Josh Inglis arrives in India, joins Lucknow Super Giants for must-win IPL clash against Mumbai Indians

Key facts

• Josh Inglis landed in Mumbai on May 2 and is available for LSG's match against Mumbai Indians on May 4.
• Inglis was bought by LSG for INR 8.6 crore at the IPL 2026 auction after being released by Punjab Kings.
• He scored 278 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 162.57 for PBKS in IPL 2025.
• Inglis has a record of 52 runs off 34 balls against Jasprit Bumrah across two matches, including 20 runs in a single over in Qualifier 2.
• LSG and MI are tied at the bottom of the points table with two wins each from eight games.
• Matthew Breetzke left the LSG squad before the April 26 game against KKR due to a family bereavement and has returned to South Africa.
• Inglis married on April 18 in Margaret River, Western Australia, delaying his arrival.

Inglis ends speculation, lands in Mumbai

Josh Inglis has finally arrived in India, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty over his availability for the Indian Premier League. The Australian wicketkeeper-batter landed in Mumbai on Saturday and is set to be available for selection when Lucknow Super Giants face Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday. His delayed arrival had become a major talking point after conflicting reports emerged about his participation. Inglis had earlier declined retention from Punjab Kings, citing limited availability due to personal reasons, a move that drew sharp criticism from a PBKS co-owner, who labelled it “unprofessional.” Signed by PBKS for INR 2.6 crore in the previous cycle, Inglis was picked up by LSG for INR 8.6 crore at the suggested he would join the squad earlier, but that did not materialise.

Crucial timing for struggling LSG

Inglis’s arrival comes at a critical juncture for Lucknow Super Giants, who are languishing near the bottom of the points table with just two wins from eight matches. Their opponents on Monday, Mumbai Indians, are in an identical position, making the encounter a high-stakes battle for both sides. LSG’s campaign has been hampered by poor form from key overseas players. 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. The team’s batting unit has struggled to fire collectively. Monday’s match will be the ninth fixture of the season for both teams, and a loss could effectively end their playoff hopes. LSG face a demanding week ahead: after Mumbai, they travel to Lucknow to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 7, then Chennai Super Kings on May 10.

Inglis’s record against Bumrah adds intrigue

One of the most compelling subplots of Monday’s clash is Inglis’s past success against Jasprit Bumrah. Across two matches, the 31-year-old has scored 52 runs off 34 deliveries against the premier pacer, including a memorable assault during Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025, where he smashed 20 runs in a single over. His presence could provide LSG with a much-needed boost against a Bumrah-led Mumbai attack. Inglis is expected to train with the squad at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday evening, slotting into a batting order that has lacked consistency. In his IPL career so far, Inglis has featured in 11 matches, scoring 278 runs at a strike rate of over 162, including one half-century. His aggressive style and ability to take on fast bowlers make him a valuable asset in the middle order.

Breetzke leaves LSG for personal reasons

While Inglis joins the squad, South African batter Matthew Breetzke has departed the tournament for personal reasons. Breetzke left the LSG squad before their April 26 home game against Kolkata Knight Riders, which went down to a Super Over. According to reports, Breetzke returned to South Africa primarily because a close family member on his wife’s side passed away recently. There is no information yet on whether he will return to the tournament. His departure leaves a gap in LSG’s batting resources, though Inglis’s arrival offsets the loss. Breetzke had been part of the LSG squad but had not made a significant impact in the matches he played. The franchise has not officially commented on his departure.

A make-or-break phase for LSG

The coming week could define Lucknow Super Giants’ season. With three matches in seven days — against Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Chennai Super Kings — LSG can no longer afford slip-ups if they are to remain in playoff contention. Inglis’s inclusion injects much-needed energy and experience into a side that has struggled to close out games. His track record against top-quality bowling, particularly Bumrah, offers a tactical advantage that LSG will look to exploit. However, the team’s overall form remains a concern. The batting unit has failed to post competitive totals, and the bowling attack, led by Avesh Khan and Anrich Nortje, has been inconsistent. Inglis alone cannot solve all of LSG’s problems, but his arrival provides a psychological lift at a critical moment.

What lies ahead

Inglis is expected to be available for the remainder of the IPL season, barring any further personal commitments. His wedding took place on April 18 in Margaret River, Western Australia, and he has now committed fully to the tournament. For LSG, the immediate focus is on Monday’s clash. A win would lift them level with several teams in the mid-table, while a loss could leave them stranded at the bottom with little hope of recovery. The franchise will be hoping that Inglis’s arrival marks the turning point in a campaign that has so far fallen short of expectations. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings will welcome back Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai on May 7, after he returned home following the death of his mother. The team paid tribute by wearing black armbands during their home game against Rajasthan Royals on April 28.

A test of resilience

The narrative of Inglis’s delayed arrival and the controversy surrounding his availability has dominated headlines, but the real story will be written on the field. LSG’s season hangs in the balance, and the Australian’s performance in the coming matches will be closely scrutinised. His ability to counter Bumrah and anchor the middle order could prove decisive. But cricket is a team sport, and LSG’s fortunes depend on collective improvement. Monday’s match is not just a contest between two struggling sides; it is a test of character for a franchise that has invested heavily in its squad. Inglis has the opportunity to silence his critics and justify his price tag. For LSG, the hope is that his arrival sparks a revival. For the IPL, it adds another layer of drama to an already gripping season.

The bottom line

• Josh Inglis has joined LSG after a delayed arrival due to his wedding, ending speculation over his IPL availability.
• He was signed for INR 8.6 crore and has a strong record against Jasprit Bumrah, scoring 52 runs off 34 balls.
• LSG and MI are tied at the bottom with two wins each from eight matches; Monday's clash is crucial for both.
• Matthew Breetzke has left the LSG squad for personal reasons, returning to South Africa.
• Inglis is expected to provide a boost to LSG's struggling batting unit, which has underperformed this season.
• LSG face a demanding three-match week that could determine their playoff chances.