“Why would you do that?” - Former CSK opener slams LSG’s strategy in IPL 2026 auction

Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) opener Abhinav Mukund slammed Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for their strategy during the IPL 2026 auction. The event took place in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, December 16.

He questioned LSG for signing a third wicketkeeper-batter when they already had Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant in the squad. They acquired Australia wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis for a handsome price of ₹8.60 crore. Notably, Inglis will be available to play just four matches in IPL 2026. As he had already informed the same before the auction, LSG splurging on him raised several eyebrows.

"Is it harsh for me to say that they have spent 49% of their purse on keepers? Why would you do that? Pooran, Pant, and Inglis. I will not drop Marsh. Unfortunately, Markram might get chopped off. But you need to play two overseas bowlers. Then you need to bring in an Indian batter," he said on ESPN Cricinfo.

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar highlighted that Inglis was a quality pick. He reckoned that, based on availability, having Inglis at the backend would ease some pressure off LSG's top-order as well.

"You have a player of great quality. Inglis is highly rated and he's got the skills. So you would give the top order the run for the 8 or 10 games. If Inglis is available, then he can walk in at the top as well," he reflected.

Further reflecting on LSG, Bangar picked South Africa pacer Anrich Nortje as their best buy at the IPL 2026 auction. They roped in Nortje for ₹2 crore at his base price.

Bangar also picked another South African star, Quinton de Kock, among the top picks at the IPL 2026 auction. Mumbai Indians (MI) acquired De Kock for just ₹1 crore.

"I think excellent pick of Quinton de Kock. He is a better batter than Rickelton. He strengthens their batting. Better starts will mean less work for the middle order. If at all, there is one area, I feel they could have gotten a better wrist spinner. They never made any attempt."

Notably, De Kock was previously a part of MI when they won the IPL back-to-back in 2019 and 2020. He played a massive part, scoring 500-plus runs in both those editions.

MI had a well-balanced squad and did not have to do much at the auction. Their picks included Quinton de Kock, Danish Malewar, Mohammad Izhar, Atharva Ankolekar, and Mayank Rawat.

While everything was perfect for them, Abhinav Mukund highlighted their only concern heading into IPL 2026. He reflected that it was the fitness of their bowlers. Mukund reflected that the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, among others, would be coming in having played a lot of international cricket.

"I would be fretting over the fitness of their bowlers and their first XI because they will come off a hectic season. Certain players are in the mid-30s. That is the only thing I am worried about. Their first XI is phenomenal but fitness is the concern," he stated.

Both Bangar and Mukund collectively picked De Kock as MI's best buy at the IPL 2026 auction.

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Abhinav Mukund and Sanjay Bangar share their thoughts on PBKS's IPL 2026 auction

Talking about the Punjab Kings (PBKS), Abhinav Mukund reckoned that they made an exciting pick in Cooper Connolly. The young Australian was roped in for ₹2 crore.

"I think Cooper Conolly is a big upside. There are a lot of right-handers in that middle order. He could be someone of value because there are many pace-bowling all-rounders. Conolly is a very exciting prospect," he said.

Sanjay Bangar pointed out an area where he believed PBKS could have done better. They did not get a backup Indian wrist-spinner for Yuzvendra Chahal. Punjab did go for Rahul Chahar but pulled out after a point. Bangar highlighted that Chahal does not play regularly and that a strong backup was required.

"I think the way they went for Rahul Chahar and then suddenly pulled back, they had the money in the bank and they needed a strong backup for Chahal because he is not playing regularly. In the initial part of the previous season, there were games where he was not at his best, so you want to have a strong backup. That would give them a little bit of discomfort."

Chahal bagged 16 wickets in IPL 2025 at an economy of 9.55. While he continues to play domestic cricket, he has been out of the Indian team since 2023.

Edited by Rishab Vm