LSG player leaves IPL 2026 midway through the season due to this reason, Josh Inglis joins squad

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have received a massive boost with the arrival of Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis, who has joined the squad ahead of their upcoming IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians on May 4. Inglis is available for immediate selection, providing a fresh option for the team's batting lineup. Conversely, the franchise has dealt a big blow amidst their lacklustre campaign as the franchise has seen the departure of South African batter Matthew Breetzke, who has left the tournament and returned home for personal reasons.

LSG's Matthew Breetzke returns home amidst IPL 2026

Inglis’s arrival comes after a scheduled absence; he had previously notified franchises of his limited availability during the IPL 2026 auction to accommodate his wedding. After being acquired by LSG from Punjab Kings for ₹8.60 crore, he celebrated his marriage on April 18 in Western Australia. During his previous stint with PBKS, Inglis proved to be an impactful player, amassing 278 runs across 11 innings with a robust strike rate of 162.57.

Josh Inglis links up with LSG

The Australian international has already integrated into team training sessions as LSG prepares for a high-stakes encounter against the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. This Monday night game marks the ninth outing for both franchises in what has become a critical bottom-of-the-table battle. Both teams have struggled for consistency this season, managing only two victories apiece thus far.

As Inglis enters the fold, Breetzke’s future with the team remains uncertain. The South African reportedly left the squad prior to the April 26 match against Kolkata Knight Riders following the passing of a close family member. While he has returned to South Africa to be with his family, there is currently no official word on whether he will rejoin the Super Giants for the latter stages of the competition.

Josh Inglis is likely to secure an immediate spot in the Lucknow Super Giants' starting lineup, as the team's core group of overseas batters has struggled to find form this season. Nicholas Pooran has endured a particularly difficult run, averaging just 10.25, while the established opening pair of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh have also seen their numbers dip, averaging 24.12 and 26.50 respectively.

The upcoming week is a critical juncture for LSG as they attempt to revive their campaign with a busy schedule of three matches. Their turnaround effort begins on Monday against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, followed by a home fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday, and a trip to Chennai to face the Super Kings on Sunday.