Josh Inglis joins Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 8.6 crore, available for Monday's IPL clash against Mumbai Indians

Key facts

• Josh Inglis, 31, has joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and is available for selection for their IPL 2026 match against Mumbai Indians on May 4.
• Inglis was bought by LSG for INR 8.6 crore at auction after being released by Punjab Kings, where he was on a INR 2.6 crore contract.
• He scored 278 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 162.57 for Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, including one half-century.
• Inglis has taken Jasprit Bumrah for 52 runs off 34 deliveries across two matches, notably smashing 20 runs in a single over in Qualifier 2 last season.
• LSG and MI are tied at the bottom of the points table with four points from eight games each.
• South African batter Matthew Breetzke has left the LSG squad mid-season due to a family bereavement.
• Azmatullah Omarzai is expected to rejoin Punjab Kings on May 7 after the death of his mother.

Inglis arrives to bolster struggling LSG batting lineup

Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has joined the Lucknow Super Giants squad ahead of their crucial Indian Premier League clash against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. The 31-year-old, who was purchased for INR 8.6 crore at auction after being released by Punjab Kings, is now available for selection after missing the start of the season due to personal commitments, including his wedding in Western Australia on April 18. LSG, who sit at the bottom of the table alongside MI with just two wins from eight matches, are banking on Inglis to inject momentum into a batting unit that has struggled for consistency. His aggressive approach and proven ability against high-quality pace could be decisive, particularly against a Mumbai attack led by Jasprit Bumrah.

A controversial departure from Punjab Kings and a timely arrival

Inglis’s move to LSG was preceded by controversy. He declined retention by Punjab Kings, citing limited availability this season due to personal reasons, a decision that drew sharp criticism from a PBKS co-owner who labelled the Australian unprofessional. Inglis had been with PBKS on a modest INR 2.6 crore contract, scoring 278 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 162.57 last season. After LSG bought him for INR 8.6 crore, reports emerged that he might arrive earlier than expected, but that did not materialise. His arrival now, however, is well-timed for LSG, who face a packed week with three matches: against MI on Monday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday, and Chennai Super Kings on Sunday.

Matthew Breetzke leaves for personal reasons

South African batter Matthew Breetzke has left the LSG squad mid-season due to personal reasons. According to reports, Breetzke departed before the April 26 home game against Kolkata Knight Riders, which LSG lost in a Super Over, after a close family member on his wife’s side passed away. There is no information yet on whether Breetzke will return to the tournament. His departure further depletes an LSG batting lineup that has underperformed. Overseas star Nicholas Pooran has averaged just 10.25, while openers Aiden Markram (24.12) and Mitchell Marsh (26.50), along with captain Rishabh Pant (27), have failed to deliver in crucial moments.

Inglis’s record against Jasprit Bumrah a key asset

Inglis’s ability to handle high-quality pace could be crucial against Mumbai Indians, particularly Jasprit Bumrah. Across two matches, Inglis has scored 52 runs off 34 deliveries from Bumrah, including a memorable assault in Qualifier 2 last season when he smashed 20 runs in a single over. That performance was one of the defining moments of Punjab Kings’ IPL 2025 campaign. His presence is expected to bolster LSG against a Bumrah-led attack, as both teams look to revive their playoff hopes. Monday’s match is the ninth for both sides, and a loss could effectively end their chances of reaching the playoffs.

Azmatullah Omarzai to rejoin Punjab Kings

Meanwhile, Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai is expected to rejoin the Punjab Kings squad on May 7. Omarzai had returned home following the death of his mother, and the team paid tribute by wearing black armbands during their home game against Rajasthan Royals on April 28. He was bought for INR 2.6 crore but has not featured in any game this season. PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer expressed solidarity, saying at the toss, “On behalf of the whole team, I just want to convey our heartfelt condolences to Azmat and his family. We are with him through thick and thin.”

Make-or-break week for Lucknow Super Giants

LSG face a demanding week that could define their season. With three matches in six days, they can no longer afford slip-ups if they are to remain in contention for a playoff spot. Inglis’s inclusion is expected to inject much-needed energy and consistency into their campaign. His arrival, combined with the return of a key player for Punjab Kings, adds intrigue to the IPL 2026 season as the bottom-placed teams fight to stay alive. The coming days will reveal whether Inglis can replicate his past heroics and turn LSG’s fortunes around.

The bottom line

• Josh Inglis has joined LSG for INR 8.6 crore and is available for Monday's match against MI.
• LSG and MI are both at the bottom with 2 wins from 8 games; this match is critical for playoff hopes.
• Inglis scored 278 runs at a strike rate of 162.57 last season and has a strong record against Jasprit Bumrah.
• Matthew Breetzke has left LSG due to a family bereavement, further weakening their batting.
• Azmatullah Omarzai will rejoin Punjab Kings on May 7 after the death of his mother.
• LSG face three matches in a week, making this a make-or-break period for their season.