The Lucknow Super Giants likely fall into the cliche, “so close, yet so far,” for their IPL 2025 season. After a shaky auction, they faced low expectations, and even though they were able to avoid finishing last on the table, they never even got too close to being a playoff team. If LSG is going to fix what’s gone wrong before IPL 2026, it will take more than a stopgap measure: they will need to do some form of resetting.
One area screaming for change? Their bowling unit. With injuries, inconsistency, and some plain old bad luck, certain players just didn’t deliver this season. Let’s break down three names LSG should seriously consider releasing before the next auction.
Mayank Yadav
With ₹11 crore invested in Mayank Yadav, Lucknow supporters imagined a season filled with fiery pace and broken stumps. After all, a tearaway pacer consistently hitting speeds of 150+ kph is every franchise’s dream and a nightmare for opposition batters. It felt like LSG had found their X-factor bowler, someone who could rattle top orders and change games in a matter of overs. But reality hit hard in IPL 2025.
Let’s face it, Mayank is only 21, and he has raw talent. However, LSG can’t afford to take the gamble of spending that much money on a player who may not even make the XI consistently. It would make sense for LSG to release him and buy him back at a much cheaper price in the auction.
Akash Deep
Akash Deep is another story of hope turning into disappointment. Picked up for ₹8 crore, he was supposed to bring control and breakthroughs. Instead, he managed only three wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 12.05. That’s the kind of stat line that gives bowling coaches sleepless nights.
To be fair, Akash is a handy bowler in longer formats where he can swing the red ball all day. But in T20s? Batters have figured him out. He doesn’t have a threatening yorker, doesn’t nail the slower balls, and struggles at the death.
Ravi Bishnoi
This one hurts because Ravi Bishnoi was once seen as India’s next big white-ball spinner. With a premium price tag on his head, he was touted to anchor Lucknow’s spin arsenal this season. Instead, he lost his spot to Digvesh Rathi midway through the season.
His numbers tell the story: nine wickets in 11 matches at an economy of 10.84. For a leg-spinner who used to terrorize batters with googlies and quick sliders, that’s a massive drop-off. Bishnoi hasn’t evolved his game, and T20 cricket is ruthless to bowlers who stay predictable.
It is clear that if Lucknow wants to be a serious contender for the playoffs in IPL 2026, then they are going to have to make some difficult decisions. I do not think it will feel good to release Mayank Yadav, Akash Deep, and Ravi Bishnoi, but it will allow them to possibly make smarter signings with players they add, and a squad with better balance.
FAQs
- What was Mayank Yadav’s economy rate in IPL 2025?
He had an economy rate of 12.5 in just two matches.
- Why is Akash Deep on the release list?
He struggled in T20s with only three wickets in six games and an economy over 12.
- Will releasing these players free up funds for LSG?
Yes, it opens salary space for stronger signings in IPL 2026.
