Lucknow Super Giants Prepare for Crucial IPL 2026 Retention Decisions

As of November 13, 2025, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise is in the midst of discussions regarding their player retentions ahead of the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The Lucknow-based team, led by India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, finished in 7th place in the 2025 IPL season, managing 6 wins from 14 games.

However, the franchise had made the playoffs in their first two IPL seasons in 2022 and 2023. In a bid to improve their performance, LSG has undergone some significant changes to their coaching staff. While Justin Langer has retained his position, the team has brought in Bharat Arun as the new bowling coach and Carl Crowe as the spin bowling coach.

Additionally, Tom Moody has recently taken over as the side's global director of cricket, replacing Zaheer Khan. LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka, along with his son and co-owner Shashwat Goenka, and team analyst Shrinivas Chandrashekaran, have been actively involved in the retention discussions.

The franchise faces some tough decisions, with fast bowler Mayank Yadav still undergoing rehabilitation after a back surgery, and other players like David Miller, Arshin Kulkarni, and Shamar Joseph not living up to expectations in the 2025 season. There have also been rumors of all-rounder Shardul Thakur being traded to another franchise before the retention deadline.