Rishabh Pant Really Wanted Him: The IPL 2026 mini auction delivered plenty of drama, but few moments sparked as much discussion as Lucknow Super Giants missing out on Sri Lankan pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana.
Now, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka has lifted the curtain on what really happened, revealing that skipper Rishabh Pant was extremely keen to bring the fiery fast bowler into the franchise.
Despite pushing their bidding strategy to the edge, Lucknow were ultimately forced to step back due to budget constraints—allowing Kolkata Knight Riders to swoop in and sign Pathirana for a massive ₹18 crore.
Pant’s Top Priority at the Auction
According to Goenka, Matheesha Pathirana was not just another name on LSG’s auction list. He was a top priority—personally backed by both captain Rishabh Pant and the team’s leadership group.
Pathirana entered the auction with a base price of ₹2 crore, but it quickly became clear that the Sri Lankan quick would attract a fierce bidding war. Lucknow Super Giants, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata Knight Riders were locked in an intense contest as the price skyrocketed within minutes.
Speaking to broadcaster JioStar, Goenka confirmed how determined LSG were to land the bowler.
“Yes, our captain and vice-captain were both very keen on Matheesha Pathirana, as was I. Pathirana was our priority, and we went up to INR 17.8 crore, which was our absolute limit.”
Budget Wall Ends LSG’s Chase
Goenka admitted that ₹17.8 crore was the maximum LSG could afford without disrupting their broader auction strategy. Once the bidding crossed that figure, the franchise made the tough but calculated decision to pull out.
“We didn’t have the purse to go beyond that,” Goenka explained, making it clear that financial discipline ultimately overruled emotional bidding—even for a player Pant badly wanted.
With LSG stepping away, Kolkata Knight Riders seized the moment, securing Pathirana for ₹18 crore and adding a lethal fast-bowling weapon to their IPL 2026 plans.
Smart Pivot: Nortje Snapped Up at Base Price
Missing out on Pathirana forced Lucknow to recalibrate quickly. However, the franchise found a silver lining when South African speedster Anrich Nortje came up later in the auction.
“When Anrich Nortje came up later, we were pleasantly surprised and delighted to secure him at the base price,” Goenka said.
LSG managed to sign Nortje for just ₹2 crore—an outcome Goenka described as both “considered” and “well thought out.” The move ensured that Lucknow still walked away with an experienced international fast bowler, even after losing out on their primary target.
Hasaranga and Pathirana: LSG’s Core Targets
Goenka also revealed that Pathirana and Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga were central to LSG’s auction blueprint. The franchise had clear objectives heading into the mini auction.
“Our key objectives were to secure one quality international leg-spinner and one reputed international fast bowler. Wanindu Hasaranga was our first-choice leg-spinner, and for fast bowling, it was between Matheesha Pathirana and Anrich Nortje.”
While Pathirana slipped away, LSG successfully secured Hasaranga at his base price, meaning they achieved two out of their three shortlisted targets—something Goenka said left the management “extremely happy” with the overall outcome.
LSG’s IPL 2026 Mini Auction Signings
Despite missing their marquee fast-bowling target, Lucknow Super Giants assembled a balanced and versatile squad at the auction. Their key acquisitions included:
- Josh Inglis – ₹8.6 crore
- Mukul Choudhary – ₹2.6 crore
- Akshat Raghuwanshi – ₹2.2 crore
- Anrich Nortje – ₹2 crore
- Wanindu Hasaranga – ₹2 crore
- Naman Tiwari – ₹1 crore
After a middling IPL 2025 season, LSG are hopeful that this mix of international experience and domestic talent will help them return as strong playoff contenders in IPL 2026.
A Missed Dream, But a Measured Strategy
While Rishabh Pant may have missed out on a bowler he truly wanted, Sanjiv Goenka’s revelations highlight LSG’s commitment to long-term planning over impulsive spending. In a high-stakes auction environment, Lucknow chose restraint over risk—trusting that smart buys like Nortje and Hasaranga can still deliver success.
As IPL 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on whether LSG’s calculated strategy pays off—or if Pathirana’s impact at KKR becomes the move that got away.
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