindu Hasaranga (₹2 Crore)

Reason: Increased competition in the spin department

Wanindu Hasaranga offers a valuable combination of leg-spin bowling and aggressive lower-order batting. His ability to contribute in both departments makes him an attractive T20 player, and he previously represented an option to strengthen LSG’s overall team balance.

However, the arrival of Kuldeep through the recent trade with Delhi Capitals could significantly alter the franchise’s plans for its spin attack. Kuldeep is expected to take responsibility as one of the leading spin options, while domestic players such as Digvesh Rathi, M. Siddharth and Shahbaz Ahmed provide additional alternatives.

Why LSG could release Hasaranga?

With Kuldeep strengthening the Indian spin department, LSG might not feel the need to dedicate an overseas position to another specialist spinner. Although Hasaranga offers more than just his bowling, the management could prefer to utilise that international slot on a fast bowler or an overseas finisher who addresses a more immediate requirement.

His relatively affordable ₹2 crore price tag makes retaining him a possibility, but the changing squad dynamics could still work against the Sri Lankan all-rounder.

Also READ: 3 overseas players RCB can release ahead of IPL 2027 auction

3. Anrich Nortje (₹2 Crore)

Reason: Fitness concerns and need for bowling reliability

Anrich Nortje is known for his ability to bowl at extreme pace and trouble opposition batters with his aggressive approach. The South African fast bowler can be a dangerous option in T20 cricket, particularly when operating with the new ball or during the middle overs.

However, recurring fitness problems have affected his availability over the years, making him a difficult player for franchises to depend on consistently.

Lucknow already have several Indian fast-bowling options, including Mohammed Shami, Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan. Although some of these bowlers have faced their own injury concerns, they provide the franchise with multiple domestic alternatives.

Why LSG could release Nortje?

Rather than carrying another overseas fast bowler whose availability could become uncertain, LSG might prefer to explore more dependable options in the upcoming auction.

The franchise could use Nortje’s overseas position to target an experienced international pacer with a proven record in death-over bowling. Finding someone capable of delivering consistently during the closing stages would be particularly valuable for a team looking to bounce back after its disappointing IPL 2026 campaign.

While Nortje’s raw pace remains an attractive quality, his fitness record could ultimately influence LSG’s decision ahead of the retention deadline.

Also READ: 3 overseas players Mumbai Indians (MI) can release ahead of IPL 2027 mini-auction

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