Irfan Pathan picks LSG playing 12 after IPL 2026 auction; doesn’t include new ₹8.60 crore buy

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has lauded the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for buying two quality bowlers at a steal at the IPL 2026 auction. The cricketer-turned-commentator pointed out that pacers Anrich Nortje and Mayank Yadav bowling together will be a ‘brilliant sight’ next season. The 41-year-old added that leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga will further bolster the bowling unit.

Notably, the Super Giants bought Nortje and Hasaranga for ₹2 crore apiece (base prices) at the IPL 2026 auction.

Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel:

“They made two very good buys and got those players at excellent prices. One is Hasaranga and the other is Anrich Nortje. If Anrich Nortje is fit and Mayank Yadav is bowling from the other end, it would be a brilliant sight." "Getting both players for ₹2 crore each is special, especially when you have let go of Ravi Bishnoi and were looking for a spinner. Getting Hasaranga for ₹2 crore is an absolute steal, and he brings a lot of experience and international exposure, making him a very strong option in that regard,” he added.

Pathan, however, pointed out that LSG are heavily reliant on Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, and Shahbaz Ahmed for finishing duties, stressing the lack of international experience at the back end. He continued:

“I felt they might go for Livingstone. I thought they would target a finisher. They have released David Miller, so that spot is still vacant.”

“Gamble” – Irfan Pathan on LSG shelling out INR 8.6 crore for Australian wicketkeeper at IPL 2026 auction

Irfan Pathan further looked surprised with LSG splurging ₹8.6 crore to buy Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis at the IPL 2026 auction. On this, the former India all-rounder said:

“The gamble they have taken on Josh Inglis is interesting. There is no doubt he is a quality player. This investment has also been made with the future in mind, so that the player remains with them going forward." "He can bat lower down the order, though ideally he bats higher. He has a very good game against fast bowling and plays the sweep and reverse sweep well. That is why they have backed him. How effective this move will be remains to be seen,” he added.

According to Cricbuzz, Josh Inglis is only available for four games in IPL 2026 due to personal reasons.

Irfan Pathan’s Playing XII for LSG: Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Rishab Pant, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga, Digvesh Rathi, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan/Prince Yadav. Impact: Mohammad Shami.

Click here to check out the full LSG squad for IPL 2026.

Edited by James Kuanal