Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has proposed a strategic blueprint for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the crucial IPL 2026 mini-auction. With the franchise releasing power-hitter David Miller and holding a purse of Rs 22.95 crore to fill six slots, including four overseas positions, Kaif believes England's explosive all-rounder Liam Livingstone could be the ideal replacement to bolster the lower middle order.
Livingstone Tipped as Miller's Direct Replacement
In an exclusive conversation, Kaif pinpointed Liam Livingstone as the prime candidate to fill the finisher's void left by Miller's departure. He emphasized that while Livingstone's recent form has been a concern, his vast experience and high strike rate make him a valuable asset. "One name that comes to mind is Liam Livingstone. He plays the role of a finisher at number five or six. With them releasing Miller, his direct replacement option is Livingstone," Kaif stated.
He further explained that Livingstone's secondary skill of bowling provides additional flexibility to the team composition, which already features overseas batters like Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, and Mitchell Marsh. The move would solidify LSG's batting firepower in the death overs.
Strengthening the Pace and Spin Departments
Kaif also addressed LSG's bowling reinforcements, acknowledging the team's strengthened Indian pace unit with the acquisition of Mohammed Shami and Arjun Tendulkar as backups for the injury-prone Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Mayank Yadav. However, he stressed the need for a quality overseas fast bowler.
"I think they need overseas fast bowlers. There are options in Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi," Kaif suggested. He specifically highlighted that the conditions at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, with its large boundaries and red soil pitch, could be particularly conducive to a bowler like Anrich Nortje, who can generate extreme pace and bounce.
Spin Conundrum Post Bishnoi's Release
The spin department presents another challenge for LSG management. After releasing Ravi Bishnoi, the franchise is left with Digvesh Rathi as the sole wrist-spin option. Kaif believes that with several franchises, including Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, holding hefty purses, LSG might be priced out of a bid to buy Bishnoi back.
This scenario forces a strategic pivot. "Lucknow will focus on the untapped leg and left-arm spinners who can come at a cheap price at the auction," Kaif added. The aim will be to find an economical yet experienced spinner who can partner with Rathi and provide wicket-taking options in the middle overs, a phase where captain Rishabh Pant reportedly values Rathi's contributions highly.
In summary, Mohammad Kaif's analysis outlines a clear auction strategy for Lucknow Super Giants: aggressively pursue Liam Livingstone for the finishing role, secure one of the premier South African pacers for overseas bowling depth, and scout for budget-friendly spin talent to complete a balanced squad for the IPL 2026 season.
