Josh Inglis joins Lucknow Super Giants, available for crucial IPL clash against Mumbai Indians

Key facts

• Josh Inglis has joined Lucknow Super Giants and is available for selection.
• Inglis was released by Punjab Kings after declining their retention offer due to wedding commitments.
• LSG signed Inglis for INR 8.6 crore at auction, more than triple his previous price of INR 2.6 crore.
• Inglis scored 278 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 162.57 in IPL 2025.
• Both LSG and Mumbai Indians have won only two of eight matches this season.
• South African batter Matthew Breetzke has left the LSG squad for personal reasons.
• LSG face three matches in a week: vs MI (May 4), vs RCB (May 7), vs CSK (May 10).

Inglis arrives as LSG and MI battle for survival

Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis has landed in Mumbai and is now in contention for Lucknow Super Giants' fixture against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday, May 4. His arrival comes at a critical juncture for both franchises, which sit joint-bottom of the points table with just two wins apiece from eight games. The match is effectively a must-win for either side to keep their playoff hopes alive. Inglis has already begun training with the squad and is expected to slot into the middle order alongside captain Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran. The 29-year-old was drafted straight into the playing XI for the Mumbai clash, according to team sources.

A circuitous route to Lucknow

Inglis's path to Lucknow was far from straightforward. He had previously been with Punjab Kings at a relatively modest fee of INR 2.6 crore, but chose not to accept their retention offer ahead of this season, citing personal commitments that would limit his availability. The decision did not sit well with the PBKS hierarchy, and the franchise released him. Lucknow stepped in at the auction and secured his services for INR 8.6 crore — more than three times his previous price tag. The investment reflects the franchise's belief that Inglis can provide the firepower their batting lineup has lacked. He had informed LSG that he would miss the initial part of the IPL due to wedding-related commitments; he tied the knot on April 18 in Western Australia.

The Bumrah over that made Inglis a household name

To understand what Inglis brings to any batting lineup, one need only revisit IPL 2025. During a match between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians, Jasprit Bumrah was called upon in the fifth over — Mumbai's most trusted weapon in a crunch situation. Most batters, when facing Bumrah, are content to survive, rotate the strike and hope for something loose. Inglis had a different plan entirely. He smashed 20 runs off that single over, a feat that earned him the moniker 'Bumrah-slayer' among fans and pundits. That innings encapsulated his aggressive approach and ability to take on the best bowlers in the world. It is precisely this quality that LSG hope will inject momentum into a batting unit that has struggled for consistency.

LSG's batting woes and Breetzke's departure

Lucknow's batting has been a major concern this season. 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 been unable to deliver in crucial moments. The team's top order has repeatedly failed to build substantial partnerships, leaving the middle order exposed. Compounding these issues, South African batter Matthew Breetzke has left the squad mid-season due to personal reasons. He departed before the April 26 home game against Kolkata Knight Riders, which went down to a Super Over. It is understood 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.

A demanding week ahead for Lucknow

The phase of the tournament ahead could prove make-or-break for LSG. They face three matches in a span of seven days: Monday, May 4 against Mumbai Indians in Mumbai; Thursday, May 7 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Lucknow; and Sunday, May 10 against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai. With only four points from eight games, any further slip-ups would likely extinguish their playoff hopes. Mumbai Indians, too, are in a precarious position. For the clash against LSG, they made notable changes: Hardik Pandya missed out due to fitness concerns, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the side in his absence. Rohit Sharma returned to the setup, and Corbin Bosch was brought into the XI in place of Trent Boult. Both teams are desperate for a turnaround.

What Inglis's inclusion means for LSG's campaign

Inglis's arrival offers LSG a proven match-winner capable of changing the complexion of a game in a matter of overs. His ability to play both anchor and finisher roles gives the team flexibility in the middle order. With Nicholas Pooran struggling for form, Inglis could also take on wicketkeeping duties, allowing the team to field an additional specialist batter. However, one player alone cannot solve all of LSG's problems. The team's bowling attack has also been inconsistent, and the pressure on the overseas slots is intense. Inglis will need support from the top order and the bowlers if LSG are to climb the table. The coming week will test whether his presence can galvanize a squad that has underperformed so far.

The bottom line

• Josh Inglis has joined LSG for INR 8.6 crore after being released by Punjab Kings.
• He is available for selection immediately and made his debut against Mumbai Indians on May 4.
• Inglis famously scored 20 runs off a Jasprit Bumrah over in IPL 2025.
• Both LSG and MI have only two wins from eight matches, making this a critical fixture.
• Matthew Breetzke left LSG due to a family bereavement, opening a spot for Inglis.
• LSG face three matches in a week, with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance.