Lucknow Super Giants have taken a significant step by parting ways with their South African batsman David Miller and fast bowler Akash Deep ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, which is set for December 16, with a salary cap of ₹22.95 crore.

On Saturday, the franchise revealed its list of retained and released players in preparation for the upcoming 19th season of the IPL. Miller, who was brought on board for ₹7.5 crore, struggled to make an impact last season, scoring only 153 runs at an average of 30.60 across 11 matches, with his highest score being an unbeaten 27.

Similarly, Akash Deep had a disappointing season, missing the early part due to injury and only managing to take three wickets in six matches, with a concerning average of 76.33 and an economy rate of 12.05.

In a bid to strengthen their bowling lineup, Lucknow secured a trade for experienced pacer Mohammed Shami from Sunrisers Hyderabad. Shami, who was acquired for ₹10 crore, has a wealth of IPL experience, having played 119 matches and taken 133 wickets at an average of 28.18, with best figures of 4/11.

Additionally, Lucknow Super Giants have also signed uncapped bowler Arjun Tendulkar, the son of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, from Mumbai Indians. The five-time IPL champions had to let go of Arjun but managed to acquire leg-spinner Mayank Markande from Kolkata Knight Riders.

Arjun was initially signed by Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2021 mini-auction for ₹20 lakh but spent the entire season on the bench. He was later repurchased for ₹30 lakh in the IPL 2022 mega-auction and made his debut in 2023, taking three wickets in four matches.

In the recent mega-auction, Arjun went unsold initially but was picked up by MI at his base price of ₹30 lakh in the accelerated round, yet he did not play that season.

Recently, Lucknow also traded all-rounder Shardul Thakur to Mumbai Indians for the next IPL season. Thakur was initially brought in as an injury replacement for ₹2 crore and played 10 matches, proving to be a valuable asset.

The players retained by Lucknow include Rishabh Pant (captain), Abdul Samad, Ayush Badoni, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and others.

Released players include David Miller, Ravi Bishnoi, Akash Deep, Aryan Juyal, Shamar Joseph, Yuvraj Chaudhary, and Rajvardhan Hangargekar.

Traded players consist of Mohammed Shami and Arjun Tendulkar coming in, while Shardul Thakur is heading out.