The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are gearing up for the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a clear strategy in mind, boasting a budget of ₹22.95 crore and aiming to fill all four of their overseas player slots. After a disappointing 7th-place finish in IPL 2025, they’ve managed to keep a strong core, featuring standout players like Rishabh Pant, Nicholas Pooran, and Aiden Markram. One of their biggest needs is to find a specialist death bowler, an Indian spinner (especially after parting ways with Ravi Bishnoi), and a versatile pace all-rounder to add some flexibility to the lineup. LSG is ready to invest significantly in these key roles to ensure their team is well-structured and balanced for a serious title challenge. Despite their struggles last season, the team has held onto a solid group of foreign players and made a bold move to trade for Mohammed Shami. Their top priority now is to secure a specialist overseas death bowler (with Matheesha Pathirana being a key target), a reliable reserve keeper, and a high-impact domestic spinner following Bishnoi's release. LSG is committed to spending wisely on these crucial positions to build a competitive squad. 3 Smart Mini-Auction Targets for LSG in IPL 2026 Matheesha Pathirana Speaking of Matheesha Pathirana, he’s at the top of LSG’s wish list and is essential for their death-overs strategy. Even with Shami on board, they still need a dedicated final-overs bowler, and Pathirana fits the bill perfectly. With his unique sling-shot bowling style and precise yorkers, he’s proven to be a high-volume wicket-taker (47 wickets in just 32 IPL matches). Bringing in the young Sri Lankan would give Captain Pant a world-class overseas strike bowler, which is vital for defending low scores or managing high totals. Read also: When was the first ever cricket match televised? Jake Fraser-McGurk Jake Fraser-McGurk, who was recently let go by DC, is shaping up to be an exciting and aggressive long-term investment for LSG. This young Australian is famous for his ultra-aggressive style, boasting a T20 strike rate over 150, and he has a knack for tearing apart bowling attacks right from the get-go. Bringing him on board would give LSG a high-potential, cost-effective overseas batter who can change the game on his day. Fraser-McGurk’s dynamic playing style and youth align perfectly with LSG’s goal of securing talent for the future. Wanindu Hasaranga On the other hand, with Ravi Bishnoi's departure, LSG is on the lookout for a high-impact, wicket-taking spinner. Wanindu Hasaranga stands out as the top overseas leg-spinning all-rounder available. He not only promises to take wickets during the middle overs but also adds valuable lower-order power-hitting with a T20 strike rate over 140, which can really help boost the score. Hasaranga’s versatility makes him a fantastic addition, as he enhances both the bowling attack with his wicket-taking ability and the batting lineup with his aggressive hitting, providing great flexibility in team composition. Rahul Chahar Lastly, with Bishnoi confirmed to be leaving, LSG has a pressing need for a quality, proven Indian leg-spinner to spearhead their domestic spin attack. Rahul Chahar, a consistent performer in the IPL, is the top choice. Known for his control, ability to snag wickets in the middle overs, and impressive economy rate of 7.72 in the IPL, targeting him would ensure LSG secures an experienced domestic spinner who can handle the pressure of bowling during those crucial middle phases of the innings, adding much-needed depth to their bowling lineup.