Lucknow Super Giants walked out of the IPL 2026 auction having spent INR 8.6 crore on Josh Inglis, a bid that immediately raised eyebrows across the league. Not because of Inglis’ ability, but because of a much bigger question surrounding his availability. With the tournament set to run from March 26 to May 31, uncertainty over how many matches Inglis will actually play has turned what looked like a bold move into one of the most debated decisions of the auction.
For a franchise that had released David Miller and was searching for middle-order firepower and finishing experience, the Inglis signing was meant to solve a problem. Instead, it has created a fresh layer of doubt around the balance and planning of the LSG squad.
Why LSG Went Big On Josh Inglis
Josh Inglis was released by Punjab Kings ahead of the auction after informing the franchise that his availability for IPL 2026 would be limited due to personal reasons. That context made his eventual price all the more surprising. After initially going unsold, Inglis triggered a bidding war between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants, with LSG eventually sealing the deal for INR 8.6 crore.
From LSG’s perspective, the logic was clear. Inglis offers flexibility across the top and middle order, can keep wickets, and has proven his ability to play high-impact innings. In IPL 2025, he scored 278 runs in 11 innings at an average of 30.88 and a strike rate of 162.57, including a match-winning 73 off 42 balls against Mumbai Indians at a crucial stage of the season.
But availability matters as much as ability in the IPL, and that is where the controversy begins.
Will Josh Inglis Play IPL 2026?
Josh Inglis himself has confirmed that he will not be fully available for IPL 2026 due to his wedding plans.
“Well, I sort of watched a lot of it [the IPL auction] and I was pushed back in the pecking order,” Inglis told ABC Sport. “I don’t have full availability this year. I’m getting married in early April. So, I didn’t really expect to go, to be honest. So I sort of saw my name go by unsold.”
He added that the situation changed unexpectedly after the auction. “I didn’t know until I’d seen a few messages this morning.”
According to multiple reports, Inglis had informed Punjab Kings that his wedding was scheduled for April 18 and that he would be unavailable for a significant portion of the season, potentially restricting him to a handful of matches in late May. That communication played a key role in PBKS deciding to release him.
Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia did not hide his frustration over how the situation unfolded.
“We didn’t really let go of Josh. I mean, Josh unfortunately, sadly, only told us at the last minute, which was not very fair given that he had been with us for a while,” Wadia told The Hindu.
He elaborated further, saying, “He said he was going to be available only for a couple of weeks (three games). We told him he should have informed us earlier. I don’t think it was very professional of him. You can’t call someone 45 minutes before and say, ‘Hey, I’m not coming,’ especially when he knew that we were retaining him.”
Wadia added, “Let’s see whether he plays in the IPL or not. I wish him all the best because he is a fellow human being. But the manner in which he behaved was not very professional.”
Those remarks underline just how limited Inglis’ availability was understood to be before the auction.
Why The Josh Inglis Bid Has Raised Questions
The confusion deepened after the auction, with reports suggesting that Inglis might now be open to playing more games than initially communicated. An SRH representative hinted that conversations with coaches could influence availability.
“Look, he obviously was going to be out for personal reasons. And that’s always subject to change,” SRH bowling coach Varun Aaron said after the auction. “You never know. People can make different decisions once the auction is done.”
There is now speculation that Inglis could join the IPL at the start of the season, leave briefly for his wedding, and return soon after. However, no official confirmation has been provided by LSG on how many matches they expect him to play.
LSG Squad After IPL 2026 Auction
From a squad-building perspective, the gamble is significant. LSG spent INR 8.6 crore on a player whose availability is still uncertain, while also investing INR 2.6 crore in uncapped Mukul Choudhary, who may not even be part of the first-choice XI. They also brought in Wanindu Hasaranga, who adds depth and batting value, but the line-up still appears top heavy, in comparison to other squads at IPL 2026.
The bowling unit carries its own risks. Anrich Nortje was picked up at his base price of INR 2 crore, but like several Indian quicks in the squad, he comes with fitness concerns. If Inglis misses a large chunk of the season, LSG could find themselves short on both finishing power and flexibility, exactly the areas they were trying to address after releasing David Miller.
Josh Inglis is a high-quality T20 batter and a proven match-winner on his day. There is no debate about that. The question is whether Lucknow Super Giants have paid a premium for a player who may not be available when it matters most.
Until clarity emerges on his schedule, the Inglis signing will remain one of the most intriguing and controversial stories of the IPL 2026 auction. For LSG, it could either turn into a masterstroke if he plays a meaningful role, or a costly miscalculation if availability issues persist.
