IPL 2025: 5 LSG players who didn't do well, but can be retained for IPL 2026

Retaining isn't blind loyalty—it's an informed bet on fit, talent, and temperament. In IPL, redemption tales create legends. With the right backing in place, these five players have the potential to turn LSG's disappointing IPL 2025 into IPL 2026's success story.

Though certain stars flopped this year, potential and talent are never in doubt. The following five LSG players saw their returns fall in 2025 but are totally deserving of keeps for IPL 2026.

1. Rishabh Pant

Sold as the most expensive player in history, Pant came back with 269 runs off 14 matches at a strike rate of 133.16 and an average of 24.45, supported by one dazzling 118*. However, that heroics in the last match were not sufficient to hide so many single-digit scores and inconsistency in the majority of the season.

Pant is so much more than his statistics—he's the pulse of a chase, a leader wicketkeeper, and an established match-winner. His woes, compounded by recent off-pitch developments and ongoing fitness issues, were never in the process of vanishing into thin air. With a secure role and mental preparation assistance, Pant's ability can get back to full drive—his century reminded everyone of the problem-solving, game-turning genius he can provide.

2. Abdul Samad

The burly Jammu & Kashmir big-hitter managed 164 runs in 12 innings, striking at 176.34, with the highest score of 45, hence no 50+ knock. While the strike rate showed aggressive intent, his shots lacked consistency, and his arrival was expected to inject late-night fireworks more regularly than he delivered.

Samad's sheer power can't be denied—his strike rate is still elite. Clarity now is all he requires: a clear role lower down the order, shot-making practice, and improved situational awareness. At his age and build, he's an authentic long-term buy who can develop into the kind of finisher opposition teams fear most. LSG bowlers who play in attacking mode are few and far between; one-on-one coaching might unlock Samad's match-winning ability.

3. Ravi Bishnoi

Praised as a leg-spinner match-winner, Bishnoi took only 9 wickets in 11 games, conceding runs at 10.83 rpo, and remained wicketless in almost half his games. His googly, once like Goliath, now often loses bite.

Bishnoi has turned 24 and his leg-spin is still one of India's most thrilling weapons. Leggies thrive with pace, conviction, and conditions. These skills don't vanish in one year. With defined boundaries, captaincy backing, and conditions favoring spin, he can return heavily and make LSG's middle-over effort stronger.

4. David Miller

Miller made 153 runs from 11 innings, averaging 30.60 and not producing the big finishes as required. His cool was absent when momentum was required, and he could not contribute to the team.

Miller's over 3,000 IPL runs and several game-winning knocks are not coincidences. He is the anchor LSG requires—if given patience with his role, he can resume delivering the big knocks. Miller is comfortable with faith; a year of trust can get the veteran finisher credentials back on track.

5. Shardul Thakur

Drafted in the middle of the campaign, Thakur's numbers—13 wickets in 10 matches at a 28.84 average were decent. But the hype didn't work: his dangerous short balls and big-hitting potential didn't quite match up to the hype, leaving fans wanting more during the death overs.

Thakur's ability to take vital wickets, plus his lower-order batting, is real. A recharged role centred on two-over death spells and standby batting duties could refine his delivery and increase his influence.

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