Why did PBKS release Josh Inglis before IPL 2026? How LSG picked up explosive Aussie batter at mini-auction

Accordingly, PBKS released the Aussie wicket-keeper batter before the IPL 2026 mini-auction and altered their strategy for the new campaign.

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How LSG picked up Josh Inglis at IPL 2026 mini-auction

PBKS were surprised to see Inglis' name at the IPL 2026 mini-auction and then they were left fuming when Lucknow Super Giants went into a bidding war for the player and ended up paying a whopping INR 8.60 crore to secure his services.

PBKS were left fuming as Inglis joined LSG ahead of the 19th season and alleged that there was a clear miscommunication on the player's part.

After the auction, PBKS co-owner Ness Wadia had told The Hindu, "Josh unfortunately, sadly, only told us at the last minute, which was not very fair given that he had been with us for a while. I think everyone knew when the retention was coming, and we were informed by him 45 minutes before the deadline that he was getting married and needed time to relax and recuperate. He said he was going to be available only for a couple of weeks, around three games.

"We told him he should have informed us earlier. I don’t think it was very professional of him. I don’t think it is very professional of anyone if they know there is a deadline. You can’t call someone 45 minutes before and say, ‘Hey, I’m not coming,’ especially when he knew that we were retaining him."

In the current campaign, Inglis did actually missed more than half of the season for LSG and only joined the squad earlier this month. He made his LSG debut against MI on May 2 and then featured against CSK as an opener on May 10, where he played a fiery knock of 85 runs.

MORE:Inglis joins LSG ahead of MI clash! Will the ‘Bumrah-slayer’ feature at Wankhede in IPL 2026?

Josh Inglis' record in IPL 2025 and 2026 seasons

Josh Inglis in IPL 2025 (PBKS)

Josh Inglis in IPL 2026 (LSG)

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