Australia wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis is all set to finally join Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for IPL 2026. Inglis has not been available for the first half of the season, but his arrival will be a boost for the Rishabh Pant-led franchise.
Inglis hasn’t been on the field since early March, when he took the gloves for Western Australia against Queensland in a Sheffield Shield match following Australia’s early exit from the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Josh Inglis unavailable for half of IPL 2026
Inglis had been unavailable for the early part of the IPL season as he had planned his wedding at the time. Inglis finally got married on April 18. Despite knowing that he might miss half the season, LSG shelled out Rs. 8.6 crore for his services owing to his form.
Inglis was a crucial part of making sure that Punjab Kings (PBKS) made it to the final in IPL 2025 as he made 278 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of almost 163. Remarkably, 2025 was Inglis’ first-ever IPL season. His unavailability for part of IPL 2026 was cited as a possible reason why PBKS released him before the auction.
Once Inglis takes the field in LSG colours, it will be his second team in as many IPL seasons.
Josh Inglis possibly available from May 4
Inglis will be unable to join LSG immediately and is only expected to be available from the match against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on May 4, as per ESPNCricinfo. This means that Inglis could play only up to LSG’s last six league stage matches.
His arrival will be a key factor for the Rishabh Pant-led franchise as both Pant and Nicholas Pooran – LSG’s primary wicketkeepers – are struggling for form.
Josh Inglis’ return to the side could mean that LSG would take a second look at their overseas options. Currently, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, and Nicholas Pooran make up LSG’s foreign contingent with South Africa spinner George Linde taking on the fourth slot on occasion.
When Inglis arrives, LSG could either play all four frontline batters or make the harsh call of dropping Nicholas Pooran because of his very bad form.
LSG current form, injury updates, and upcoming schedule
While Josh Inglis is set to be available from May 4, LSG have two more matches to contend with before that. The Super Giants are currently on a three-match losing streak, but will play their next two matches at home.
Josh Inglis’ arrival may be a blessing, but it was reported that South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje left the LSG camp last week. It is unclear as to what the reason for his departure was.
Lucknow Super Giants are currently placed ninth on the points table with just two wins from six matches. They will host the Rajasthan Royals on April 22 and the Kolkata Knight Riders on April 26, respectively, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
