Josh Inglis joins Lucknow Super Giants after wedding, available for Mumbai Indians clash

Key facts

• Josh Inglis has joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and is available for selection from May 4.
• Inglis was released by Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of the IPL 2026 auction due to wedding commitments.
• LSG signed Inglis for INR 8.6 crore, more than triple his previous price of INR 2.6 crore.
• Inglis scored 278 runs in 11 innings at an average of 30.88 and a strike rate of 162.57 for PBKS.
• He married on April 18 in Margaret River, Western Australia.
• Matthew Breetzke has left LSG for personal reasons; he departed before the April 26 game against KKR.
• LSG and MI each have two wins from eight matches, sitting near the bottom of the points table.
• LSG face three matches in a week: vs MI (May 4, Mumbai), vs RCB (May 7, Lucknow), vs CSK (May 10, Chennai).

A new weapon for Lucknow's faltering campaign

Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has landed in Mumbai and joined the Lucknow Super Giants squad, making himself available for Monday's fixture against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. His arrival comes at a critical juncture for LSG, who have won just two of their eight matches this season, tied with Mumbai Indians at the bottom of the table. The team faces a gruelling week ahead with three matches in six days, starting with the clash against MI.

From Punjab Kings cast-off to LSG's big-money buy

Inglis's path to Lucknow was circuitous. He had been with Punjab Kings at a modest fee of INR 2.6 crore but declined their retention offer ahead of the 2026 auction, citing personal commitments that would limit his availability. The decision angered the PBKS hierarchy. LSG pounced at the auction, securing him for INR 8.6 crore — more than three times his previous price. His wedding took place on April 18 in Margaret River, Western Australia, after which he joined the LSG camp.

The Bumrah-slayer: Inglis's IPL credentials

Inglis made his mark in IPL 2025 with a memorable assault on Jasprit Bumrah. During the fifth over of a match, he smashed 20 runs off the Indian pace spearhead, a rare feat that earned him the moniker 'Bumrah-slayer'. Overall, he scored 278 runs in 11 innings at an average of 30.88 and a strike rate of 162.57 for PBKS. His ability to take on the best bowlers could be a vital asset for LSG's struggling batting unit.

Breetzke's departure and LSG's batting woes

South African batter Matthew Breetzke has left the LSG squad for personal reasons, returning to South Africa before the April 26 home game against Kolkata Knight Riders. It is understood that a close family member on his wife's side passed away recently. His departure leaves a gap in the batting lineup, which has underperformed this season. Overseas star Nicholas Pooran averages just 10.25, while openers Aiden Markram (24.12) and Mitchell Marsh (26.50), along with captain Rishabh Pant (27), have failed to deliver consistently.

A must-win week for both bottom-dwellers

Monday's match at Wankhede is a direct battle between the two sides tied at the bottom with four points each. Both teams have their backs against the wall, needing wins to keep playoff hopes alive. For LSG, the week is especially demanding: after MI, they face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 7 in Lucknow and Chennai Super Kings on May 10 in Chennai. Any slip-up could effectively end their season.

Inglis's integration and immediate impact

Inglis has already begun training with the LSG squad and is expected to slot into the playing XI immediately. His wicketkeeping and explosive batting could provide the spark the team desperately needs. The franchise hopes his inclusion injects energy and consistency into a campaign that has so far been defined by close losses and batting collapses. With Inglis now available, LSG have a chance to turn their season around.

The bottom line

• Josh Inglis is available for LSG's May 4 match against MI after joining the squad post-wedding.
• He was signed for INR 8.6 crore after being released by PBKS for personal reasons.
• Inglis famously scored 20 runs off a Jasprit Bumrah over in IPL 2025.
• Matthew Breetzke left LSG due to a family bereavement, creating a batting slot.
• Both LSG and MI have two wins from eight games, making Monday's clash critical.
• LSG face three matches in a week, a stretch that could define their season.