Published on: Apr 21, 2026 2:49 pm IST|Updated on: Apr 21, 2026 3:25 pm IST
The Lucknow Super Giants have received a massive boost in the form of Aussie wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who is set to join the squad on May 4 ahead of LSG’s game against the 5-time champions Mumbai Indians. Josh will be available for the MI game, and this news is definitely a welcome one for LSG, who are struggling with only two wins to their name from six games.
The Aussie wicketkeeper-batter was unavailable during the initial phase of the Tata IPL 2026 due to personal commitments. The 31-year-old tied the knot on April 18 and was expected to spend some time away from cricket before arriving for IPL 2026. Inglis got picked by the Lucknow franchise during the auctions ahead of this season for INR 8.6 crore. If Inglis becomes available from May 4, Inglis will be in contention to feature in the game against the 5-time champions, the Mumbai Indians, at the Wankhede Stadium.
The Super Giants’ batting woes have been personified by the recent form of Nicholas Pooran. The West Indian powerhouse, usually a reliable match-winner, has endured a nightmare run in 2026, scoring a meager 51 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 80. Skipper Rishabh Pant is also searching for his vintage rhythm in an inexperienced middle order that has often collapsed under pressure.
“Josh brings a level of versatility that we’ve lacked this season,” a source close to the LSG coaching staff commented. “He can stabilize an innings or act as a finisher. Most importantly, he provides a tactical alternative if we need to reshuffle our overseas slots.”
Currently, LSG has rotated between Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, and Nicholas Pooran as their primary overseas batters, with South African spinner George Linde occasionally filling the fourth spot. Inglis’s arrival likely means a difficult conversation regarding the starting XI, especially with the team needing to win at least five of their remaining six games to stay in playoff contention.
The timing of Inglis’s arrival couldn’t be more dramatic. His first potential game on May 4 is against a Mumbai Indians side that traditionally thrives at the Wankhede Stadium. For LSG, a victory in Mumbai is non-negotiable if they hope to climb out of the bottom tier of the points table.
Before the MI clash, LSG will host the Rajasthan Royals and the Knight Riders on April 22 and 26, respectively. Check their schedule for the next 5 games in this season of Tata IPL.
The Lucknow Super Giants are currently languishing at the second-last position on the points table with only 2 wins and 4 losses from 6 games. The team has struggled to get going with the bat as almost every big name, including Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, and Mitchell Marsh, hasn’t been at their best at all.
With Inglis’ arrival, LSG will get an aid for sure, but at the same time, they will have to take a tough call on whom to let go. Pooran, who had a tough time with the bat this season, managing only 51 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 80, is most likely to face the axe once Inglis is available for selection.
Tags: IPL 2026