3 players LSG must target at the IPL 2026 auction ft. Gerald Coetzee

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) had a strange campaign during the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). They were expected to be among the worst teams following the mega auction, but some stellar individual performances led to the franchise punching above their weight.

However, it's clear that LSG have some work to do at the IPL 2026 auction. They need backups in several departments apart from obvious replacements for key middle-order roles, and their budget will need to be used carefully.

Players released: Aryan Juyal, David Miller, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Ravi Bishnoi, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Shardul Thakur (traded to MI), Akash Deep, Shamar Joseph

Players retained: Abdul Samad, Aiden Markram, Akash Singh, Arjun Tendulkar (traded in from MI), Arshin Kulkarni, Avesh Khan, Ayush Badoni, Digvesh Rathi, Himmat Singh, Manimaran Siddharth, Matthew Breetzke, Mayank Yadav, Mohammed Shami (traded in from SRH), Mitchell Marsh, Mohsin Khan, Nicholas Pooran, Prince Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Shahbaz Ahmed

On that note, here are three players LSG must target at the IPL 2026 auction.

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#3 Gerald Coetzee

2025 IPL: Eliminator - Gujarat Titans v Mumbai Indians - Source: Getty

After releasing Shamar Joseph, LSG have no overseas fast bowlers on their roster. Gerald Coetzee, who was recently signed by their sister franchise in the SA20 league, could be among their targets for that role.

Lucknow have four overseas slots, and Coetzee would be a capable backup to a host of Indian pacers who are highly injury-prone. The South African can hit the deck hard, and his batting ability isn't to be underestimated. Among the overseas pacers on offer, he would definitely be among the best.

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#2 Atharva Taide

2025 IPL - Lucknow Super Giants v Sunrisers Hyderabad - Source: Getty

LSG could use an Indian opening option, especially one who is left-handed. Atharva Taide hasn't been able to make a mark in the IPL thus far, largely due to limited opportunities. But he has been a fairly consistent performer in domestic cricket lately, and teams should consider him.

Taide would give Lucknow the flexibility to push Aiden Markram down to No. 3 and lengthen their batting order slightly. His part-time left-arm spin might also help matters, given that Shahbaz Ahmed looks slightly out of place amid the current setup.

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#1 Jason Holder

New Zealand v West Indies: 3rd T20 - Source: Getty

There's a huge hole in LSG's lower-middle order. David Miller has been released, and that spot needs to be filled by someone who can hit a long ball while also bowling. Options are limited at the IPL 2026 auction, and Jason Holder is probably the best of the lot.

Holder has upped his game in recent times and boasts a stellar T20 record in 2025. His cutters and slower balls would be useful at the Ekana Stadium, and his hitting ability would allow Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad to have more flexible roles.