Josh Inglis IPL 2026 Twist: LSG Pay ₹8.60 Crore as Availability Question Raises Eyebrows for PBKS
Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis emerged as one of the most talked-about names at the IPL 2026 mini-auction, after Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured him for a hefty ₹8.60 crore. What has sparked widespread debate, however, is not just the price tag, but the sudden shift in Inglis’ reported availability for the upcoming season.
Initially believed to be available for only a handful of matches, Inglis now appears to be in line to feature for the entire IPL 2026 season, a development that has left Punjab Kings (PBKS) fans questioning whether the franchise was misled ahead of the auction.
Context: Why PBKS Released Josh Inglis
Josh Inglis was released by Punjab Kings, a decision taken after internal assessments suggested the Australian wicketkeeper would miss a large portion of IPL 2026 due to international commitments. PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting had publicly acknowledged that Inglis’ limited availability played a crucial role in the franchise’s decision-making.
At the time, Inglis was reportedly expected to be available for only four matches, prompting PBKS to free up an overseas slot and additional purse money ahead of the auction.
Given the premium placed on overseas players who can feature throughout the season, PBKS opted to move on despite Inglis’ strong performances in the latter half of IPL 2025, where he delivered several match-winning contributions.
Auction Drama: LSG’s ₹8.60 Crore Gamble
The narrative took a dramatic turn during the IPL 2026 mini-auction when Josh Inglis triggered an intense bidding war. Lucknow Super Giants, who were looking to strengthen their overseas core, eventually won the bid at ₹8.60 crore, a figure that surprised many observers.
The price was particularly striking considering the prevailing belief that Inglis would not be available for the full tournament. As a result, questions began to surface over what had changed between PBKS’ release decision and LSG’s aggressive bidding strategy.
LSG’s Explanation: Justin Langer’s Confirmation
The mystery deepened when LSG official Shashwat Goenka provided clarity during a broadcast interaction with Star Sports. Goenka revealed that LSG initially targeted England all-rounder Liam Livingstone, but financial constraints forced a change in plans after Livingstone was sold for ₹13 crore.
According to Goenka, LSG’s decision to pursue Inglis was influenced by direct confirmation from Justin Langer, the franchise’s head coach, regarding the wicketkeeper’s availability.
“We wanted to buy Livingstone, but our purse did not allow it. We received confirmation from Langer that Inglis would be available for the entire season, so we bid for him at the end,” Goenka said.
This statement suggested that Inglis’ availability outlook may have changed significantly after PBKS made their call.
PBKS Fans React: Was the Franchise Misled?
The revelation has triggered strong reactions, particularly among PBKS supporters, who believe the franchise may have released Inglis based on incomplete or outdated information.
Many fans have questioned whether Inglis or his representatives communicated differently with PBKS and LSG, or whether scheduling clarity emerged only closer to the auction.
From PBKS’ perspective, the release decision was aligned with the information available at the time. The franchise had prioritised squad stability and overseas availability, choosing to avoid uncertainty ahead of the auction.
Inglis Yet to Confirm Full Availability
Despite the claims made by LSG officials, Josh Inglis himself has not publicly confirmed that he will be available for the entire IPL 2026 season. His final availability will likely depend on Australia’s international schedule, workload management, and selection considerations.
As of now, the situation remains fluid, and any late changes could impact LSG’s plans significantly, especially given the substantial investment made in the wicketkeeper-batter.
LSG’s Overall Auction Strategy
Beyond Inglis, Lucknow Super Giants made several notable additions at the IPL 2026 auction. The franchise secured experienced overseas bowlers Wanindu Hasaranga and Anrich Nortje for ₹2 crore each, strengthening both their spin and pace departments.
LSG also invested in domestic talent, including young pacer Naman Tiwari and emerging batter Akshat Raghuvanshi, indicating a balanced approach between proven international names and future prospects.
PBKS Keep Things Quiet
Punjab Kings, on the other hand, had a relatively subdued auction day. With their core already settled, the franchise focused on filling specific gaps rather than making headline-grabbing purchases.
PBKS added Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Pravin Dubey, and Vishal Nishad, reinforcing squad depth without significant financial outlay. The management appeared confident in its existing structure, even as questions lingered over the Inglis situation.
Analysis: Did Josh Inglis Deceive PBKS?
At this stage, there is no concrete evidence to suggest deliberate deception. Player availability often evolves due to shifting international calendars, workload assessments, and team requirements. It is possible that clarity emerged only after PBKS had already finalised their auction strategy.
However, the contrast between PBKS’ reasoning for releasing Inglis and LSG’s confidence in his full-season availability highlights the growing importance of transparent communication between players, agents, and franchises.
In high-stakes auctions where crores are on the line, even minor uncertainty can significantly influence decisions.
Josh Inglis’ IPL 2026 auction story underscores how rapidly narratives can change in modern franchise cricket. From being released due to limited availability to becoming an ₹8.60 crore signing for LSG, the Australian wicketkeeper has found himself at the centre of one of the mini-auction’s biggest talking points.
Whether LSG’s gamble pays off will depend largely on Inglis’ actual availability once the season begins.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
The Inglis episode serves as a reminder that IPL auctions are as much about information flow as they are about talent. For franchises, clarity on player availability is becoming just as crucial as on-field ability. If Josh Inglis does play the entire IPL 2026 season, LSG may well be vindicated. If not, questions around communication and planning will only grow louder.