New Delhi, November 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) could release several high-profile players, including Anrich Nortje, Wanindu Hasaranga and Avesh Khan, ahead of the 2027 IPL mini auction to build a bigger purse and address their long-standing middle-order batting concerns, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has suggested.
LSG endured a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign, finishing at the bottom of the points table with eight points after winning just four of their 14 matches.
Speaking to JioStar, Chopra said the franchise had an imbalance in its overseas batting options, with Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Josh Inglis, Nicholas Pooran and Matthew Breetzke primarily suited to the top order.
He also suggested that Nortje could be released because of recurring injury concerns. Chopra said the arrival of Kuldeep Yadav through a trade could reduce LSG’s dependence on Hasaranga, while George Linde might not feature regularly.
Chopra further pointed to the pace options available to the franchise, including Mayank Yadav and the emerging Prince Yadav, as reasons to consider releasing Avesh Khan. Although Avesh did not have a poor season, Chopra felt his price could make him a release candidate.
He said releasing these players could give LSG a substantial purse to sign a reliable middle-order batter, an area that has troubled the franchise over recent seasons.
Chopra added that LSG’s auction strategy would depend partly on the retention decisions of other franchises, with the deadline scheduled for November 17. If a prominent Indian middle-order batter becomes available, LSG could compete aggressively for him. Otherwise, he suggested targeting an overseas option.
The 2027 IPL mini auction is scheduled to take place in Goa on December 16.
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