The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are entering the Indian Premier League 2026 mini-auction with a clear strategic goal, armed with INR 22.95 crore and hoping to satisfy their full quota of four international slots.

Their most pivotal structural requirement is a skilled death bowler, an Indian spinner, and a stable yet power batter for squad versatility. LSG will invest heavily in speciality jobs to ensure their team is fundamentally robust and balanced for a title run. Here are the top three players LSG should target in the forthcoming 2026 IPL Mini Auction. 

1. Jake Fraser-McGurk

Jake Fraser-McGurk is an exciting, aggressive long-term investment for LSG. The young Australian is known for his aggressive style and ability to demolish bowling attacks from the start. 

Acquiring him would provide LSG a high-potential, low-cost foreign batter who could be rotated with the other top and middle-order batters based on pitch circumstances and form. Fraser-McGurk's high-impact style and youthful age complement LSG's ambition to sign talent for a long-term stint. In his 15-match IPL career, he has scored 385 runs at a blazing strike rate of above 200. 

2. Rahul Chahar

With Bishnoi's confirmed release, LSG urgently requires a strong, established Indian leg-spinner to lead their home spin attack. Rahul Chahar, a frequent tournament performer, is the leading candidate. Chahar is prominent for his control, ability to take wickets in the middle overs, and impressive economy rate. 

Targeting him guarantees that LSG acquires an experienced domestic spinner capable of handling the pressure of bowling in the critical middle portion of the innings, adding depth to their bowling repertoire. In 79 IPL games, he has taken 75 wickets at a respectable economy rate of 7.72. 

3. Lungi Ngidi

The Lucknow Super Giants have clearly identified the need for an international death-overs specialist, and Lungi Ngidi might potentially fill that vacuum. While Mohammed Shami was acquired in a trade, the pace attack still lacks a strong overseas presence capable of completing yorkers and preventing runs at the end. 

His high-end T20 abilities, particularly his execution under pressure, make him an ideal candidate to provide the depth and balance required to complete their pace battery, especially on pitches that favour fast bowlers. In only 16 IPL matches, he has 29 wickets at an economy rate of 8.53, showcasing his ability to produce results with the ball.